Green light for up to 180 homes on edge of Chesterfield despite 'major concerns'

Developers were given outline planning permission for the site, to the north Of Spindle Drive and east of Deerlands Road, Wingerworth, by North East Derbyshire District Council in 2018.

However, the latest plans for the layout were called in by Councillor Ross Shipman, Liberal Democrat ward member for Tupton, due to concerns he raised over access to the site by service vehicles and the density of the development.

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The council has now given the layout plans the go-ahead and Rippon Homes can begin work at the site with a number of conditions.

Planning documents say the site lies on the eastern edge of Wingerworth, with Hockley Lane to its west and areas of open space to the south, east and north.

Access will be via a road connecting to Spindle Drive and there will be pedestrian links to Hockley Lane.

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The 2018 planning permission allows up to 180 properties, with up to 40 per cent being affordable homes under a section 106 legal obligation on the part of the developers..

A planning report considered by planning chiefs says: “The application has been called in to the committee by the ward member, Councillor Shipman.

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"The request was made prior to the submission of the amended plans with Coun Shipman asking for a committee decision as he has major concerns over the layout of the roads which he considers pose accessibility issues for service vehicles to the properties and the density in which the properties are located are not in keeping with what is expected

for this part of Wingerworth.”

However, Derbyshire County Council’s highways officers found the layout to be ‘generally acceptable’ and called for only minor changes to allow access for large refuse vehicles.

A county council landscape architect said the latest, amended plans addressed many of the previous landscape concerns.

“There have been improvements made to the original layout with rationalised frontage parking, improved vistas and a better general street scene,” the architect added.

"The main footpaths have been separated from private drives and these will provide a greener experience within the development.

“A sizable increase in tree planting has been included.”

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.