Entire row of terraced houses to be demolished after grandmother died in flooding
All 26 terraced houses that flooded during Storm Babet, killing an elderly resident, should be demolished to prevent a similar tragedy, an inspection has suggested.
Chesterfield Borough Council, working with the Environment Agency, said demolition was the “only effective and feasible” long-term solution for Tapton Terrace, which was swallowed by the River Rother in October 2023.
Maureen Gilbert, 83, a grandmother who had lived on the street her entire life, was found dead inside her property despite the efforts of her son and firefighters to secure her home and save her.
The council confirmed it was meeting with residents this week to launch a tailored support process for each household.
“Following a review of options, including flood defenses and property flood resilience measures, the Environment Agency has concluded that the purchase and demolition of the houses at Tapton Terrace and preventing future development on the land offers the only effective and viable long-term solution to keep residents safe,” he said.
“The Environment Agency concluded that the alternative options considered would not provide viable, long-term protection for the Tapton Terrace properties where the risk of flooding, which is expected to increase due to climate change, is already significant.”
Homeowners were assured that they would receive compensation for disruption and losses, as well as a fair market payment for their property.
The council said the plans were at a very early stage and no residents were asked to move immediately.
Chesterfield Labor MP Toby Perkins said the news would be bittersweet for residents.
Mr Perkins said: “I was here when Chesterfield was flooded in 2007, efforts to protect Tapton Terrace and other Chesterfield communities in particular have doubled since the 2023 flood.
“Working with citizens, Chesterfield Borough Council and the Environment Agency, it has become clear following the forensic report that the risk to life posed by the unique geography of Tapton Terrace is so great that no viable solution can offer residents the security they deserve.”
The MP added: “This will be difficult for the residents who have built their lives and memories here, but the evidence shows there is no viable long-term way of making these homes safe.
“I also know from my conversations with residents that most of them have accepted this and now want to move on with their lives.
“My priority has always been to protect people’s lives and ensure that every resident is treated fairly throughout this process, with the support, compensation and respect they deserve.”
Borough council leader Christine Durrant said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Maureen Gilbert and everyone affected by the flooding in Tapton Terrace.
“The Environment Agency’s advice reflects the serious long-term flood risk these homes face. “As a local authority, we will work with our partners to carefully progress this project and support residents with clear information and practical help throughout the project.
“We know this news may be disturbing and we are committed to supporting every household as our plans develop.”
Deputy Derbyshire coroner Matthew Kewley called on the Government and Environment Agency to take action, publishing a report to prevent future deaths following the inquest into Ms Gilbert’s drowning last year.
Environment Agency regional director Lyn Peart said: “We understand how devastating floods can be for individuals, families and the wider community and our thoughts are with everyone affected.
“Following the coroner’s report on Preventing Future Deaths, we have worked closely and urgently with our partners to ensure that reducing the risk of flooding for Tapton Terrace residents is a clear and urgent priority.
“We are working hand in hand with Chesterfield Borough Council to identify a solution that provides long-term protection and we will continue to support the council and residents every step of the way as this vital project progresses.”
