A prominent building in the heart of Chesterfield town centre’s conservation area is to get a much-needed face lift, thanks to a new development.
The first and second floors of Burlington House, in Burlington Street, will be converted into residential homes, which with the addition of a third floor will provide a total of 55 apartments within a stone’s throw of the Crooked Spire.
The application, submitted by GAPE Equity Ltd, was granted permission by Chesterfield Borough Council’s Planning Committee on Monday (July 18).
Senior planner Helen Frith commented: “What we’re trying to do is respect the appearance of the building as it is and the evolution of the conservation area, obviously it’s not historical, but it is of the time.”
The exterior of the building will be improved with new rendering and cladding, as well as the addition of balconies, integrated planting and new windows.
The former nightclub on the ground floor of the building was recently granted permission for a change of use to office space.
Liz Young, an agent speaking on behalf of the applicant, stated: “The application site is located in Chesterfield town centre and is well served by a range of facilities and services, as well as good access to sustainable transport links.”
The additional top storey features a rooftop garden and will be recessed with a maximum roof height of 2.8 metres, meaning it should have minimal impact upon the street scene.
Mrs Young said the development would have a ‘positive impact on the conservation area through the upgrading of the building’.
Councillor Mick Brady commented: “For various policy reasons we want to encourage more residential areas in the town centre if we’ve got empty vacant properties, and that’s exactly what this is.
“It looks like it will be hardly seen – the third floor – from the ground floor.
“Architecturally it’s not the best looking building in town is it?
“But we’re stuck with it.
“That’s what people built in the 70s.”
Committee chairman Councillor Ian Callan added: “I think it’s a good development that’s going to improve a pretty run town building in the heart of the town centre.”
