Contentious plans to turn Chesterfield family centre into frozen food store recommended for approval

Heron Foods is seeking to convert Holmebrook Valley Family Centre and Promises Day Nursery into a frozen food store.

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More than 100 people objected to the original proposals when they were unveiled earlier this year, with many saying the plans would be ‘detrimental’ to the community and would leave no provision for early years care in the area.

The proposals were withdrawn in March without explanation, but Chesterfield Borough Council received another planning application by Heron Foods for the site on Wardgate Way, Holme Hall, in May.

The application will be considered by the borough council’s planning committee next week, with officers advising councillors to give it conditional permission.

According to the authority, 29 objections have been received by members of the public.

These include concerns about an increase in traffic in the area and worries about noise from air conditioning.

Other people said the building should remain as a hub for community services and a nursery for children.

A borough council officer’s report, which will be considered by councillors, said: “It is considered that the proposal will bring a potential increase in traffic from outside the local area.

“However, the centre has an adequate level of parking provision.

“The council’s Environmental Health Officer (EHO) has commented on the proposal and confirmed they do not objection to any potential noise impact from the refrigeration units due to the distance and separation from the nearest residential properties.

“The proposal is not considered to cause significant adverse impacts on residential amenity of the adjoining neighbours or a significant impact to highway safety.”

The resubmitted plans include the installation of a new shopfront, illuminated signage and entrance doors, as well as two refrigeration units to the western side of the building.

There would also be internal refit work carried out to make it into a shop, as well as general work on the car park and the installation of a new fence to the east of the site.

The borough council’s planning committee will make a decision on the application on Monday.

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