Overview
- Property developer James Holmes draped a 100ft Union flag over the former North East Derbyshire District Council headquarters in Chesterfield after an earlier display was challenged.
- The initial, smaller flag carried a 'Fly the Flag' slogan and a QR code that the borough council classified as an unauthorised advertisement under planning regulations.
- After a storm destroyed that flag, Holmes installed a larger unbranded version, and the council has concluded the current display does not breach planning law and will face no enforcement action.
- Officials say they will still pursue action only if any remaining promotional signage is not removed, while Holmes remains defiant and reports both strong support and some accusations of racism from residents.
- The council pointed to planned Remembrance activity with a poppy cascade on the Town Hall, noting shared intent to recognise the period.