NEDDC Local Plan Issues and Options Consultation on the Strategic Approach to the Location of Development and Refined Sites (March 2026)

Development of the site should support the restoration of the Chesterfield Canal. Early engagement with the Chesterfield Canal Trust and the Chesterfield Canal Partnership will be essential to maximise the benefits of the canal, particularly in terms of BNG and SUDS.

The Chesterfield Canal route is a greater constraint to development than is portrayed. The canal is within the site boundary, not alongside, and occupies >50% of the site area. Detailed design of the canal will need to be completed to identify any remaining developable area. The Chesterfield Canal Trust would propose to build a canal maintenance deport with wharf access on the opposite side (south) to the towpath (north).
The site borders at the west the historic Forge Bridge, largely buried. This is one of the few remaining original bridges on the canal. The scope of works required to repair/strengthen this bridge and reinstate the canal is not known and must be considered as part of the site constraints.

The access to the site would appear to involve upgrading the existing access off Rotherham Road. This is immediately adjacent to the point where the Chesterfield Canal will cross under Rotherham Road, requiring a new bridge. There is concern about the potential headroom underneath the road for the canal, and thus the design of the bridge, canal and site access will need to be considered together. Localised realignment of the canal may be necessary.
The canal has the potential to support site BNG and SUDS requirements if coordinated. These works could also alleviate the poor footpath condition along the canal at present if onward drainage is improved.

As with site 45564, the Chesterfield Canal (to the north / downslope from the site) could support the sites BNG and SUDS requirements if coordinated.