Tapton Terrace: Plans to demolish properties over ‘risk to life’ concerns in Chesterfield street revealed

The proposal follows the tragic death of resident Maureen Gilbert during severe flooding and subsequent recommendations from the Coroner highlighting the need for action to help prevent future loss of life.

Proposals to purchase and demolish properties at Tapton Terrace have been revealed.

Tapton Terrace. Pictured, the home of Maureen Gilbert who had lived in at Tapton Terrace all her life and died on 21 October 2023. An investigation concluded that Mrs Gilbert drowned in her own home due to flood water.

placeholder image — Tapton Terrace. Pictured, the home of Maureen Gilbert who had lived in at Tapton Terrace all her life and died on 21 October 2023. An investigation concluded that Mrs Gilbert drowned in her own home due to flood water.

This comes after a coroner's prevention of future deaths report raised concerns over the ongoing ‘risk to life’ on Chesterfield street where one of the residents Maureen Gilbert, 83, tragically lost her life after drowning in her home during Strom Babet in October 2023.

Following a review of various options, including flood defences and property flood resilience measures, the Environment Agency has concluded that purchasing and demolishing the homes and preventing future development on the land, offers ‘the only effective and viable long-term solution to keep residents safe’.

The prevention of future deaths report identified a ‘risk to life’ at the flood-ridden Tapton Terrace in Chesterfield.

The Environment Agency said that the alternative options assessed would not provide viable, long-term protection for Tapton Terrace properties, where the flood risk is ‘already significant,’ as it is expected to increase because of climate change.

Christine Durrent, Chief Executive, Chesterfield Borough Council said: “Our thoughts remain with Maureen Gilbert’s family and friends, and everyone on Tapton Terrace affected by flooding.

“The Environment Agency’s recommendation reflects the serious long-term flood risk facing these homes. As the local authority, we will work with our partners to progress this project carefully while supporting the residents with clear information and practical help throughout.

“We know this news can be unsettling, and we are committed to supporting each household as our plans develop.”

Maureen Gilbert, 83, was found at her home in Tapton Terrace on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Here she is pictured with her husband Jack Gilbert on their wedding day, 1975.

Lyn Peart, Environment Agency's Area Director for Yorkshire, added: “We understand just how devastating flooding can be for individuals, families and the wider community, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected.

"Following the Coroner’s Prevention of Future Deaths report, we have worked closely and urgently with partners to ensure that reducing the flood risk for residents at Tapton Terrace is a clear and immediate priority.

"We have been working hand‑in‑hand with Chesterfield Borough Council to identify a solution that offers long-term protection and will continue to support the council every step of the way as this vital project progresses."

Representatives from Chesterfield Borough Council and the Environment Agency have spoken to Tapton Terrace residents this week and are starting a process of tailored support for each household.

Residents of Tapton Terrace next to the river Rother in Chesterfield

Chesterfield Borough Council said that homeowners had been reassured that they would receive a ‘fair market payment for their property, alongside compensation recognising disruption and loss’.

Residents who rent their homes will also be supported and compensated for the loss of their home and the associated disruption, the authority said.

The council is appointing a dedicated Project Liaison Officer to provide support and a single point of contact for residents throughout the process.

The plans remain at a very early stage, and no residents are being asked to move immediately.

Photo shows high water level at River Rother near Chesterfield’s Tapton Terrace.

Further updates, including detailed timelines, will be shared with residents as the project develops.

Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins who has been lobbying for funding for a business case to be completed to assess the viability of compulsory purchase order, has welcomed the decision.

He said: "The news that Chesterfield is progressing with the purchase and demolition of homes, unable to be protected from floods, will be bittersweet to Tapton Terrace residents, who continue to live in fear of a repeat of the terrible floods in 2023, which claimed the life of their neighbour Maureen Gilbert.

“Having been here when Chesterfield was flooded in 2007, efforts to protect Tapton Terrace in particular, and other Chesterfield communities have redoubled since the 2023 floods.

"Working with residents, Chesterfield Borough Council and the Environment Agency it has become clear, following the coroner’s report, that the risk to life, caused by the unique geography of Tapton Terrace was too great and that no workable solution would offer residents there the security they deserve.

“This will be difficult for residents who have built their lives and memories here, but the evidence shows that there is no viable long-term way to make these homes safe.

"I also know from my own consultation with residents that most of them accept this and now want to move on.

“My priority has always been to protect people's lives while ensuring every resident is treated fairly, with the support, compensation and respect they deserve throughout this process.”

Tapton Terrace, located next to the River Rother, is particularly prone to flooding with the properties at the street significantly damaged after the river burst its banks in 2023 and 2007.

In November last year, residents were evacuated during heavy rain due to fears that their lives would be at risk if they remained in their properties.