Coalite redevelopment moves a step closer
Plans to redevelop the former Coalite site could soon become a reality now measures to bring it back into use are gathering pace.
The 140 acre site, which lies partly in North East Derbyshire District and partly in Bolsover District, has already been granted planning permission for employment use by Bolsover District Council.
A further application for up to 660 houses, a school and a neighbourhood centre is due to be considered by North East Derbyshire District Council in the coming weeks.
And now Derbyshire County Council has given the project a further boost by agreeing to look at potential funding to help kick start the long-awaited regeneration of the site which has remained derelict since the Coalite coking works closed down more than 12 years ago.
If planning permission is granted for the ambitious plans drawn-up by Bolsover Land Ltd, a joint venture between Marcol and St Francis Group, work will first be needed to clear up a number of contaminants on the land − and we’ve offered to help.
Derbyshire County Council Leader, Councillor Anne Western said:
“The Coalite site has been an eye sore for many years since the plant closed down but it has massive potential to help regenerate the area.
“We’re using our experience and expertise in successfully developing the former colliery site at Markham Vale to support Bolsover District Council, North East Derbyshire District Council and developers Bolsover Land Ltd in their proposals to develop Coalite for jobs and housing.
“We all want to see the site properly cleaned-up and we’re taking bold steps and exploring funding options to help pave the way for redevelopment.”
Councillor Ann Syrett, Leader of Bolsover District Council, said:
“The regeneration of Coalite has been a long-standing priority for the council and the people of Bolsover and we welcome the involvement of the county council to help make this development a reality.”
Councillor Graham Baxter MBE, Leader of North East Derbyshire District Council, added:
“We’ve been working closely with all the partners concerned to make sure the whole of the Coalite site is redeveloped. We’re determined to see high quality jobs and houses on the site and this commitment from the county council to work in partnership with us to clean up the land is a major step in the right direction.”
Derbyshire County Council is due to meet with Bolsover Land Ltd over the coming weeks to discuss funding options.
