Go-ahead to convert Chesterfield church into flats and car park – and build a replacement church

Former Inkersall Methodist Church at Summerskill Green, is set to be converted into affordable housing and a replacement church.

The former church was demolished in 2018 following structural issues and since then church members have been meeting in a portacabin on the site.

Trustees of Inkersall Methodist Church have been working closely with Osco Homes to draw up a plan for a replacement Church which will be sited alongside nine new dwellings with associated car parking.

The proposed church development includes the construction of a new worship area and community hall with associated facilities including a kitchen, WC’s and meeting room or vestry.

All the terraced houses at the site will be two and a half story buildings with habitable roof spaces. A driveway with two parking spaces will be provided for each house.

In a design and access statement, the developer said: “ The proposed development makes a positive impact in terms of turning a largely vacant piece of land into much needed housing provision.

“The vision behind the development of the new Church is to provide in Inkersall and for Inkersall, an exceptional, state of the art, community resource, which will be a base for a worshipping community.”

Revd Tracey Harris said: “I noted from my research the multiple needs identified in the Chesterfield Borough Council's 'State of the Borough 2020' report. A combined Church and community hub has the potential to help address some of these needs, such as providing low-cost or no-cost activities for families living on low incomes.

“Through this venture the Methodist Church hopes to make a contribution and positive difference to Inkersall.”

There have been no comments against the application submitted, and one public comment supporting the plans.

Resident Gary Jackson said: “I am 100 per cent in favour of this going ahead. It will bring new life into the plot which has been more or less derelict for a number of years since the old church buildings were demolished.

“Living very close to the site it has been subject to some level of anti-social behaviour since demolition and new usage should eliminate this.The development will be small and in keeping with the local surroundings.”