Many thanks to the residents who have got in touch with me regarding the potential planning application that may be submitted by William Davis Homes to extend the Dunston Grange development.

It is important to remember that at the moment this is proposal is only in the consultation phase and that if a planning application is submitted, residents and local businesses will have the opportunity to submit their objections, comments or support to Chesterfield Borough Council’s Planning Committee before any final decision is reached.

I completely understand the concerns raised and the importance of protecting the environment and ensuring the correct infrastructure is in place to support an increase in people and traffic.

These are all matters that the developer will need to satisfy the planning committee, and in the event of appeal, the planning inspectorate of.

The committee will also receive reports on the development from the Highways Agency and the Environment Agency that will inform the final decision. There is a chance to make comments at this stage and I would urge any residents to engage in the consultation that they have recently received from the developer.

Chesterfield is a great place to live, and developers realise that, and are wanting to come forward with sites in Chesterfield. As a growing town, we do need more family homes, but those homes must be delivered in a way that is sensitive to the infrastructure and to local and global environmental goals.

The Council has to by law provide a new local plan every decade or so which must identify potential sites for housing, and the site that this application is for is identified as a potential site, so it is likely to be easier to successfully argue about the kind of development there than whether there should any site at all.

I am now getting in touch with the developer again to discuss their initial plans and will report back to local residents when I know more.

People can read more about the proposals at https://www.dunstongrangeextension.com/