The Ockbrook Moravian Settlement is an interesting historical site in Derbyshire, and we are pleased to have successfully achieved Listed Building consent for a single storey extension and internal alterations to a former school to facilitate its new use as children’s residential activity camp at the site. This planning success also includes the change of use of The Mews from a nursery to a C2 use to align with the remainder of the site, plus the associated landscaping works.
The local planning authority stated that the application, ‘has worked in a positive and proactive manner by raising matters of concern during the course of the application, which have been addressed by the applicant through the submission of amended plans and supporting information.’
Planning & Design worked in collaboration with Tate and Co Architects for our clients Over the Wall (OTW) Camp. OTW Camp is a UK based charity for children and young people with health challenges and disabilities. OTW Camp provide a safe place to step outside of comfort zones, establish friendships and build confidence through meaningful and exciting activities.
‘25 years ago, in 1999, Paul Newman founded Over The Wall Camp for children living with long-term health conditions and disabilities. Since then, we have provided our camps for over 17,000 campers.’1
An 18th century Moravian settlement is of high historical value as one of only a limited number of surviving Moravian settlements. Careful consideration was given to every aspect of the project to ensure that the significance and structural integrity of the buildings remained yet all the needs of the children will be met when the new facility is in use.
Ockbrook Moravian Settlement was founded in 1750 it is considered as one of only three such settlements nationally. The six acres and listed red brick buildings, include the Church, Manse, school, and houses; all well-preserved. The settlement has significant heritage value to its previous users; former pupils of the school, local community groups and religious congregations.
The Moravian Church was founded in 1457, in Bohemia (Czech Republic) and was based on simplicity in both life and worship. Persecution followed, becoming so severe that in 1722 many followers of the religion fled to other states. A new base was established in Saxony, Germany with missionaries sent to America and the West Indies. These missionaries also spent time in London, helping to spread the message of the Moravian Church in the UK. In fact the congregation of the Moravian Church established in Ockbrook had to overcome many obstacles itself, facing local opposition who objected to the idea of a new church, causing considerable damage, disruption and delay during its construction.
Following these initial tribulations during the latter part of the 18th century, Ockbrook was to become the centre of the Moravian Church in England. The Moravians were hard-working, highly disciplined people with strict rules. They attended to the basic medical needs of the community, built schools and opened a shop as well as administered to the spiritual needs of the community.
Restoring and repurposing these historic buildings will secure a long term conservation for this notable curio in Derbyshire history, and opening up the site will allow a more diverse group of people access to its fascinating heritage.
Planning & Design – Listed Buildings and Conservation Specialists
At PDP we recognise the importance of the built heritage in our towns, villages and rural areas. We have an in-house team of consultants, conservation architects and architectural technicians who ensure that proposals are designed sympathetically to conserve and enhance historic buildings and sites.
We have worked on numerous schemes affecting Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. We have the expertise and specialist knowledge to achieve success with your project regardless of its size. For more information on the heritage services we provide, or for a no obligation discussion on your project or property, please contact us on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk
