Bid to turn Staveley pub site into bedsits thrown out over parking concerns

Developers already have conditional planning permission to convert the vacant Victoria Hotel into nine flats over the ground, first and second floors.

But Kat Homes wanted to vary the conditions of the application so they could also provide a five-bedroom house in ‘multiple occupation’.

Chesterfield Borough Council has refused the plans, with planning officers saying they would ‘add to the demand on limited parking facilities compared with the agreed use’ and ‘add generally to the highway congestion and issues in the local vicinity’.

"As a result of the inadequate on-site parking facilities the proposal is likely to result in the parking of vehicles on the pavement to the A619 Lowgates frontage to the detriment of highway safety,” officers said in their report.

MORE: Plans for new homes, shops and health and leisure facilities given green light near Chesterfield despite traffic concerns

Dozens of residents joined Staveley Town Council in objecting to the latest proposal because of concerns about parking and congestion on the A619 through Staveley.

Vicky Windle said residents in the area were already concerned about parking issues and ‘this would only add to that’.

Fellow resident Jacqueline Keeton said: “I strongly object due to parking, overcrowding, noise, pollution and breach of privacy.”

Staveley Town Council also pointed to potential crime and disorder issues resulting from the proposals.

"Parking is already an issue in this area and this proposal will potentially add significantly to the problem,” the town council said.

"There is no off street parking and the impact on neighbouring Wateringbury Grove is likely to be increased demand and pressure for parking places.

"This will also potentially mean that emergency service vehicles struggle to gain access.”

Derbyshire police spokesperson Keith Beswick also raised concerns about the multiple occupancy plans.

"In my experience the further tenancy moves away from owner occupiers and market housing towards a more transient occupation, the more likelihood there is of social disorder and, in the extreme, crime-related problems,” he said.

Members of the Lowgates Residents’ Association welcomed the news.

“Many thanks to all the councillors that voted for us today, it's great to see democracy in action!” they posted on Facebook.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.