Five-bedroom dwelling at 115 Saltergate, Chesterfield

What was proposed

The application sought to convert the commercial property into a five-bedroom home, with internal changes and demolition of part of the rear extension.

“The application proposes the change of use of the property to a 5 bedroom residential dwelling. As part of the conversion the inside of the building would be re-configured, and a single storey part of the northern (rear) elevation would be demolished.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The three-storey property was vacant after a dental practice relocated and lies in a conservation area on the local heritage list.

“The site subject of this application, 115 Saltergate, is a three-storey late Georgian/early Victorian detached property. The front and sides of the main building of property are rendered with a white finish; other walls and the rear offshoot extensions are in red brick. The roof of the main building is a hipped configuration with slate tiles; there are two red brick chimneys with lead flashing.”

“The site is within Chesterfield Town Centre Conservation Area and is on the Council’s Local List of non-designated heritage assets (Local list of heritage assets). The site is also within the setting of listed buildings, specifically 100 Saltergate and the two statues outside it (across Saltergate and eastwards; list entries 1245419, 1088236, 1088235 ), and 123 Saltergate (three doors West up Saltergate, list entry 1088240).”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal was acceptable overall and its housing and heritage benefits outweighed the loss of the community facility.

“With regard to the loss of a community facility the strategic planning officer provided the following comments: “CLP10 states that the loss of an existing community facility should only be permitted where: a) there is an equivalent facility available in the locality or an equally accessible one is made available prior to the commencement of redevelopment to serve the same need; and b) it can be demonstrated through a viability assessment that the current use is…”

“On this basis it is not considered that viability appraisal or marketing evidence is required. Given the availability of Dental services within the Town Centre and likely difficult of finding a similar use for the property, the benefits of new housing and ensuring continuity of use for a locally listed building are considered to outweigh the loss of the community facility.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The highways authority raised no objection subject to parking and access conditions, while drainage services had no objection and two representations were received.

“No objection subject to conditions covering provision of parking and vehicular access. Strategic Planning Comments received regarding loss of community facility, and local listing.”

“Representations 2 representations received – see section 7.0”

Officer report

Objections from neighbours

Objections concerned insufficient parking, congestion, traffic and emissions, overlooking and privacy, and increased noise from residential occupation.

“The application was published by neighbour letter, site notice and advert in the local press. As a result of the notification process two objections were received. A summary of the main points of concerns are set out below; - Highways • The proposed development does not provide sufficient off-street parking to accommodate the expected number of residents and visitors.”

“- Amenity • The proposed development will result in significant overlooking of nearby properties, particularly the bedroom windows of the properties opposite on Saltergate resulting in an unacceptable loss of privacy for neighbouring residents, particularly those with young children, and negatively impact the enjoyment of our homes and gardens.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Development Management and Conservation Manager presented the application, and read out statements from the applicant and agent.

Committee discussion

Members considered the loss of the dentist surgery, the availability of larger town-centre facilities, housing supply, overlooking, noise, parking and amenity.

“The Development Management and Conservation Manager presented the report explaining the application is for the change of use of the property to a 5-bedroom residential dwelling. It was noted that the loss of community facilities applies to this proposal with the loss of a dentist surgery (CLP10). A balanced view had been taken by the officer noting there are larger facilities in the town centre and given the lack of housing supply it was deemed acceptable.”

Minutes

The committee vote

Councillor Caulfield moved, and Councillor Bingham seconded, a motion to uphold the officer recommendation.

“It was moved by Councillor Caulfield and seconded by Councillor Bingham that the officer recommendation be upheld.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was granted subject to the conditions set out in the officer recommendation.

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

Minutes

Conditions of permission

Conditions covered commencement, approved plans, external details, access and parking, biodiversity measures and water efficiency.

“Approved plans and documents 2. The development hereby approved shall only be carried out in full accordance with the approved plans and documents (listed below) with the exception of any approved non material amendment. All external dimensions and elevational treatments shall be as shown on the approved plan/s (listed below). - Proposed site plan, no. 2025-370-08 REV P02, received 16.10.25 - Proposed elevations, no. 2025-370-05 REV P03, received 22.09.25 - Location plan no.”

“Window, door and brick details 3. Details, including samples where necessary, of the proposed new windows, roof lanterns, composite doors, and bricks to be used in the development along with details of the recess; shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority before any work to any external surface is carried out. The development shall thereafter be constructed in accordance with the approved details.”

Officer report