“Rather than introducing a separate new building, the additional accommodation is incorporated into the existing building through the rear extension, maximising the use of the existing building’s footprint.”

Property developer James Holmes is aiming to incorporate an additional six apartments into former council offices in Chesterfield by adding an extension.

Mr Holmes is redeveloping the old North East Derbyshire District Council building on Saltergate. His business Homes by Holmes secured planning permission for 59 flats in 2021.

He has now submitted a planning application in the name of Holmebrook Developments Ltd to Chesterfield Borough Council seeking consent for a rear extension for six flats, new boundary wall, new front entrance steps and an access ramp leading to the main entrance.

A design and access statement to the council states that the proposal is for second and third-floor rear extensions to provide the additional apartments and the extension of the existing main stair core to third-floor level. Three of the additional apartments would have one bedroom and three would have two bedrooms.

As part of the proposed work, one of the flats on the second level would be extended from one bedroom to two bedrooms.

The statement reads: “The proposal has been designed around one main principle: to provide additional residential accommodation while retaining the established character and appearance of the approved development.

“Rather than introducing a separate new building, the additional accommodation is incorporated into the existing building through the rear extension, maximising the use of the existing building’s footprint.

“The extensions are concentrated towards the rear. This limits the extent of alteration to the principal Saltergate elevation and maintains the established relationship between the building and the street.

“The second and third-floor additions follow the form of the existing building and connect directly with the approved residential layout.

“The rear extension follows the established massing of the lower floors, does not increase the overall building footprint and remains below the height of the existing building.”

The revised boundary treatment would provide a more coherent edge to Saltergate while retaining views through to the landscaped garden. The entrance works would provide a clearer and step-free approach to the main entrance.

The statement concludes: “Collectively, the proposed works are considered to preserve the character and appearance of the Chesterfield Town Centre Conservation Area.”