Chesterfield’s council housing chief has welcomed plans for 22 new affordable properties to be built across the borough in Staveley and Middlecroft to help meet waiting lists and the rising need for homes.
The announcement comes not long after Chesterfield Borough Council confirmed it was continuing with efforts to address a significant number of empty council properties across the borough following difficulties with repairs and waiting lists.
Councillor Jean Innes, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Creating attractive places for people to live is at the heart of what we do and once built, these new properties will provide a welcome addition to our housing stock and be let to people on our housing register.
“The number of people on the housing register has risen in the last year as more people look for affordable housing options as a result of the rising cost of living, and we’re working hard to meet this demand by increasing the number of affordable, modern and accessible homes that are available for families in our borough, so we’re really pleased that works are now underway.”
This latest project will see the addition of nine three-bedroom houses on Westwood Avenue, two three-bed bungalows on Ringwood Avenue and two two-bed bungalows at Court Place, four two-bed bungalows on Wensley Way, two two-bedroom houses on Paisley Close, and three three-bedroom houses at Aston Court.
The council planning committee considered the planning application at a planning committee meeting in April for the nine new properties to be built at Westwood Avenue, in Staveley, for the council.
Nine former homes on the Westwood Avenue site, accessed from a road leading from Edward Street and Westwood Avenue, had been demolished in 2016 after structural concerns and after tilts had exceeded safe limits.
But the council planning committee has since given the go-ahead for the council’s planning application for the nine new properties to be built at Westwood Avenue, in Staveley, after considering a number of statements from expert consultees.
Each of these nine properties will be situated near to a school and public transport routes and will be regarded as affordable rental properties with Chesterfield Borough Council as the landlord.
The council has also taken into account concerns from some current residents about their borders, disruption, access during construction, and the safety of vehicles from potential damage.
Construction of all the 22 new-build properties is now well underway after councillors joined representatives from Fortem Solutions Limited, the council’s main contractor, to break ground on one of the sites and kick-start the project.
In line with its climate change strategy, the council has stated that it is committed to ensuring its properties are energy efficient and these new homes will be set to benefit from renewable energy sources.
Cllr Innes added: “We are fully committed to helping achieve our goal of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050 and are working hard to make sure that our homes are as energy efficient as possible and these new homes will help us to achieve this. The measures in place will not only help us towards our target but will also help reduce fuel bills for our tenants.”
Each property will be fitted with an air source heat pump for the heating and hot water and solar panels will be installed on the roof with battery storage to generate electricity.
Electric vehicle charging points will also be installed on all of the properties to support lower carbon transport options.
Commercial manager Tom Nicholson, of Fortem Solutions Ltd, said: “We are delighted to commence these works, partnering with Chesterfield Borough Council, delivering efficient new homes in the borough.
“In our pre-construction interactions, the council has showcased a commitment to clear communication, decisive decision-making, and a shared vision for project success, which shows the true partnership we have developed together over the years.
“Our collaborative, proactive approach to project planning and engagement has set a positive tone for our partnership. I am confident that the synergy between our teams will contribute to a streamlined construction process, fostering an environment for further effective collaboration and successful handover of these new properties.
“We look forward to the commencement of works, and we are excited about the prospect of working hand-in-hand with the council once again to bring our shared vision to life.”
During 2022/23 the council invested over £21.5 million in homes and estates across the borough and a further £3.2 million on new homes, and a stock condition survey aims to help the council plan for future investment for homes with other capital investment projects planned for 2023 onwards.
The council stated in October that it has completed a £4.1 million scheme to build 21 new homes at Badger Croft, in Loundsley Green, and it also aims to deliver IT improvements, increase staff resources, reduce the waiting time for repairs and invest up to £22.4 million in its council homes to introduce new heating systems, windows and doors.
Chesterfield Borough Council has also previously stated that it has set its sights on residential projects in Brampton, Middlecroft and Mastin Moor.
