Flats plan for former miners rescue station

Planning documents state the rescue station was built in 1917

Plans to convert a former miners rescue station in Chesterfield into a block of flats are set to be given the go-ahead.

Chesterfield Borough Council's planning committee has been advised by officers to approve proposals on Monday to turn the empty building in Infirmary Road into 18 flats.

According to planning documents, the rescue station was built in 1917 and was in use until 1992 as the main emergency service to coal mines in the area. The site was most recently used by Chesterfield College until November 2020.

Documents submitted by the applicant Dovedale Property Ltd state the scheme would provide a "long-term future" for the building and remove the pressure for demolition.

Plans said the proposed development - which also involves extending the building - would consist of a studio apartment as well as one and two-bedroom flats which were in "significant demand" in the local area.

A report submitted with the planning application said the building was falling into "disrepair" and required "urgent" refurbishment.

It added the applicant had recognised the importance of the rescue station to the local history of the area and taken his responsibility to the building "very seriously".

"The scheme would also significantly enhance the appearance of the building through its renovation," the documents state.