Plans unveiled for 41 new homes in north Derbyshire town

Developers say the proposed Staveley Lane Fields site, on land to the east of Ducksett Lane and west of Staveley Lane, Eckington, will provide a ‘distinct and attractive place to live’.

However, their application to North East Derbyshire District Council has led to claims of overdevelopment in the area and concern at the loss of open space and a footpath.

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The plans have been submitted by Green 4 Developments, which claims the project will be ‘sensitive in character’ and ‘inspired by the traditional character and appearance’ of existing homes in Eckington.

There will be a mixture of two, three and four-bedroomed homes built on an area of former farming land.

Planning documents say: “A compact and walkable neighbourhood is created, enhancing connectivity with its immediate surroundings and the centre of the village.

"The vehicular access is provided via access to and from Staveley Lane.

"The buildings are sited in a quiet rural area and the future residents would not be vulnerable to excessive noise level or disturbance.

"There is no apparent harm or adverse impacts envisaged to arise from this development, and is not at risk from flooding or contamination.”

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Walking group the Chesterfield, North East Derbyshire and Bolsover Ramblers Association says it has a ‘strong objection’ to the proposals as the development will result in the FP99 footpath being ‘irretrievably lost’.

And a Peak and Northern Footpaths Society spokesperson said: “This application will impinge directly on Footpath 99 which skirts the north-eastern edge of the site near The Green then crosses the site diagonally north-west to connect with Ducksett Lane.”

Eckington resident Elizabeth Warhurst said: “I object to the building of 41 new properties on this land due to many new houses having been built in the last few years on Staveley Lane.

"The area that the developer is interested in will be natural habitat to many of the local wildlife that we have been lucky enough to see in our garden over the last couple of years, including, badgers, foxes, hedgehogs, owls to only name a few.

"The close proximity to an already populated estate will cause residents much unneeded noise pollution, if building work commences.”

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