Scrapped bypass raises concern over housing plans

The government has said plans for a bypass in Derbyshire were scrapped because it did not offer enough value for money for the taxpayer.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has formally cancelled the £197m Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route which aimed to improve links between the two towns and open up space for thousands of homes.

Town councillors in Staveley are now calling on Chesterfield Borough Council to halt future housing projects in the area until the bypass - which was first mooted in the 1950s - is revised and built.

Councillor Paul Mann said: "Staveley Town Council, as a consultee, should object to all future housing development due to a poor inadequate road infrastructure."

The DfT has scrapped 16 road schemes across the country, with a further 16 confirmed to go ahead.

It said the 16 schemes signed off were found to have the highest benefit cost ratio (BCR) and the department had to make "difficult decisions on a number of road projects" which were cancelled.

It added the previous government "did not fund these projects".

The bypass would have formed a new 3.7 mile (5.9km) single-carriageway road between the Sainsbury's roundabout in Chesterfield, across Works Road, and through to Hall Lane in Staveley.

Chesterfield Borough Council, which is responsible for planning matters in and around Staveley, said it was disappointed at the decision but added it would "continue to make the strongest possible case for the project".

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, housing schemes in development include Tom Lane in Duckmanton, Bevan Drive in Inkersall and The Spires near Inkersall Road.

Proposed schemes also include Bent Lane, Bamford Road, New Whittington and Barrow Hill, Holingwood, and Troughbrook, and a large scheme of 1,000 homes in Manor Road at Brimington.

Mann, who submitted a motion to be considered at a Staveley Town Council meeting, said: "Seeing that the Staveley to Brimington bypass has now been scrapped and with current housing developments in Staveley totalling approximately 2,500 extra houses, all future developments that have not started should either be scrapped or put on hold until the bypass, which Staveley has been promised now for 70 years, is built.

"This objection by Staveley Town Council – albeit a blanket one – would fall in as a legitimate and legal objection in planning law."

Chesterfield Borough Council leader, Tricia Gilby, said: "We recognise the significant concerns that have been raised following the decision not to proceed with the Chesterfield-Staveley Regeneration Route at this time.

"The scheme is a long-standing proposal to enable strong and sustainable economic growth for our borough, and the region.

"We're currently working with our partners to fully understand the implications of the government's decision, and options for the future.

"All partners remain committed to supporting the long-term regeneration and growth of the area, including the delivery of new jobs, homes and infrastructure for local communities."

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