Proposals approved to convert old Chesterfield pub into convenience store

A planning application to convert the ground floor of the old Devonshire Hotel on Occupation Road, Newbold, into a shop was given conditional permission by councillors on Monday.

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An officer’s report which was considered by members of Chesterfield Borough Council’s planning committee states: “The establishment has been vacant for approximately 10 years now.

“The existing building is in a poor state of repair and is boarded up; the proposal would bring the building back into use and would enable to site to be improved in all ways.

“The proposal would offer an improvement to the current situation.

“The development would employ two people."

The council revealed it had received an 80-name petition objecting to the application.

A number of concerns have been raised, including about noise and parking.

The officer’s report states: “In the context of the previous use as a public house and existing shop and chip shop on the street, it is not considered that this unit would bring a significant increase in noise and disturbance to what has previously occurred and exists at present.”

The development would offer four off-street parking spaces and temporary space for delivery drivers, according to the officer’s report.

It adds: “The officer considers that it is unlikely that residents from outside the local area will drive to the new shop specifically.”

In 2019, the council had given developers permission to turn the former pub into four one-bed apartments.

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