Chesterfield Football Club's new home at Whittington Moor, Chesterfield, has come a giant step nearer after Chesterfield Borough Council issued formal planning consent for the development.
Permission was officially granted today (Wednesday) after the Government decided it did not need to "call in" the planning application for consideration.
Instead, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears, has said the proposals for the former Dema Glass site - which also include a new Tesco retail store plus business, hotel and other uses - are in line with national and regional policy and do not need to be re-examined.
The Council has therefore confirmed the decision made by the Planning Committee at its meeting on July 1, attended by more than 300 members of the public, and granted planning permission for the development.
Cllr Ray Russell, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: "We are delighted that the Government saw fit to support the Planning Committee's decision, which was a very important one for the Council, Chesterfield Football Club and the people of Chesterfield.
"The redevelopment of the Dema Glass site and the delivery of a new football stadium to replace the outdated Saltergate ground are vital for the regeneration of the Borough."
David Ward, Planning Director of developers Wilson Bowden who are responsible for the regeneration of the former glassworks site, said: "This marks another significant step in the process of regenerating the former Dema Glass site.
"We're delighted that the Secretary of State has not intervened, and we now look forward to getting started on delivering a development which will boost employment and investment in the town, provide a new home for the football club, and kick-start the whole Waterside regeneration area."
Chesterfield FC Chairman, Barrie Hubbard, said: "This is a major step forward for Chesterfield Football Club and its supporters as it means that after all these years the plans for a new football stadium are on the verge of being realised.
"It is an exciting moment because it will also kick-start a major regeneration that should change the landscape of the town of Chesterfield for ever."
A Government spokesman said: "She (the Secretary of State) is satisfied that the Council's consideration of the issues has been both thorough and comprehensive and that they have addressed and taken account of the relevant policies in reaching their conclusion to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Dema Glass site.
"The Secretary of State also accepts the Council's conclusion that access into the site by means of foot, cycle, motor vehicle and public transport would be appropriately managed, particularly on match days.
"She has therefore decided that she should leave the decision on whether or not to grant planning permission to the local planning authority."
All matters to do with the planning application have now been settled within the 16-week timescale for dealing with major planning applications laid down by the Government for local authorities.
Joint Press Release issued by Chesterfield Borough Council and Chesterfield FC
Ref: 136/08
BUILDING NOTE
After further enabling work by Wilson Bowden Developments to put in road access and principle infrastructure on the site it is expected that construction would begin early 2009 with both the new Tesco store and the 10,500 seater football stadium proceeding at the same time.
