40 town-centre apartments at 2 - 8 High Street, Chesterfield

“The application relates to the vacant former Marks and Spencer store which fronts both Knifesmithgate and the Market Square on High Street. The whole building has substantially different architectural approaches to either elevation of the building. This large town centre premises has been vacant for a considerable period of time.”

“The site is within the Town Centre Conservation Area with a number of listed buildings in close proximity to the site within the market square. The existing retail uses fronting the Market Square on the lower ground floor of the building have recently been reduced in size and are now partially occupied.”

“However, the development as currently shown would not maintain an active frontage onto Knifesmithgate. In considering this negative of the scheme it should be noted that at present the Council cannot demonstrate a supply of deliverable housing sites when measured against the new housing targets. The Local Plan policies ‘most relevant’ to this application are CLP1, CLP2, CLP8 and SS1 and these are considered to remain relevant and up to date policies for consideration.”

“In this location affordable housing requirements would be expected at 10%. However, the site relates to the conversion of an existing vacant building, in such cases national policy provides an incentive for brownfield development on sites containing vacant buildings.”

“The alterations to the Market Square facing parts of the building are considered to be minimal and acceptable alterations to the building. To the Knifesmithgate elevation the works will alter the brutalist style of the architecture diluting its original quality. However, this has to be balanced against the re-use and repair of the building which will result in some enhancement and that the enlarged openings enable more light to the interior.”

“Ideally substantial areas of external amenity space should be provided for the use of future residents. In this case an internal courtyard is proposed which is part communal and includes small private terraces measuring in the region of 340sqm. This does not meet the required extent for amenity space of 25 sqm per apartment for 40 units.”

“I wish to express my concerns about the 43 apartments proposed for the upper floors. I have no objection in principal but many of the apartments would appear to be very compact, There are some apartments adjacent to the main lift shafts for the retail units which may produce noise/ vibrations. I am concerned about the inner open courtyard which will provide the only daylight to the inner apartments.”

“From CPRE Derbyshire. CPRE Derbyshire, the Countryside Charity, promote a ‘Brownfield First’ approach to developments. Urban regeneration is essential in order to secure a vibrant future for our towns and cities and to protect the countryside from unnecessary development. Town centres provide a special opportunity to re-use existing buildings for homes and to make use of existing infrastructure.”

“The Principal Planner presented the report explaining the application relates to the vacant former Marks and Spencer store which fronts both Knifesmithgate and the Market Square on High Street. Planning permission is sought to convert the upper floors of the building (from ground floor viewed from Knifesmithgate) into 40 apartments.”

“The Committee considered the report noting the space standards had been met and the communal areas on balance would be providing housing in the Town Centre and bringing an empty building back into use. The application site would be within a sustainable location and would have bus links and a train station. It was moved by Councillor Stone and seconded by Councillor Yates that the officer recommendation be upheld.”

“That the officer recommendation be upheld, and the application be GRANTED, subject to the conditions outlined in the officer’s report.”