Chesterfield Borough Council has approved a new 15-apartment development on Park Road, despite ongoing concerns from residents regarding traffic, parking, and the impact on local amenities. The decision allows A-Rock Construction Ltd to replace existing commercial properties with a three-storey block at a busy T-junction near Queen’s Park and the town centre.
The original proposal for a larger four-storey building with 21 apartments was revised in response to concerns about overshadowing. However, local objections persisted, particularly around increased parking pressures and the potential for traffic congestion, especially with large delivery vehicles serving nearby businesses. There were also fears that the development would exacerbate existing road safety issues at the junction.
While the development will not include on-site parking, the council argues that its proximity to sustainable transport options, including the Hipper Valley cycle route, addresses these concerns. The approval was also supported by an assessment of surface water flooding risk and the conclusion that the development would not significantly impact existing business activities in the area.
Conditions attached to the approval include a Section 106 Agreement to provide funding for local infrastructure improvements due to the lack of affordable housing in the project, along with measures to enhance biodiversity and mitigate any potential risks from previous coal mining activity on the site.
