Chesterfield's plans for a new stadium took a major step forward when plans for the regeneration of a brownfield site in the town was approved unanimously by Chesterfield Borough Council's planning committee, subject to certain conditions.

 

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The development includes a 10,000 plus seater football stadium for Chesterfield FC, relocation of a Tesco superstore and other business mixed development on the former Dema glassworks factory site on the old A61 Sheffield Road.

 

new ground

 

The decision came after a three hour in-depth marathon planning meeting at the town's Winding Wheel conference centre attended by members of the public. 

 

There was loud applause from the 200 or so Spireites fans who also attended when the vote was taken.

 

It's another major step but is not the end of the planning process, which is set to rumble on for some more weeks yet until around October with further hurdles to overcome.

 

The next step is for the Secretary of State to decide if there are any grounds to call in the development plans for a public enquiry.

 

Chesterfield chairman Barrie Hubbard said: "We all feel elated that at last we are getting somewhere and congratulate the development team in putting together such a comprehensive regeneration plan that has now been unanimously approved."

 

Barrie Hubbard and Mike Warner

Chairman Barrie Hubbard and managing director Mike Warner celebrate after the decision

 

He added: "There are the normal conditions concerning highways and traffic, landscaping, community safety and the like to work through, but nothing that isn't capable of being resolved to everyone's satisfaction."

 

Although there was plenty of support there were some local objections as well from residents in the Whittington Moor area mainly about traffic issues.  Most queries were raised about the Tesco development as it deviated from the Local Plan.

 

A surprise late bid by Sainsbury's to delay the planning process to enable their own extension plans to be considered at the same time was rejected.

 

Fans

The fans celebrate in the Rutland Arms

 

In a joint statement David Ward, Planning Director at Wilson Bowden Developments said: "Wilson Bowden Developments, together with our development partners; Chesterfield Football Club and Tesco are delighted that the application for the redevelopment of the former Demaglass site has been approved by the planning committee.

 

"The proposals represent a significant opportunity for Chesterfield, not least to see the much needed regeneration of this disused site with the creation of a new stadium for Chesterfield FC and new expanded Tesco store.

 

"We look forward to continued progress with this development with the construction programme commencing early 2009 following the last enabling works."

 

During the planning meeting it was made clear that no Tesco would mean no football stadium.

 

stadium

 

After putting in road access and principle infrastructure it is expected, subject to all planning issues being resolved, that construction would begin early 2009 with both Tesco and the stadium proceeding at the same time.  

 

Borough Council

Click here

To visit Chesterfield Borough Council website and  view the planning application and various drawings 

FULL PLANNING REPORT HERE