It IS a marina that is planned!

THE 'mystery' of the development by the Chesterfield Canal near Stockwith is that it is for a marina.

We learn that a local resident purchased the houses and land at Walkeringham, started demolition on the houses for his access to the land, but without permission, that put a block on the whole site for a while.

Preservation order

There were then questions raised regarding the use of the land, with part of the old brick works having a preservation order on it, believed to be the chimney of the brick kiln.

This and other brick works were put in place along that section of canal to build the locks at Misterton and Gringley.

The site and business is owned by DKB kitchens, with the land used for storage for kitchen units with porta cabins, while digging the marina and clearing the site of the old works.

Planning permission

The original planning permission for a marina was made in December 2015 by a local who had lived in Walkeringham for 24 years, stating it was once a thriving village, with much to offer the community within the area, but it had declined with the loss of amenities, jobs, village store, post office and pubs and the closure of the brickworks in the 1960's.

The aerial photograph shows the possible entrance from the canal.

The applicant states it is hoped that a marina will put Walkeringham back on the map, bring life back to the area, create jobs, small businesses, leisure services and tourism.

The plan

The plan is to redevelop and restore the old kiln and chimney and build a heritage centre to include a cafe and craft centre, with up to ten small bespoke oak framed units for crafts, such as wood turning, wine making, pottery etc.

Included is a nature reserve and a caravan park. As the applicant is asking for suggestions that can enhance the development 'before it is to late', it can only be assumed that planning permission is in abeyance,