Aparthotel plan for former Wilko gets go-ahead

Plans to turn the floors above a former Wilko store in Chesterfield into an aparthotel have been approved.

Chesterfield Borough Council's planning committee approved the proposals on Monday to convert the former store on Vicar Lane into a 70-bed aparthotel.

According to the planning documents, the developer wants to turn the lower ground floor into two retail units, a gym and a business centre.

A report submitted with the planning application stated the proposed development would bring "significant private sector investment" into the town centre.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service the developer proposes adding two additional floors to the building.

Concerns had been raised about the potential impact on the character and appearance of the area including nearby historic buildings.

The council conceded the scale of the structure would have something of an overbearing impact to neighbouring buildings on South Street and would have an "enclosing impact" to the area.

"However, it is considered that, on balance, the harm identified is outweighed by the benefits associated with the regeneration and redevelopment of the site which will enhance and bring back into use a substantial vacant building within the town centre," it added.

The former Wilko outlet has stood empty since the store closed in October 2023, after the chain went into administration.

Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.