Planning & Design Practice Ltd were delighted to receive planning permission for restoration of a property located in a World Heritage Site. The consent was for alterations, extensions, a new barn and access for a large residence near Milford, Derbyshire. The site was in a sensitive location, situated prominently within the Green Belt, the Belper & Milford Conservation Area and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
The house, despite being unlisted, was deemed to be an attribute of the World Heritage Site. Built circa 1896 by Col. Maurice Hunter for the Strutt Estate, it was originally intended as a rental property for local businessmen. The Strutts made their fortune by establishing cotton mills at Belper and Milford, the introduction of mass production causing the Industrial Revolution. It was eventually the last Derbyshire house lived in by the Strutt family, after heavy death duties had reduced the size of the estate.
A key attribute of the World Heritage Site is its relict agricultural landscape, the majority being historic Strutt farmland. It was therefore essential that the proposals did not gentrify its vulnerable rural character, nor have a detrimental impact upon the character of the Conservation Area.
Planning & Design Practice were consulted as agents and architects after a previous application failed to meet the strict design criteria for the sensitive nature of the site and was refused. We first held a meeting with the planning officers where revised proposals were presented, before proceeding with a new application.
The revised application involved directing visitors to the original, formal entrance to the house, the construction of a timber framed barn to store equipment needed for maintaining the grounds, and extensions and alterations to the house to allow it to function as a family home in the 21st century.
The application was granted permission in May 2020 and we look forward to seeing the house restored to its former glory as an outstanding family home.
Planning & Design Practice Ltd have an excellent track record of working on projects within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and grade listed buildings. We are a multidisciplinary team consisting of planning consultants, architects and heritage consultants.
Director Jon Millhouse specialises in heritage planning and is a Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation. Architectural team leader Lindsay Cruddas is a registered Specialist Conservation Architect. Our Heritage Assistant Ruth Gray recently completed a Masters in Public History and Heritage at the University of Derby.
We use our experience to provide the right level of detail to accompany applications for planning permission and listed building consent.
Contact us today to discuss your next project on 01332 347371.
