To consider the motion submitted by Councillor Holmes in accordance with Standing Order No. 21:
Tapton House
Chesterfield Borough Council notes that Tapton House is one of the most attractive examples of architecture in Chesterfield and certainly the finest owned by CBC. Apart from the visual aspect of the House and the much-valued community use of the grounds, it is also important in the heritage of Chesterfield.
The story of Stephenson is well known. The role of the Markham family was however even greater in terms of the economic development of Chesterfield and Staveley. Further still the Markham family played an important role in the political and social life of the Town being involved in slum clearance to improve living conditions and in school expansion for all. Violet Markham was also a pioneer as the first female Mayor of Chesterfield.
If Chesterfield really wishes to celebrate its own heritage and develop as a Tourist Town, then it needs to make the most of major assets such as Tapton House.
Chesterfield Borough Council resolves that:
1.Tapton House should remain in the ownership of CBC.
2. Tapton House will immediately be withdrawn from sale.
3. Interested Community Groups will be invited to contribute ideas about future use and possible community involvement.
4. Detailed options and costings will be drawn up for the various uses that Tapton House can be put to.
5. All Cllrs will be involved in a public discussion as to which option the Council will adopt.
Minutes:
It was moved by Councillor Holmes and seconded by Councillor Hollingworth that:
Tapton House
Chesterfield Borough Council notes that Tapton House is one of the most attractive examples of architecture in Chesterfield and certainly the finest owned by CBC. Apart from the visual aspect of the House and the much valued community use of the grounds, it is also important in the heritage of Chesterfield.
The story of Stephenson is well known. The role of the Markham family was however even greater in terms of the economic development of Chesterfield and Staveley. Further still the Markham family played an important role in the political and social life of the Town being involved in slum clearance to improve living conditions and in school expansion for all. Violet Markham was also a pioneer as the first female Mayor of Chesterfield.
If Chesterfield really wishes to celebrate its own heritage and develop as a Tourist Town, then it needs to make the most of major assets such as Tapton House.
Chesterfield Borough Council resolves that:
1.Tapton House should remain in the ownership of CBC.
2. Tapton House will immediately be withdrawn from sale.
3. Interested Community Groups will be invited to contribute ideas about future use and possible community involvement.
4. Detailed options and costings will be drawn up for the various uses that Tapton House can be put to.
5. All Cllrs will be involved in a public discussion as to which option the Council will adopt.
It was moved by Councillor Dean Collins and seconded by Councillor Serjeant that the motion be amended to read as follows:
Tapton House
Tapton House is a grade II* listed building on account of its fine interiors and association with George Stephenson, the railway engineer. As such, it is an important part of the heritage of Chesterfield.
The story of Stephenson is well known. The story of the Markham family is equally well known in terms of their role in the economic development of Chesterfield and Staveley and in the political and social life of the Town being involved in slum clearance to improve living conditions and in school expansion for all. Violet Markham was also a pioneer as the first female Mayor of Chesterfield.
Chesterfield Borough Council owns multiple listed buildings – Chesterfield Town Hall, Stephenson Memorial Hall, Barrow Hill Roundhouse, The Winding Wheel Theatre, Revolution House – and as such takes its cultural and heritage responsibilities very seriously. Enhancing the town’s cultural and heritage offer is also one of seven priority actions within the council’s newly adopted Visitor Economy Strategy. We therefore fully recognise our responsibilities when dealing with important assets such as Tapton House.
Chesterfield Borough Council resolves that:
1. Tapton House should remain in the freehold ownership of Chesterfield Borough Council.
2. Tapton House will remain on the market until early September to enable as many interested parties as possible to come forward with ideas for the future use of the building.
3. Interested Community Groups are welcome to contribute viable ideas about the future use of the building and possible community involvement.
4. Alternative options will be presented for consideration, as is routinely the case, when a final decision is to be taken on the future use of Tapton House.
5. The final decision will be made by the decision-making body that is prescribed within the council’s constitution as having responsibility for such matters.
A recorded vote was taken on the amendment and votes cast as follows:
FOR –
Councillors: Councillors:
Blakemore P Innes
Blank Kelly
Brady Ludlow
Brittain Mannion-Brunt
Callan Miles
Caulfield A Murphy
D Collins T Murphy
L Collins Perkins
Dyke Rayner
Flood Sarvent
P Gilby Serjeant
J Innes Wheeldon
AGAINST –
Councillors: Councillors:
P Barr Holmes
Bingham Mann
Borrell P Niblock
Davenport S Niblock
G Falconer Redihough
K Falconer Rogers
Fordham Snowdon
Hollingworth Thornton
ABSTENTIONS –
None
The amendment to the motion was declared carried.
On being put to the vote the motion (as amended) was declared carried.