Would you be happy to live in Chesterfield town centre?

In recent years, a number of buildings in the town centre have been transformed into housing.

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Just last week, the Derbyshire Times reported how a historic property in the town centre will be turned into flats and a shop.

Developers have been given permission to convert the vacant first, second and third floors of the building, at the junction of High Street and Packers Row, which was built in the 1890s and is currently empty.

Now, Chesterfield Borough Council is inviting people to take part in an online study so it can assess what demand there is for more town centre housing.

A council spokesperson said: “There has been a substantial amount of residential development proposed in and around Chesterfield town centre, and while some of these developments have progressed already, other sites have not come forward as planned.

“In order to help the council to understand what demand exists for further new residential properties within the town centre, the council has commissioned Iceni Projects to undertake a town centre housing needs study.

“As part of the study, an online survey is being undertaken to understand what the future housing intentions of people living and working in Chesterfield are, and whether the developments proposed in and around the town centre meet their housing needs and expectations.

“The questions in the survey ask about where you currently live and work, and whether you would give any consideration to living in a new development in the area around Chesterfield town centre.”

To take part in the survey – which closes on Monday November 30 – visit wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=160329034513.

Earlier this month, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said ‘we are witnessing a profound reshaping of our towns and high streets’ as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

He told the House of Commons: “We need to ensure we get more housing into our town centres.

“That’s the way we’ll drive footfall and we’ll turn empty shops into thriving homes.

“We’ve already put in place new planning reforms to enable people to do just that.”

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Editor’s message

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription at www.localsubsplus.co.uk or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.