The Bolsover District Council Planning Committee met on 3 September 2025, to discuss a range of planning applications and policy updates. Key decisions included approving a change of use for the former New Middle Club in Whitwell, deferring a decision on an extension to a traveller site in Bolsover, and approving public consultation on the updated Successful Healthy Places Supplementary Planning Document. The committee also reviewed and approved updates to the Local Enforcement Plan.

Here's a detailed look at the topics discussed:

Successful Healthy Places Supplementary Planning Document

The committee approved a public consultation on the updated Successful Healthy Places Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This document provides detailed guidance on Local Plan policies, particularly Policy SC3, to achieve high-quality design in new residential developments. The SPD aims to guide the creation of sustainable places that promote healthy lifestyles and reflect the rural character of the Bolsover district.

The updated SPD incorporates changes to legislation and government guidance, including the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and the council's own Bolsover District The Future plan. It places a new emphasis on sustainability, health and wellbeing, climate change, and biodiversity. New sections focus on local character, streets and trees, heritage and retrofit, residential extensions, and design criteria cross-referenced to the National Model Design Code¹.

The consultation plan includes making the document available online and in local libraries, as well as hosting two drop-in events.

Local Enforcement Plan Update

The committee approved updates to the Local Enforcement Plan, which outlines how the council manages and responds to breaches of planning control. The updates reflect legislative changes and staffing adjustments since the plan was last reviewed in 2022.

Key changes to the plan include:

• Revised roles and responsibilities for investigating suspected breaches.
• Updated enforcement immunity periods, reflecting changes in legislation.
• Inclusion of enforcement warning notices as a formal action the council can take.
• Addition of development completion notices, a tool for addressing delays in housing development.

The plan maintains its prioritisation system for investigating suspected breaches (high, medium, and low priority) and commits to monitoring performance against service standards.

Application for The Stables, Featherbed Lane, Bolsover

The committee considered application 24/00503/FUL for the change of use of grazing land to a parking and manoeuvring area for an existing traveller site on Featherbed Lane. The application had been previously deferred to seek clarification from the Derbyshire County Council Rights of Way Team regarding the use of a private lane, which also serves as a public right of way.

Following re-consultation, the Public Rights of Way Officer did not object to the proposal. However, concerns remained regarding the surface condition of the lane and the safety of pedestrians.

Ultimately, the committee resolved to defer the application again, pending further information and assurances regarding the lane's suitability for increased use.

Application for New Middle Club, Welbeck Street, Whitwell

The committee approved application 25/00179/FUL for the conversion of the former New Middle Club on Welbeck Street in Whitwell into nine residential flats. The decision followed a site visit by several councillors. The plan includes 10 off-road parking spaces and retains the existing brick wall along the northern boundary.

The approval is subject to several conditions, including:

• Adherence to approved drawings and documents.
• Restrictions on construction work hours to protect residential amenity.
• Implementation of a scheme to assess and remediate any encountered land contamination.
• Implementation of a biodiversity enhancement plan.
• Provision and maintenance of access, parking, and turning facilities.
• Installation of a detailed boundary treatment scheme.

Concerns had been raised by Councillor Tom Munro, Portfolio Holder for Growth, and local residents regarding land ownership, parking provision, and public transport. However, the planning officer's report concluded that the development was acceptable, citing the site's location within the development envelope, the availability of alternative community facilities, and the lack of objections from the Highway Authority.

Five-Year Housing Land Supply - Annual Position Statement

The committee approved the council's annual position statement on its five-year housing land supply. The statement, which is required by the NPPF, assesses the district's housing needs and identifies deliverable housing sites for the period 2025/26 to 2029/30.

The statement concluded that the council has a deliverable housing land supply of 5.69 years, exceeding the required five-year supply. The council used a housing requirement figure of 378 dwellings per annum, which includes a 5% buffer.

Government Consultation on the Reform of Planning Committees

The committee considered the UK Government's consultation on the Reform of Planning Committees. The consultation sought views on proposals to modernise planning committees, including national rules for delegation, committee size and composition, and mandatory training for members.

The committee delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Planning and Planning Policy, in consultation with the Chair of Planning Committee and Portfolio Member for Growth, to agree and submit the council's response to the consultation.