Plans for PEAK development near Chesterfield set to move forward

A major development near Chesterfield is set to take a step forward.

By Michael Broomhead

Published 7th Sep 2020, 16:45 BST

Updated 8th Sep 2020, 08:46 BST

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The eagerly-anticipated, multi-million pound PEAK scheme is under construction on the 300-acre Birchall Estate near Unstone.

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Developers have now submitted a planning application to relocate the Health and Wellness at PEAK part of the project, which will include a medical clinic, spa and hotel.

Rupert Carr, the man behind PEAK, previously told the Derbyshire Times: "I've been working on this project for nearly 30 years now and it's great to get to this stage. This all-year tourism destination will offer world-class facilities - and I'm very excited."

Rupert Carr, the man behind PEAK, previously told the Derbyshire Times: "I've been working on this project for nearly 30 years now and it's great to get to this stage. This all-year tourism destination will offer world-class facilities - and I'm very excited."

They want to move Health and Wellness at PEAK to another section of the sprawling development site so it can benefit from an ‘improved landscaped location’.

The application – which will be considered by Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee next Monday – is recommended to be given conditional permission.

A borough council spokesperson said: “The scheme will represent a significant source of employment for the local community, drawing on the local workforce and potentially putting local skills to use.

“Once in operation, the scheme will benefit the surrounding local community by adding services and facilities and supporting local business both during construction and in the long term with the operation of the resort.”

The borough council has received three objection letters to the application with concerns raised about a rise in traffic congestion as well as air and noise pollution.

PEAK already has planning permission for a range of leisure, entertainment and education facilities.

In addition to Health and Wellness at PEAK, there are two other components of the wider PEAK development – the Adrenaline World indoor adventure centre and the Gateway at PEAK.

Adrenaline World – which is the brainchild of leisure entrepreneur and former professional English tennis player, David Lloyd – promises to offer a variety of activities including a ninja course, zip lines and climbing walls.

It is planned to open next year.

The Gateway at PEAK, meanwhile, will be a hub aimed at encouraging visitors to explore the area in a more environmentally-friendly way.

Developer Milligan – in conjunction with landowner Birchall Properties, the borough council, the University of Derby and the Peak District National Park Authority – is working on the Gateway at PEAK.

A spokesperson for Milligan said: “One of the main intentions of the gateway is to reduce the amount of vehicle traffic on the roads throughout the Peak District National Park.”

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