Redevelopment of Ambergate Social Club, a brownfield site in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site
This project was an exciting one to work on as it comprised of the redevelopment of a brownfield site at Ambergate. The site comprised of a derelict social club and carpark, two 19th century cottages and an agricultural barn. The whole site had been neglected for the last few years and the buildings were rapidly degrading.
Planning & Design Practice achieved full planning permission for 1 new detached dwelling on the footprint of the old social club, a terrace of 3 new dwellings, the restoration of the two cottages and the conversion of the barn to a dwelling.
The site had its challenges, being located in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, which significantly impacts any potential development as it must either preserve or enhance its character and appearance. The site is additionally located in flood zones 2 & 3, so the Sequential and Exception Test had to be applied and passed, along with demonstrating that the development could be made safe from flooding.
Planning & Design Practice engaged proactively with the Council and local Conservation Officer in lengthy discussions to secure a design that was not considered to harm the Outstanding Universal Value of the World Heritage Site. The plans were revised a couple of times to ensure that a high-quality scheme was produced, with careful attention to detail, particularly on plots 5-7 which would be visible from the A6.
The Planning Officer concluded that as the Council are unable to demonstrate a five-year supply of housing, the proposal was considered to meet the test of sustainable development and there was no identified adverse impacts to outweigh the benefits of the development. As such it was approved.
If you would like to know more about this project, or for a no obligation consultation to discuss your own please contact us.
We are delighted to have been Highly Commended in the Royal Town Planning Institute East Midlands Awards for Excellence in Planning Delivery 2021 for our work on the Ambergate Social Club Redevelopment.
Main Image: Chevin Homes
