Petition launched to save 'award-winning' Chesterfield balcony as council’s decision called 'scandalous'

Mark Strong was left shocked after receiving a letter from Chesterfield Brough Council asking him to take down his balcony.

In the letter, which was addressed to a person who does not live at his Hollingwood address, the council accused the residents of not replying to a letter from 2020 in regards to the structure.

But it soon turned out that the letter had been sent to the wrong address – and the wrong person – and Mr Strong had never heard of it.

Mr Strong said: “It is ridiculous. The balcony was first built before lockdown by my dad Philip Strong, my brother Jay and grandson Bradley. We have not heard a bad word about it since. We want it to stay afloat because my dad passed away at the beginning of this year, so it's like a memorial to him.”

The balcony has become well-known in Hollingwood after winning the ‘best Christmas decorations’ award twice in a row, in 2021 and 2022. Residents have been knocking on Mr Strong’s door to sign a petition in a bid to save it.

Two council contractors visited the house to have a look at the balcony last week and said it must be taken down by the end of October.

Mr Strong said: “Everybody said the council’s decision is a scandal. I’ve had about 150 people commenting on my post and I started a petition to save the balcony. People are knocking on my door to sign it. Everybody on the estate loves our Christmas decorations and think they are beautiful. I already have 80 signatures.”

Many residents have criticised the decision.

Paula Johnstone said: “That’s ridiculous, it’s bothering no one and always looks amazing, especially at Christmas.”

Lauren Kirkham added: “How sad! I’ve always admired your garden whenever I’ve walked past! Think it looks amazing!”

Councillor Martin Stone, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for climate change, planning and the environment, said: “The construction of the balcony encroaches into land owned by the council which is allocated as public open space. This was constructed without the council’s permission.”