Development

Greatest Hits Radio goes live in Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, with applications now open for ‘Back to Work’

Peak FM has been rebranded as Greatest Hits North Derbyshire, part of the largest commercial radio network in the UK.

The station has also launched local content campaigns today, celebrating the voices and music of North Derbyshire and promoting local job opportunities.

Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire. will bring feature upbeat classic hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s and will be delivered by well-known broadcasters including Simon Mayo, Mark Goodier, Janice Long, Paul Gambaccini and Pat Sharp.

News bulletins will carry locally gathered stories, local traffic bulletins and local information to reflect the interests of Chesterfield and North Derbyshire. For local advertisers, the move will provide significant scale and a broader range of advertising opportunities. 

Applications have also opened for Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire’s ‘Back to Work’ campaign, providing free advertising of local job opportunities to North Derbyshire’s employers and job-seekers.   

Local employers are encouraged to submit vacancies for inclusion, allowing them to reach a wide audience of local job-seekers free of charge.  Job vacancy bulletins will be broadcast four times a day to local audiences and will be promoted on the Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire website.  

 Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire will kick off with a Top 500 countdown of the country’s most popular songs, ahead of new local content programmes to run over the autumn:  

  • ‘Cities of Sound’ – A weekly documentary series celebrating the musical heritage of towns, cities and regions across the UK, including North Derbyshire

The station has been launched alongside a major marketing campaign across TV, print media, radio and digital and social platforms. Central to the campaign is the idea of ‘music bringing good times’ to our lives. It will feature some of Greatest Hits Radio’s favourite artists, including David Bowie, Tina Turner, Madonna, Queen and Bob Marley. 

Graham Bryce, Group Managing Director, Hits Radio Brand Network, comments, “We are excited about the role for Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire in giving local communities and listeners in North Derbyshire the music, content and local connections we know they value highly, as well as a platform for a future of digital listening.  We are committed to retaining our local relationships and look forward to engaging closely with local listeners and businesses as we launch our airtime initiative.”

Chesterfield council houses homes building Brampton

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Visiting

Local MP praises innovative Derbyshire manufacturer

Bolsover MP Mark Fletcher has praised a Chesterfield manufacturer for its resilience and hard work amidst the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit.

Mr Fletcher, who is campaigning to bring more jobs to Bolsover, made his comments while visiting Blachford UK, which designs and manufacturers acoustic insulation products for industrial vehicles.

Since resuming production post lockdown, the company has created more than 20 brand new full-time roles at its Holmewood site thanks to a booming order book.

Commenting on the visit to the company, Mr Fletcher said: “It was fantastic to visit such an innovative and brilliant manufacturer based in the heart of Bolsover and a real pleasure to meet so many of their team and to understand how passionate they are about their work. Blachford pride themselves on the quality of their products which makes them global leaders in their industry. To have them here is a source of pride to our communities and our constituency.”

Jason Lippitt, Managing Director of Blachford UK, commented: “I am delighted that Mr Fletcher was able to find time in his busy schedule to visit us. We were really keen to show him first-hand that it is not all doom and gloom in the UK right now. There are challenges, but I believe we should face these head on and with positivity. Our parent company fully supports us and sees its UK arm as being central to delivering solutions across Europe.”

Blachford UK is part of the global Blachford group, benefitting from an extensive supply chain and distribution options. Formerly TMAT, Blachford Acoustics Group acquired the Holmewood-based business in 2014 from former owner and current Managing Director Jason Lippitt.

The acquisition of the business enabled Blachford to provide common, coordinated solutions in both North America and Europe. The business was rebranded to Blachford UK in 2017.

Serving Bolsover since 2019, Conservative MP Mr Fletcher is for unlocking the untapped economic potential of Britain, particularly in the Midlands and the North; a desire Mr Lippitt also shares.

Jason added: “We have a strong business here in Derbyshire. Our expertise and products are world-leading and in demand. There are many other companies like Blachford who are doing well, however we just hear the disaster stories right now. We need to move forward, celebrate success and send the message to Europe and the world that Britain’s manufacturing sector is in business and doing well and will continue to do well regardless of Brexit or the pandemic.”

Since July 2020, the company has increased its workforce by 20 per cent. People interested in working at Blachford, should email recruitment@blachforduk.com

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield

Growth for Chesterfield e-commerce firm leads to doubling warehouse space

A growing Chesterfield e-commerce firm is more than doubling its warehouse operation to 102,000 sq ft in an expansion move to a prime industrial site at Markham Vale.

Xbite, which ships products around the globe, has taken a multi year lease on a warehouse at Markham Vale J29a M1, as part of ambitious expansion plans for the growing company which was set up in a back bedroom 16 years ago.

Xbite was started at home in 2004 by Nick and Keely Whitehead retailing video games online. In 2012, it built its own premises in Barlborough and reached a £23m turnover.

The firm, which currently has a £42m turnover, will move immediately to the 102,000 sq ft warehouse, reconfiguring its current 45,000 sq ft base at Barlborough into an office for its 130 employees.

Xbite has taken on 24 staff in the last three months, and expects to recruit another 50 staff by Christmas and expand its executive team. It operates brands including 365 Games, Roov.co.uk, Maison & White, Pukkr and Shop4.

Nick Whitehead, Managing Director at Xbite, said: “We have outgrown our much loved 45,000 sq ft unit at Barlborough and needed a warehouse that had the space and setup required to deliver our current and future objectives.”

“Markham Vale will enable us to deliver a better work environment for all our warehouse operatives, not only will we have the space needed to deliver better performance, there is enough space to ensure that social distancing is easier for everyone to adhere to, which we expect to be around for a while yet.”

“The increase in online shopping plus our diversification from computer games and DVDs into home and gardenware has seen unprecedented growth for us. Our homeware website Roov.co.uk is where our future growth will come from, enabling this expansion of premises and creating jobs.”

Rebecca Schofield, Head of the Yorkshire industrial team at Knight Frank and sole agent on Markham Vale, said: “This warehouse is ideal for a business that needs to hold and move products quickly across the country as its location at Junction 29a of the M1 allows easily access to South Yorkshire, the East Midlands with direct connectivity to the M1, and subsequently the M18, A38 and further afield.”

Markham Vale has proved a huge success with existing occupiers including Great Bear, Smurfitt Kappa, Ferdinand Bilstein, Gist, Meter Provida and Holdsworth Food.

For further information on Markham Vale click here.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home

‘Chesterfield in Lockdown’ exhibition looking for contributions

Chesterfield Museum is currently working with a number of local organisations in order to put together an exhibition that conveys different experiences of ‘Chesterfield in Lockdown’.

The Museum team are appealing to the local community to get in touch with stories, memories, images and items that express their experiences during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers hope that by working with local people, community groups and organisations, residents can come together to share memories of lockdown and isolation.

They are also keen to include the stories of key workers who have kept Chesterfield and the UK going during this unprecedented crisis.

There are three main areas of the upcoming exhibition which the team are seeking submissions for:

Photographs

  • Images that you’ve taken on your mobile or with your camera during this time or anything that you feel is an image of ‘Lockdown in Chesterfield’ (signs, queues, empty parks or streets)
  • Images of what has helped you cope with Lockdown (nature, your garden, cooking, reading, screenshots of chats with friends and family online).

Items & Keepsakes

  • Artworks, pictures, paintings, models, textiles – any projects that you’ve embraced and focused on. For example, all the rainbows created.
  • Items and objects that will always remind you of this time / period such as home-made mask, walking shoes, toilet roll, bottle of hand gel

Stories and Thoughts

  • Your thoughts about the past six months and ‘Lockdown’ expressed through diary extracts, blogs, poems, letters, emails.
  • Anecdotes & little stories of some of the things you’ve experienced.

If you would like to contribute to this exhibition please contact the Museum Collections Team via museum.collections@chesterfield.gov.uk or rachel.fannen@chesterfield.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Chesterfield Food and Drink Awards, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer, Visiting

Further statues added to the Markham Colliery miners memorial

Fifteen new statues have been have been added to the ‘Walking Together’ mining memorial at the Markham Vale Business Park to commemorate miners who tragically lost their lives in 3 disasters at Markham Colliery.

The business park was developed by Derbyshire County Council and HBD on the site of the former colliery and the memorial acts as a permanent reminder of the site’s strong mining heritage.

Each statue symbolises a miner’s journey to the pit and represents the men who lost their lives in the 3 accidents in 1937, 1938 and 1973.

The new statues takes the total of life-sized steel figures to 77 and Derbyshire County Council continue to work alongside partners to fundraise for all 106 miners to be commemorated.

Councillor Barry Lewis Derbyshire County Council Leader, said: “Although the landscape looks very different, Markham Vale is a hive of industry and employment today just as it was back when the pit stood there and, it’s important we don’t forget the area’s roots.”

He added: “As we enter the final stages towards completing the memorial project, I’d like to thank all the sponsors for their contributions so far, including Viridor Credits Environmental Company for funding the most recent group of figures through the Landfill Communities Fund.”

These most recent additions have been dedicated to:

  • Charles Bown, 27, contractor
  • George Clarence Briggs, 52, deputy
  • Joseph William Brocklehurst, 58, deputy
  • George Cyril Foulds Buckley, 40, contractor
  • John William Watson Commons, 33, contractor
  • George Eyre, 60, gearhead attendant
  • Clifford Brooks, 58, deputy
  • Joe Hardy, 37, Contractor
  • Clarence Hill, 29, belt-hand
  • Fred Reddish, 53, development worker
  • Harry Hudson, 26, gate-end
  • Benjamin Wallace, 29, road layer
  • George Henry Jackson, 43, contractor
  • William Edward Whelpton, 32, rope greaser
  • Michael Kilroy, 53, development worker

Due to the coronavirus pandemic it was not possible to hold a physical event to unveil the latest statues. Instead a short film has been produced as a virtual commemoration.

Find out more information about the colliery and the miners who lost their lives on The Story Mine website.

unearth

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Home, Leisure

Local man to run length of Chesterfield canal and back in 24 hours

On 29 August, local runner David Smith intends to run 92 miles in under 24 hours to raise money for the Chesterfield Canal Trust.

The canal runs for 46 miles from Chesterfield to the River Trent and he will run there and back in a day, the equivalent of 3 and a half marathons.

David is a Life Member of the Trust and will be raising money for its 2027 Appeal Fund. This aims to complete the restoration of the canal by 2027 which will be the 250th Anniversary of its opening.

He will set off from Chesterfield in the afternoon of Saturday 29th August. Having run through the night, he will be aiming to get back early on the Sunday afternoon.

David is no stranger to long distance running, nor to raising money for good causes.

Already a keen runner, when he moved to Chesterfield in 1994 he began looking for running routes and it wasn’t long before he came across the canal. Back then it was just a grassy track, but over the years he has seen what a great job the Trust has done helping to restore the canal.

After a while, various family events led him into fundraising and he started running to raise money for a variety of causes, most notably Ashgate Hospicecare and the MS Society; David’s wife has MS. In 2014, David’s grandson was stillborn and this pushed him to a new level, raising money for two babies’ charities – SANDS and Tommy’s.

David often runs in fancy dress carrying a collection bucket (see below) and has competed in events from 5K to 400K, raising over £100,000 in the process. Weather permitting, he will run in full Scooby Doo attire.

during the coronavirus pandemic. David carried on running in his back garden and later round Derbyshire but not raising much money. He had always wanted to tackle the Cuckoo Way – the official name for the canal towpath.

David said: “Over the weeks of lockdown the Canal has become a vital resource allowing walkers and cyclists to experience its beauty as they exercise. It’s important we ensure the brilliant efforts of the Trust volunteers are allowed to continue so the canal can be fully restored for even more people to enjoy.”

Rod Auton, Chesterfield Canal Trust Publicity Officer, said: “We were blown away when David got in touch with this incredible proposal. A few people have walked the full length of the canal in about 16 hours, but to run it there and back in a day is mind-boggling.”

He added: “We hope that the public will get behind David and contribute to our 2027 Appeal. It would be fantastic to see boats sailing into Chesterfield having come all the way from the river Trent. We’d certainly like to see David on the first boat – hopefully it will have been an easier, but slower, passage!”

If you would like to support David or the Canal Trust, you can visit the Chesterfield Canal Trust website or visit David’s Crowdfunder page. Alternatively, you can send a cheque to the Chesterfield Canal Trust, Hollingwood Hub, 22 Works Road, Chesterfield, S43 2PF.

Chesterfield Canal Trust supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Summer

Work progresses on site of Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre

The erection of the structural steelwork frame for Chesterfield’s Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre marks a major milestone in the development’s progress.

Work on the site has been progressing safely through the Coronavirus pandemic with work on the foundations beginning in April and now the steelwork is being erected, which means that the new Enterprise Centre is on track to be completed and will be a key contributor to the town’s economic recovery.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, who visited the site said: “This is both an exciting and an important development for Chesterfield, and I’m pleased that work is continuing to progress despite the current challenges.”

“This Enterprise Centre is key to ensuring that Chesterfield remains a thriving borough and will create lots of new opportunities for local businesses and people, supporting the sustainability of the town centre.”

The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is an important development in Chesterfield’s post-Coronavirus economic recovery plans. It is also a key part of the plan to regenerate this key area of the town and to ensure the town continues to thrive.

Robert Woodhead Limited’s Project Manager, Daniel Cove, said: “Our current works on site centre around the installation of the steel frame and are expected to be completed within the next two weeks. This will then allow us to bring back the ground workers, install the lift pit, the underground tanking and the perimeter blockwork to allow for the installation of the ground floor slab. We are also expecting to receive delivery of the pre-cast concrete stair and the composite metal decking at the end of August to allow for the installation of the roof and expect to be watertight by mid-October.

“We are working with local companies on this project, the ground worker we have contracted for the works is DJ Newbury who employ a number of Chesterfield residents. Going forward we hope to engage with local supply chains for a number of trades including dry lining, flooring and painting and decorating.”

Andrew Dabbs, Board Director at Whittam Cox Architects, said: “As a local practice we are delighted to see progress being made on site.”

“The Enterprise Centre is an important part of the Northern Gateway regeneration in Chesterfield, providing a new and unique commercial offer which is designed to be a catalyst for further investment and development.”

As well as providing high quality facilities for businesses wanting to locate in the town centre, the architecture will provide a new contemporary landmark which will enrich the urban fabric of the town. This building is further evidence that Chesterfield can deliver its ambition and realise a building fit for a long and sustainable future.

Scheduled for completion in Spring 2021, the new building will provide 32 high-quality offices in a range of sizes (26 to 120 square metres) over three floors. It offers a shared reception and lobby area, meeting rooms, first floor break out area, bicycle store, shower and changing facilities, air conditioning throughout, lift access, internal bin store, kitchenettes on each floor for use by occupants, individually metered power supplies, access control to all office doors, CCTV coverage to internal communal areas and external area. IT fibre connection into building with maximum speed multi bandwidth and WIFI is provided throughout.

Office space is offered on easy in and out letting terms and tenants at the Enterprise Centre will also benefit from access to a range of other council services and venues, including business support and corporate rates for leisure passes, parking permits and conferencing facilities.

With its town centre location, the Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre is easily accessible by car, train, bus and cycle users. It’s situated opposite the new Saltergate multi-story car park and close to all major bus routes and Chesterfield Train station.

The building has been designed to have sustainability principles at its heart, minimising its impact on the environment and achieving considerable efficiencies in energy use.

The new centre is an important addition to Chesterfield Borough Council’s commercial property portfolio and will hopefully be a key component in Chesterfield’s post COVID 19 recovery.

The Northern Gateway Enterprise Centre project has benefited from grant funding support from the Sheffield City Region Investment Fund.

To find out more about your business being based in the Enterprise Centre email either claire.cunningham@chesterfield.gov.uk or hannah.ramsdale@chesterfield.gov.uk.

To find out more about the Northern Gateway development, click here.

Architects for the centre, Whittam Cox have produced a virtual walkthrough of the building which you can watch below:

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Made in Chesterfield, Summer

Small businesses hit by the pandemic to access support from University of Derby Business School

The University of Derby Business School is working with the Small Business Charter to deliver a specialised government funded programme for leaders of small businesses to survive and thrive in the coming months.

This new scheme comes as part of a £20million package the government is providing to help small businesses in the long term.

To aid business resilience and future growth in the current climate, the Small Business Leadership Programme will create peer groups to develop stronger leadership, innovation, operational efficiency, marketing and finance.

Derby Business School was accredited by the Small Business Charter (SBC) in January 2020, a national accreditation awarded by small businesses to business schools who excel in supporting SMEs and the local economy.

Coronavirus has put untold pressure on directors and CEOs of small companies trying to navigate unchartered waters.

The government has made up to £30 billion available to support economic recovery ahead of the Autumn and businesses can continue to draw upon a range of financial support during this challenging time, including loans, tax deferrals and cash grants. The SBLP will help businesses to bounce back from the impact of coronavirus and prepare for any future disruption.

Speaking about the Small Business Leadership Programme, Professor Kamil Omoteso, Pro Vice-Chancellor  Dean of the College of Business, Law and Social Sciences at the University of Derby, said: “I am delighted that the University of Derby is working with the Small Business Leadership Programme to aid economic recovery and support small businesses affected by Covid-19.

“Across the region we have a high number of sectors affected by the pandemic and we are working closely with the city and the county to tackle its impact. Our aim is to support the re-skilling of people post-Covid, help businesses access our large talent pool of students and graduates, and share our expertise and funding to take the knowledge created within the University and embed it in businesses, partnerships and other organisations to help them innovate and grow.”

The practical syllabus provides business leaders with access to small business and management experts from Derby Business School. The Small Business Leadership Programme is free and fully funded by the Government to enhance small business resilience and recovery from the impact of COVID-19 and develop potential for future growth and productivity.

The short and focused programme will be delivered online through a structured course of eight 90-minute webinars over the course of 10 weeks and will provide the knowledge needed for businesses to tackle crisis situations. It will also give businesses the opportunity to strengthen their business network.  Participants will develop strategic leadership skills and the confidence to make informed decisions to boost business performance.

Anne Kiem OBE, CEO of the Chartered Association of Business Schools and Executive Director of the Small Business Charter, said: “As we continue to grapple with the Coronavirus crisis it is also essential we look long term to ensure small businesses are supported to build resilience, survival and growth. Business schools can provide the expertise and knowledge all business owners and directors need to continue to thrive in uncertain times.”

Small Business Minister, Paul Scully, said: “The strength of small businesses up and down the country will be vital as we begin to bounce back from coronavirus and re-build our economy. The Small Business Leadership Programme will help to equip small business leaders with the leadership and problem-solving skills they need to grow their firms in the wake of this pandemic.”

Find out more about the Small Business Leadership Programme and how to apply here.

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Click here to find out more about the University of Derby’s Chesterfield Campus

St Helena’s in Chesterfield

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Featured, Home

Government funds projects across D2N2 region to deliver homes, infrastructure, and jobs

Tens of thousands of new homes and other vital infrastructure projects were given the green light with nearly £1.3 billion of investment confirmed today (4 August 2020) by Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick.  These plans include a centre of excellence for modern construction techniques and digital technology in Chesterfield.

The new Digital learning centre in the existing Chesterfield College facilities will look to target provision of modern construction techniques like Augmented/Virtual reality as well as Building Information Modelling.

The centre will provide new space for a centre of excellence and will deliver new learners to Chesterfield and the surrounding areas with higher level skills to aid regional construction and manufacturing businesses.

The move is part of the government’s comprehensive plan to deliver upgrades to local infrastructure and boost skills to help fuel a green economic recovery.

Over 300 successful projects in England are being told they will receive a share of the £900 million Getting Building Fund, which was announced by the Prime Minister in June, to invest in shovel-ready housing and infrastructure projects, creating jobs and supporting economic recovery across the country.

As part of that announcement, £44.4million was awarded for projects within the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire.

The investment is expected to deliver up to 45,000 homes, create up to 85,000 jobs and reduce around 65 million kgs of CO2 emissions across England.

In D2N2, the funded projects are expected to deliver wide-ranging support and diversification of the local economy and will assist nationally important industries including manufacturing and aerospace.

Amongst the portfolio of funded projects, there is also a strong focus on research and development in modern construction techniques, food manufacturing, electrification of flight and low-carbon technologies.

There is a key focus on job opportunities, including in the health sector where there is strong demand.
Sustainability runs through the programme along with encouraging diversification of the town and city offer; unlocking housing and associated infrastructure to support them as thriving centres.

Projects receiving funding within D2N2 include:

  • A centre of excellence for modern construction techniques and digital technology in Chesterfield
  • A spine road to unlock further phases of development at Berry Hill in Mansfield and includes community facilities
  • The new Bridge Court Health Education campus in Worksop which will provide further education opportunities in the health and digital sectors
  • The UK Electrification of Aerospace Propulsion Facility at the University of Nottingham
  • A Digital Turbine Centre in Worksop which will establish  5G Hub and act as a catalyst for skills and innovation development
  • The Manufacturing Research Centre based on Infinity Park in Derby
  • Key infrastructure developments designed to unlock the development of the former Drakelow power station in South Derbyshire
  • Smartparc, a food innovation park built on a 140-acre brownfield site near Derby
  • The renovation and repurposing of municipal buildings in Glossop, turning them into incubation units for business start-ups
  • Further investment into the Southside project in Nottingham to remove blight through the demolition of a derelict shopping centre.

All project funding is subject to the delivery of a full business case which will be considered by the D2N2 Investment and main Boards.

Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said: “As we get Britain building we are also laying the foundations for a green economic recovery by investing in vital infrastructure for local communities, creating jobs and building environmentally-friendly homes with a huge £1.3 billion investment announced today.”

“This government is determined to level up all parts of the country and this funding will not only give a much-needed boost to our economic recovery, it will help build the good quality, affordable homes the country needs.”

David Williams, Interim chair of D2N2 said: “We very much welcome the announcement by the government. This will provide a major stimulus for our communities across the region.

“We believe the size of the allocation demonstrates a belief in what the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership can deliver and a testament to the collaborative working between the LEP and its partners.

“As we reshape our Local Industrial Strategy to reflect the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic it’s essential we remain flexible to support our communities, that we adapt to new opportunities, and build an economy that it is more resilient in the long term.”

“We will continue to work with the government on future funding for investments to support our ambitions for the region.”

Meet the buyer

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home

Delivering new and modernised quality homes in Staveley

Chesterfield Borough Council is investing £7.1m to undertake significant modernisation programmes to homes in Staveley as part of its continued commitment to deliver excellent quality homes that meet the needs of the local people.

As part of the modernisation programmes, homes at Pullman Close, Mallard Court, Leander Court and Aston Court in Staveley will benefit from extensive internal and external improvements.

Homes at Pullman Close will benefit from having new doors and windows installed that will help create a fresh and modernised look, as well as providing tenants with more secure homes and additional environmental benefits.

The refurbishment plans for Mallard Court and Leander Court will allow the council to provide affordable, modern and attractive housing for older people in Staveley. Each home will benefit from a newly renovated kitchen and lounge area. Each bathroom will be converted into a wet room with a level access shower. The communal areas and outdoor spaces will also be restored, creating brighter open spaces for residents to get together, socialise and combat loneliness.

Proposed refurbishment at Aston Court will see high quality homes delivered for people in the areas and also includes plans to build an additional four new town houses, increasing the supply of council homes in Staveley.

The council’s main contractor, Fortem Solutions Ltd. started on site at Pullman Close in mid-June 2020 and are making good progress.

The designs for Mallard Court and Leander Court are almost complete and Fortem Solutions Ltd. are expected to start the modernisation programme in early Autumn 2020. The council is also currently in consultation with residents to ensure the individual needs of each resident can be met and permanent or temporary moves can be provided while the works are completed.

Councillor Chris Ludlow, cabinet member for housing, said: “The council is committed to improving the quality of life for local people and we can help achieve this by investing in our housing stock to ensure that we maintain a supply of affordable, modern and attractive homes for every stage of life.

“A key part of our housing strategy is to make sure that our homes are of excellent quality and create a modern and desirable environment. This project will help us ensure that homes in Staveley meet the expectations of our residents with regard to accessibility, affordable warmth and security.

“We are really looking forward to seeing the modernisation works progress at Staveley as we aim to improve the local housing offer in the area and create an attractive place for people to choose to live, regardless of their age or housing needs.”

Pullman Close

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

New local plan adopted by Chesterfield Borough Council

At its meeting on 15 July 2020, Chesterfield Borough Council formally adopted the Chesterfield Borough Local Plan for the period through 2035.

The Local Plan addresses identified development needs and maps out future housing, industrial, commercial and leisure land allocations within Chesterfield borough.

Councillor Terry Gilby, cabinet member for economic growth who has overseen the development of the Local Plan, said: “The Local Plan is a very important document that sets the framework for how the council and its stakeholders would wish to see development take place in Chesterfield borough over the next 15 years.

“It is critical guide for our conversations with potential developers and investors and informs the decision-making process in respect of all planning applications.

“My only disappointment is that the Planning Inspector has asked us to ease our requirements with regard the pioneering percentage for art scheme that I championed in 1992, however we will continue to encourage developers to commit to the scheme.”

The Local Plan identifies a need for at least 240 new homes to be built each year through 2035. New developments of more than 10 properties will be required to ensure a percentage of the housing on offer is affordable. There is also a requirement for more accessible housing in order to help meet the diverse needs of our community including older people and people with disabilities.

The Local Plan will be used by the council’s Planning Committee when determining planning applications for new developments and will require councilors to consider the importance of green spaces, traffic impact, sustainability measures and other local infrastructure requirements.

The retail focus will remain Chesterfield Town Centre but the Local Plan also seeks to concentrate new development within walking or cycling distance of district shopping centres such as Staveley, Hasland and Whittington Moor. Fifty hectares of land has also been allocated for new commercial and industrial developments to grow job numbers and help strengthen the local economy.

A public examination into the Local Plan was held between October and November last year to provide an opportunity for supporters and objectors to make their case before independent Government inspectors

Following this, the council undertook further consultation on a number of proposed modifications to the Local Plan to address issues raised at the public examination, many by the inspectors themselves.

The inspector’s final report was received in May 2020. This recommended that all the proposed modifications be adopted and incorporated within the final version of the Local Plan.

It is a requirement that the Local Plan is re-evaluated every five years and the council will next update the plan in 2025.

More information on the Chesterfield Borough Local Plan can be found at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy-and-the-local-plan

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Development, Home