70-unit aparthotel at Wilko, 1A Vicar Lane, Chesterfield

“Planning permission is sought for the change of use and extension of the existing former Wilko store to be a 70 unit apart hotel under class C1 along with Class E units. The extension largely consists of a two storey addition to the roof of the premises. As part of the scheme there are also changes proposed to the existing elevations of the building including new window openings, shop front and eaves detail to the historic façade on South Street.”

“This includes: 2 no retail units, gym, business centre, entrance to the aparthotel, substation, refuse room and new stairwell structure and externally 14 cycle parking spaces are provided within the service yard area.”

“Street and the rear of the building visible from Beetwell Street. The building has been vacant for some time and is a considerable sized unit within the town centre. There is a service yard to the rear of the primary part of the building which is accessed from Beetwell Street and is not owned by the applicant. To the south of the site is the adjacent commercial premises of 16 to 18 South Street.”

“The application site is within the primary shopping centre of the town and largely within the Conservation Area only the service yard being outside of the Conservation Area. There are some glimpses of the Grade I listed St Marys Church from various vantage points which include this building. Adjacent buildings at 5 and 7 South Street and The Spread Eagle Pub and 9 to 15 Beetwell Street are also listed, No. 9 being Grade II*.”

“The planning history going back to 1986 relates to the premises as the Wilko store including applications relating to signage and shop front changes.”

“The proposal includes a substantial two storey extension to the building which will have some impacts upon the street scene, the setting of heritage assets and will, to some extent, be dominating and have an enclosing impact to South Street in particular.”

“It is therefore recommended that the application be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:”

“Derbyshire Wildlife Trust No objection subject to conditions. Highway Authority No objection see comments in report CBC Climate change officer Comment made see report Cycle Chesterfield Comments made see report CBC Waste Comments made see report Derbyshire Fire and Rescue No objection see comments in report CBC Environmental Health Requested noise mitigation by condition CBC Economic Growth Request standard condition on local employment and supply chain Lead Local Flood…”

“We note that other representations made (by Savills on behalf of Sheet Anchor Evolve Ventures Limited, owners of Vicar Lane Shopping Centre) have also raised the potential for noise impact needing to be considered also with the introduction of residential accommodation. We would agree with this as a matter to address and to do so within the context of national planning policy agent of change concept (paragraph 200 of the Framework).”

“PTA-A-GA-1012 Revision 2 South Street Elevation and most prominently PTA-A-GA-1013 Revision 2 Beetwell Elevation. The latter plan indicates the significant increase in height in comparison to the existing property at 16 - 18 South Street. Further to this, the existing historic houses on the opposite side of the 3no. three storey Georgian- esq terraces in the south of the site are 2- storeys in height and the separation distance between them are c. 7.5 metres.”

“The Committee considered the report and its recommendations. Members were made aware that following the drafting of the committee report further negotiation with the applicant’s agent had been undertaken which resulted in a reworded Condition removing the noted 6-month period was now amended and left without a specific time restriction.”

“Members raised some concerns given the size of the units of accommodation about removing the constraint of a maximum 6 months continual occupation period. The majority of Councillors agreed with the Officer recommendation and felt on balance that it would be acceptable with the amended condition number 9 (as detailed above).”

“That the officer recommendation be upheld, and the application be GRANTED subject to the amendment to condition 9 and the conditions outlined in the officer’s report.”