Overview
Brockwell Asset Management secured outline planning permission for the redevelopment of the former Badger Public House on Brockwell Lane, Chesterfield. Working with IPD, the project received approval for the demolition of the existing building and the creation of nine high-quality homes within an established residential area.
Challenge
The Badger Pub, a 1960s building, had become financially unsustainable and closed in 2025 following several years of declining trade. The site, which included a car park and private beer garden, risked falling into disuse. Although part of the site was designated as open space, it was privately owned and not publicly accessible, adding a layer of planning complexity.
Approach
The project team prepared a detailed Planning Statement and Design and Access Statement, demonstrating that the scheme aligned with both national and local policy objectives. Key considerations included housing delivery, design quality, and sustainable use of previously developed land. Careful evidence was provided to show that the loss of the pub would not harm local social infrastructure, as several alternative venues were available nearby. The design process was led by local character, proposing traditional red brick and render homes arranged around a private mews with soft landscaping and sustainable drainage. We also worked collaborative with Ecologists to establish the current ecological baseline of the site and ensure that the future development scenario would demonstrate a 10% net gain in biodiversity.
Outcome
Chesterfield Borough Council approved the outline planning application, recognising the proposal as a sustainable and appropriate redevelopment that makes efficient use of land. The new homes will deliver a modest but valuable contribution to local housing supply, enhance the streetscape, and bring life back to a redundant site.
Impact
The Badger project demonstrates how a sensitive, evidence-led planning approach can successfully repurpose an unviable commercial property into much-needed housing. The scheme balances design quality, community considerations, and policy compliance—an example of positive regeneration within an established Chesterfield neighbourhood.