An entire row of 26 terraced houses, which flooded during Storm Babet and led to the death of an elderly resident, should be demolished to prevent a similar tragedy, a review has recommended.
Chesterfield Borough Council, working with the Environment Agency, said demolition was “the only effective and viable” long-term solution for Tapton Terrace, which was engulfed 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 safeguard her home and rescue her.
The council confirmed it had spoken to residents this week to start a process of tailored support for each household.
“Following a review of options, including flood defences and property flood resilience measures, the Environment Agency has concluded that purchasing and demolishing the homes on Tapton Terrace, and preventing future development on the land, offers the only effective and viable long-term solution to keep residents safe,” it said.
“The Environment Agency concluded that the alternative options assessed would not provide viable, long-term protection for Tapton Terrace properties, where the flood risk is already significant, as it is expected to increase because of climate change.”
Homeowners have been assured they will receive a fair market payment for their property, alongside compensation recognising disruption and loss.
The plans remain at a very early stage, the council said, and no residents are being asked to move immediately.
Labour MP for Chesterfield Toby Perkins said the news would be bittersweet for residents.
Mr Perkins said: “Having been here when Chesterfield was flooded in 2007, efforts to protect Tapton Terrace in particular, and other Chesterfield communities, have redoubled since the 2023 floods.
“Working with residents, Chesterfield Borough Council and the Environment Agency, it has become clear, following the coroner’s report, that the risk to life caused by the unique geography of Tapton Terrace was too great and that no workable solution would offer residents there the security they deserve.”
The MP added: “This will be difficult for residents who have built their lives and memories here but the evidence shows that there is no viable long-term way to make these homes safe.
“I also know from my own consultation with residents that most of them accept this and now want to move on.
“My priority has always been to protect people’s lives while ensuring every resident is treated fairly, with the support, compensation and respect they deserve throughout this process.”
Christine Durrant, chief executive of the borough council, said: “Our thoughts remain with Maureen Gilbert’s family and friends, and everyone on Tapton Terrace affected by flooding.
“The Environment Agency’s recommendation reflects the serious long-term flood risk facing these homes. As the local authority, we will work with our partners to progress this project carefully while supporting the residents with clear information and practical help throughout.
“We know this news can be unsettling and we are committed to supporting each household as our plans develop.”
Derbyshire assistant coroner Matthew Kewley issued a prevention of future deaths report after last year’s inquest into Mrs Gilbert’s drowning, urging the Government and the Environment Agency to take action.
Environment Agency area director Lyn Peart said: “We understand just how devastating flooding can be for individuals, families and the wider community, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected.
“Following the coroner’s Prevention of Future Deaths report, we have worked closely and urgently with partners to ensure that reducing the flood risk for residents at Tapton Terrace is a clear and immediate priority.
“We have been working hand‑in‑hand with Chesterfield Borough Council to identify a solution that offers long-term protection and will continue to support the council and residents every step of the way as this vital project progresses.”
