Why a Chesterfield town centre building won’t be made bigger

Nottingham-based Gape Equity Limited submitted a planning application to Chesterfield Borough Council to erect a structure on to the upper floor of the existing three-storey Burlington House building, making it five storeys.

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The company wanted to create 22 duplex apartments within the new structure.

However, Chesterfield Borough Council has refused the application.

A planning officer’s report states: “The proposed development for the addition of two storeys on the top of an existing dominant building within the town centre will adversely impact on the setting of the adjacent listed buildings, in particular the church and the Market Hall.

“The prominent spire of the church and the clock tower of the Market Hall are an integral feature of the town.”

They add: “The existing building is considered to be an incongruous element within the street scene due to its design detail, bulk and materials.

“Adding to the height of this building will adversely add to its prominence.”

Last year, it emerged Burlington House had been bought for a seven-figure sum by ALB Group, which has submitted a planning application to turn the two largely vacant upper floors into 40 apartments.

The application is yet to be determined.

Tenant retailers occupying the ground floor of Burlington House will continue to operate as that part of the building will be retained for commercial use.

Arran Bailey, managing director of ALB Group, said last year: “Chesterfield is such a good area to invest in.

“It’s not a typical market town.”

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