A 19th century townhouse which later operated as a solicitors office for 200 years in the centre of Chesterfield is poised for a new lease of life.

The Grade II listed property at 23 West Bars is the subject of a planning application to change its use from an office to a school. An agent acting for Jonathan Popoola of Include Education Group Ltd has applied for consent from Chesterfield Borough Council.

This application also seeks permission for internal alterations and external accessibility improvements, together with the installation of a new access door on the west elevation. The proposals include enabling better access for disabled users both into and the removal of an external outbuilding partition to allow for the creation of a single acessible toilet.

A heritage statement to the council says that the property is an example of residential architecture from the Regency period. The building has moulded stone eaves, hipped slate roof, classical timber doorcase and original sash windows.

Change of use permission would enable this property at 23 West Bars, Chesterfield to become a school.

placeholder image — Change of use permission would enable this property at 23 West Bars, Chesterfield to become a school.

The report states: “The scope of works presently identified includes localised repairs, compliance-related upgrades, and minor internal reordering. These interventions are intended to be low impact, retaining the building’s essential character while supporting a sustainable and beneficial new use.

"The intended works are modest, largely internal, and designed to facilitate safe occupation while preserving the building’s architectural and historic character.”

Located in a conservation area, the property was put on the market with a guide price of £500,000 in 2023.

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