We are pleased to report the approval of a significant redevelopment project at St Monica’s House on Windmill Lane, Ashbourne. This recently approved Class MA Prior Approval application, submitted by Planning & Design Practice Ltd on behalf of our client BASIS Registration Ltd, will see the conversion of the existing office space into 8 new residential apartments.
Situated to the north of Ashbourne Town Centre, St Monica’s House is a well-known site locally. Since its construction in 1911 it has been in use as an orphanage, private day school and most recently, office space. With this approval, the intention is to redevelop the site using internal alterations to adapt the existing office layout into residential units, whilst retaining the building’s original structure and character. This will provide quality housing units to support housing delivery in Derbyshire Dales and will compliment recent residential developments in the area, whilst also reflecting the growing prioritisation to revitalise underused buildings for modern needs.
The approved scheme comprises eight 1-2 bed apartments, all of which will meet the Nationally Described Space Standards. The exterior of the site is to be maintained, with the existing parking to be utilised by future residents with no proposed impact to the trees or landscaping on site. The proposals therefore demonstrated how high-density residential schemes through change of use can be delivered sensitively with minimal negative impact to ultimately promote sustainable development.
Demonstrated through this consent, Class MA permitted developments rights allow developers to convert commercial, business and service use (Class E) to residential use (Class C3) through the prior approval process. With an 8-week maximum determination timescale, prior approval is usually a quicker route to securing consent than submission of a full planning application. Class MA prior approval applications also respond to legislation rather than local policy, meaning that such applications bypass local policies which often restrict the loss of employment or commercial unit spaces. As a permitted development right, Class MA is therefore a powerful tool when seeking a change of use from commercial to residential.
If you are interested in discussing your development opportunities, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our planning team on 01332 347371 or enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk
St Monica’s House- Gallery
