Walton Works site could look like this

Chesterfield Borough Council is currently considering a planning application to breathe new life into the former Walton Works site and vacant land to the south of it.

The application seeks full planning permission to restore and convert the Grade II listed Walton Works building - formerly the Robinson healthcare factory - into four ground-floor retail units with 26 apartments above. A separate nearby block would consist of 11 more properties.

The Walton Works building - which had been vacant for at least 13 years - is in a poor state and has been placed on Historic England's 'at risk' register.

In addition, outline planning permission is being sought for 382 additional homes and apartments, two retail units and a pub on the rest of the sprawling site off Chatsworth Road, which also takes in the vacant Goyt Side Mill and Boythorpe industrial estate.

A total of 245 parking spaces would also be provided as part of the ambitious proposals.

The plans have been devised by Chesterfield company Robinson PLC and Hathersage developers Blue Deer Ltd, which was responsible for transforming 131 Chatsworth Road into shops, hair and beauty salons and restaurants, including Nonnas.

A previous planning application to redevelop Walton Works was submitted to the council by another firm in 2012. However, this was disposed of by the authority last September due to a lack of progress.

A spokesman for Robinson PLC and Blue Deer Ltd said the fresh plans would provide 'much-needed' housing for the area.

In a statement on behalf of the two companies, consultants Cerda Planning said: "There are clear environmental benefits to the proposals associated with the regeneration of the existing site from a visual perspective as well as restoring an existing Grade II listed building which is currently on the 'at risk' register. The proposals would also remediate existing contamination.

"The proposals would create a significant number of jobs - both indirectly through the construction, maintenance and supply chain and directly through operational jobs.

"The proposals would also attract people to the area and the existing surrounding uses would benefit from shared trips and increased footfall. The inward investment would therefore boost the local economy.

"Overall, the benefits of the proposals are considered substantial and there are no harms or technical matters that would outweigh these benefits. The proposals deliver sustainable development and the regeneration benefits required by the council. In our view there are no reasons to withhold permission on this basis."

Members of the public are currently being consulted on the plans. After this process is completed the borough council's planning committee will make a decision on the proposals.