New plans for major development on former north Derbyshire hospital site

Detailed plans for 58 houses at the old Bolsover Hospital, off Welbeck Road, have been submitted to district council planners.

Developers Forge New Homes and New Homes England already have planning permission ‘in principle’ for the 2.65ha site, which has now been bulldozed.

The mix of detached and semi-detached properties, 45 four-bedoom houses and 13 three-bedroom, are described by developers as ‘carefully designed’.

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However, some resident in the area have raised concerns about the latest proposals.

David Wilson said: “We have lived on Beck Close since 1995 and chose the property because it was not directly overlooked by other properties.

"The hospital was a distance away and we now have a wonderful view of established trees.

"The woodland is full of wildlife. Only yesterday an abundance in variety of birds, a squirrel and a wonderful hawk soaring overhead scattering the pigeons.”

He described earlier plans as ‘disappointing but acceptable’.

"The wooded area remained, we would not be overlooked and there was a walking area through the trees,” Mr Wilson added.

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“I will go to any lengths to prevent the completion of the works as it is currently proposed."

Other residents on Beck Close have also objected, saying the latest plans would see new homes built 12m closer to their properties than previously proposed.

"There has been very little consideration given to the current residents along both the Beck Close and Meadowlands borders most who have been resident for 20-plus years,” one resident said in a letter of objection.

The community hospital was built in the mid-1980s and ceased operating in January 2019, when it was transferred to Homes England under the Public Sector Land for Housing Programme.

Following planning consent in May 2019 for up to 70 homes, all the buildings of Bolsover Hospital have now been demolished, leaving a clear site with some-hard standing remaining.

Planning documents put together by Johnson Mowat Planning and Development Consultants describe the plans as an ‘excellent brownfield redevelopment’.

The plans, which can be viewed on Bolsover District Council’s website, add: “A large area of public open space is proposed in the south west of the application site, which will provide a benefit for both proposed and existing residents.”

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