Amber Valley Borough Council Archives

Planning Inspectorate refuse planning permission for solar farm in Alfreton

13th December 2022 by Gary Stringer

Amber Valley Borough Council have been successful in defending their decision to refuse a full planning application for a major solar farm on the outskirts of Alfreton, Derbyshire. The Appellant (a subsidiary company of Kronos) took the refused application to appeal via a public inquiry where a government planning inspector ultimately determined that it was correct to refuse the application and dismissed the appeal.

What development was proposed for Alfreton Solar Farm?

It was proposed to develop the Site into an array of free-standing solar panels and associated infrastructure, to generate just under 50MW of electricity. Following submission of the application and subsequent comments, the Appellant reduced the physical extent of the scheme from c.105 to c.75 hectares. However, the reduction in site area did not reduce the overall electrical output, which remains at just under 50MW (49.9MW) of electricity. 50MW is the threshold for a “nationally significant infrastructure project” within the Planning Act 2008 which meant that the application would have been determined by the Government and not the Local authority.

What was the process to refuse the application for a Solar Farm at Alfreton?

The application was heard at the Planning Board meeting held on Monday 6th December 2021. Following representations made by members of the public, Alfreton Park Community Special School, the applicant’s agent and other interested parties the application was unanimously refused by members of the Planning Board.

Following this, the applicant pursued an appeal against the Local Planning Authorities Decision to refuse the application and a public inquiry was held in The Post Mill Centre in South Normanton for a total of 6 days which included a site visit. Many members of the public were present throughout and were given opportunity for their individual and collective case against the development to be heard.

Why was Alfreton Solar Farm refused?

Careful site selection and design is the best way to avoid or minimise potential adverse landscape and visual impacts arising from solar development. In this case, the sensitivity of the location for large scale ground mounted solar PV was fundamental to the decision to refuse planning permission for the solar farm.

The proposed site was not within a designated landscape, but was in an historic parkland site recognised as a non-designated heritage asset (Alfreton Park) with six public footpaths passing over it, used heavily by residents of Alfreton.

The Inspector found that the panels “would present as a starkly industrial mass of metal” given their prominent location, visible from as far away as 4-5 kilometres. The development would have a significant effect on landscape character and would be significantly out of scale with the landscape and attractive valley landform. He commented that the value of the landscape was enhanced by its accessibility from Alfreton and local footpaths. The inspector found that the proposed new hedging would also serve to be harmful to the landscape, in “stark contrast” to the prevailing situation. The humming noise of inverters would add to the impact for those walking through the site.

On heritage, the Inspector found that there would be harm to the settings of a listed church and manor house and that the heritage significance of Alfreton Park would be seriously compromised. He also found a degree of harm to the more distant, but Grade I listed, Wingfield Manor given the visibility of the site from the west.

A potentially significant issue arose at the inquiry as to impacts upon hypersensitive pupils at a special needs school immediately adjacent to the site. While there was no evidence as to extent of some of these impacts and the Inspector could not draw a firm conclusion, it was a matter that weighed against the scheme.

The Inspector had regard to the need for renewable energy and the lifespan of the development, but he considered that the landscape and visual impacts were decisive, and that 40 years is a very significant period over which those impacts will be felt.

Our Role

Director, Michael Bamford acted on the Council’s behalf to defend the decision to refuse the application. Working with Barrister Ned Westaway, Mel Morris Conservation and Deborah Evans.

2021 – a year in review: Looking ahead to 2022

28th November 202215th December 2021 by Gary Stringer

As 2021 draws to a close, Richard Pigott, Director of Planning & Design Practice looks back to review what has certainly been an interesting year, and looks ahead to the opportunities of 2022.

It’s been another eventful year in the world of the built environment and, closer to home, for Planning & Design itself. The appetite to develop land and buildings or, for many people, make better use of what we have has led to continued strong demand for planning and architectural services.

The Planning White Paper, published in August 2020, promised the biggest shake-up of the planning system since the Second World War. However, there has been a re-think following the Tories’ Chesham and Amersham by-election defeat where planning dominated the campaign, with the electorate concerned that the proposed changes would make the planning system less democratic with less opportunities for communities to participate. There is a general consensus that the system needs to change but a good place to start would be to better fund local planning departments. They have struggled to cope with the perfect storm of ever-tightening purse strings, Covid-related impacts on working schedules and practices and a significant upturn in numbers of planning applications, meaning decision timescales are impossible to predict.

After the pandemic in 2020 (and, alas, this seemingly never-ending story has a few more chapters to run), perhaps the biggest news story of 2021 has been the climate emergency. Whilst we, in the UK, are not on the frontline of extreme weather it is affecting our lives right here, right now. The debate reached a fever pitch when the UK hosted the 26th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26) in Glasgow in the autumn. But how did the conference perform? Is 1.5 (degrees) still alive? And do we now have reason to be optimistic on climate change? According to the general consensus, some significant gains were made but they were not as game changing as many hoped for. This is perhaps not surprising when the leaders of two of the biggest emitters, China and Russia, did not even attend the conference. As COP26 drew to a close, warming of under 2 degrees is potentially in reach, and almost 90 per cent of global emissions are now covered by a net-zero target.

At a policy level, whilst some local planning authorities are adopting their own supplementary planning documents on tackling climate change, Local Plans are often weak or sometimes even silent on the matter and its disappointing to see how little the revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) addressed the climate emergency when it was published in July. This is out of step with public opinion – latest opinion polling by Opinium shows that 66% of people are in favour of connecting planning rules to climate change targets, so that all new development needs to pass tests to make sure they are environmentally friendly. Furthermore, first-hand experience tells me that local councillors are now considering the issue in virtually every decision they make. So, there are clear signs that the political will to ‘do something’ at the local level is gathering momentum even where the policy justification lags behind.

On another positive note, the Environment Act 2021 has recently been passed into law and this will, amongst many other things, from November 2023 require all planning permissions larger than householder permissions to deliver 10% biodiversity net gains (BNG) in as part of the overall development. If there is no scope to provide the relevant net gains on-site, then developers will be able to deliver off-site compensation through local habitat creation.

Again, many local authorities are not prepared to wait another 2 years for this to happen and we are encouraging our clients to deliver 10% BNG wherever possible.

For PDP, we have had an eventful year and more details can be found on the News page on our website. Particular highlights for me include the successful appeal for the extension to Denby Hall Business Park. This was a lengthy public inquiry, and we were able to demonstrate that very special circumstances did exist for development within the Green Belt, including the economic benefits of significant job creation and retention. At Ashbourne Airfield, work on the construction of the new link road is nearly complete, paving the way for the development of around 8 hectares of employment land and hundreds of new homes in phase 1 alone. Also, on the outskirts of Ashbourne, Callow Hall opened its doors again following a £7 million investment which we helped to achieve planning consent on over 2-3 years. Such has been the success of the project that it was awarded the Sunday Times Hotel of the Year for 2021.

On the subject of awards, we were thrilled to be Highly Commended in the recent RTPI East Midlands Awards for Excellence in Planning Delivery 2021 for our work on the Chase Farm scheme in Ambergate. A trio of our clients – Wildhive, Chevin Homes and Morley Hayes were also celebrating awards successes; the first venture for Wildhive, Derbyshire hotel Callow Hall was crowned the UK’s best place to stay by Sunday Times, Chevin Homes won ‘Residential Development of the Year’ at the East Midlands Business Link ‘Brick Awards’ 2021 for Chase Farm, and Morley Hayes carried away two awards at the 13th Derby Food and Drink Awards.

We can also celebrate the continued growth of the architectural team, reinforcing our ability to offer the complete service from concept to completion on a range of projects including bespoke Class Q barn conversions, city centre office-to-residential conversions and large-scale new housing schemes. The Sheffield office also continues to grow and consolidate its position within the Yorkshire region.

Looking towards 2022, lets hope for something a little more ‘normal’, whatever that means. We will continue to strive for ever more sustainable development and hope to see many of you in person over the next 12 months. I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Richard Pigott, Director, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

The extension of Denby Hall Business Park

29th November 202222nd September 2021 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are delighted that outline planning permission with all matters other than access, for an extension to Denby Hall Business Park has been granted following a positive appeal decision.

The successful appeal, following a Public Inquiry is one of the largest permissions of its kind which will help create jobs and boost the local economy of Amber Valley. On behalf of our client, we were able to demonstrate that very special circumstances did exist for development within the Green Belt, including the economic benefits of significant job creation and retention.

The outline proposal sought the erection of 3 industrial buildings to expand the Business Park to provide a new production facility for Garner Aluminium Extrusions Limited, a new warehouse for HL Plastics Limited and a new production facility for LB Plastics Limited. The development would cover 16 hectares of land for industrial development with the land to the west providing biodiversity mitigation. Approximately 423 parking spaces would be provided on site to serve the development.

Collectively, these companies have led the delivery of new window frame manufacture in the UK since the 1970s. Their products have been installed in hundreds of thousands of homes, offices and other buildings across the UK. They occupy an important role in the manufacturing sector for the UK’s construction industry, with an expanding international market.

The development is necessary to allow these businesses to grow existing operations, as they now require larger, purpose-built production space. There were no other equivalent sites capable of providing the required space in the Borough, alongside the benefits of concentration of activities.

The companies employ 700 individuals altogether and the delivery of the scheme will allow the retention of 100 jobs and the creation of a further 680 new jobs in the first 5 years, in a range of skilled occupations. This makes the companies one of the larger manufacturing employers within Derbyshire and Amber Valley, and within the immediate local area (including the towns of Alfreton, Ripley and Belper). They therefore contribute significantly to the local economy, directly and indirectly, and have led in the transformation of the local economy following the closure of Derbyshire collieries from the late 1960s onwards.

There is strong support from national to sub-national levels of policy and strategy for economic development projects and investments which create jobs, and help “build back better” to aid economic recovery from Covid-19. Unemployment almost doubled in Amber Valley between January 2020 and February 2021 as a result of the pandemic and the economic shocks that this created. There are currently 2720 people in Amber Valley currently claiming unemployment benefits and whilst unemployment is going down the level of unemployment is higher than before the pandemic and this provides evidence of a local need for more skilled and semi-skilled jobs to support people and the economy of Amber Valley.

The scheme demonstrated that it would provide undeniable social, economic and environmental benefits which have been attributed significant weight. Combined with the specific type and nature of the scheme, the context of the site and the lack of alternative provision of employment land, the Inspector concluded that “the other considerations in this particular case clearly outweigh the harm by reason of inappropriateness and the harm to the openness of the Green Belt”.

Have you had planning permission refused? Planning and Design Practice Ltd specialise in undertaking planning and enforcement appeals. We have extensive experience of the many types of planning appeals, from written representations to informal hearings and public inquiries.

For more information on this appeal, Denby Hall Business Park or to discuss your own project, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01332 347371.

Designing affordable homes with East Midlands Homes

29th November 202218th August 2021 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are delighted to be working with East Midlands Homes in designing 33 affordable homes in Old Coppice Side, Heanor, Derbyshire.

We obtained planning permission earlier in the summer for 33 one, two and three bedroom homes on land outside the Green Belt next to Shipley Country Park. You can read more about that as this link.

Siegfried Doering, a senior member of our Architectural team is now working with East Midlands Homes to provide detailed designs and specifications for the new homes which will be available to rent by local people in housing need.

This 100% affordable housing scheme will provide much needed housing in a sustainable location next to the park. The houses will be built to a high standard with gardens, parking for cars and private amenity space.

The site is within a short walking distance of Coppice Primary School and there are local shops on Roper Avenue. The site has good access to public transport and with its proximity to the county park future residents will benefit from the wide range out outdoor activities and amenities right on their doorstep.

The homes will be built over the next two years and will help to meet the shortfall in affordable housing in Amber Valley.

We work with developers of all sizes, from small companies working on one property at a time to large housebuilders and commercial organisations where multi-million pound schemes are the norm.

We believe in good architecture. Our approachable and experienced team comprises architects, architectural assistants, designers and technicians. We offer a comprehensive design service through all the RIBA work stages from concept through to completion.

Our core planning and architectural expertise is supported by specialists in Heritage and Urban Design. We always think innovatively, and a collaborative approach is at the heart of what we do.

For more information, or to discuss how we could help with a specific project or property please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Amber Valley – Alternative Spatial Strategy Options

29th November 202227th July 2021 by Gary Stringer

PDP_Class MA, Class MA, Alternative Spacial Strategy

Amber Valley Borough Council has just issued the Alternative Spatial Strategy Options consultation that will run until the 30th of September 2021. It has also issued the Strategic Housing and Employment Land Availability Assessment (SHELAA).

The Strategy Options have two elements.

The first is the quantum of housing and the amount of employment land that should be allocated. There are three options based on a central point where they council believes they can meet both their housing and employment land needs. There is a higher figure to promote growth and a lower figure to restrict growth in the Borough. The central figure is sufficient land for 6,395 dwellings and 42.33ha of employment land. The figure for growth is land for 7994 dwellings and 54.8ha of employment land and the lower figure is 4,796 homes and 34.2ha of employment land.

All these figures should be seen in the context that in 2019 the council were committed to building 9,977 dwellings and releasing 42ha of employment land. Since 2019 the government has changed the method for calculating housing need and the requirement to take housing from Derby, effectively overspill, has gone.

We believe that Amber Valley should pursue a growth agenda, unemployment is currently 4.5% and there is a need to secure employment, particularly in manufacturing. With new jobs comes new housing as jobs and homes should be located close to each other to minimise commuting and to reduce carbon emissions.

The second element is the spatial distribution of homes and employment land. The first option is to focus growth on the edge of Derby but outside the Green Belt. The second is to disburse growth into the villages and away from existing urban areas. The third is for a major urban extension or a new settlement outside the Green Belt, while the fourth is to concentrate development around Alfreton, Belper, Heanor and Ripley and on the edge of Derby with more limited growth in villages.

The fourth option is the likely outcome, but a major urban expansion of Derby, perhaps at Mackworth and Radbourne is a reasonable other option.

It is likely that the council will end up seeking to take the middle course but there will be pressure to limit development and it is important that we are seen to pursue a growth agenda.

The SHELAA is available on the Council’s web-site and it shows which sites have been considered and those considered suitable. It is likely that the quantum of land will broadly meet the middle option.

Jonathan Jenkin, Consultant, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Phase 2 of Chase Farm released

29th November 202215th December 2020 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are delighted to see the ongoing progress of the Chase Farm development, with Phase 2 now released by our clients Chevin Homes. The site comprises an exclusive courtyard development of 8 bespoke dwellings, situated on the edge of the Peak District and enjoying fine views over the Derwent Valley.

The site formerly 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 Ltd achieved full planning permission for one new detached dwelling on the footprint of the old social club, a terrace of 4 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. We 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 designed to ensure that a high-quality scheme was produced, with careful attention to detail.

The site is being developed by high-quality housebuilder Chevin Homes and is proving to be hugely popular. With prices starting from as little as £225,000 (*£180,000 with Help To Buy), enquiries can be made by visiting www.chevinhomes.com or by contacting info@chevinhomes.com

Planning & Design Practice Ltd have worked on numerous schemes affecting the restoration of Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Director Jon Millhouse specialises in heritage planning and architectural team leader Lindsay Cruddas is a registered Specialist Conservation Architect.

For more information, or to discuss a specific project or property please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Developer to appeal after council rejects business park expansion

30th November 202212th October 2020 by Gary Stringer

Following a recent decision by Amber Valley borough councillors to reject plans to extend Denby Hall Business Park we are planning to appeal on behalf of the applicant.

With 60,000 square metres of floor space, the extension to Denby Hall Business Park would create 680 new jobs as well as safeguarding 100 more in the first 5 years of the development going ahead.

Councillors and residents said safeguarding jobs and boosting the local economy did not justify construction on protected green belt land, which was formerly a colliery. This decision was against the recommendations of council officers.

We believe that the council’s decision is wrong and we have recommended that our client goes to appeal. The proposals represent a major investment in a sustainable location and the view of planning professionals is that the development should go ahead.

Defending a planning appeal could cost the council thousands of pounds. This could increase much further if government planning inspectors mandate that the council pay the developer’s appeal costs.

Jonathan Jenkin, Managing Director of Planning Design, acting as agent for the applicants, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We were disappointed by the decision the planning board made last night to refuse planning permission.

“We put forward a very good case that had the support of planning officers. Developing in the green belt is not taken lightly. We were able to show that there are very special circumstances that outweigh the harm to the Green Belt.

“There are no reasonable alternative sites and this was confirmed by the council’s own independent report.

“The minimum amount of green belt land would be used; the project would create and protect 780 jobs and it would create a world leading indigenous and green manufacturing facility.”

Planning and Design Practice Ltd has extensive experience of the appeals system and can take forward written representation; informal hearing and full public inquiries. We also can deal with all types of enforcement action.

A planning appeal is there to allow the opportunity for an independent inspector to review the decision that was made by the Planning Authority and to assess it purely on its planning merits. Both the applicant and objectors can attend the Inquiry ad all points of view will be taken into account.

For more information about the appeals handling process, the types of procedure or to discuss your own case please get in touch.

Main Image: Derby Telegraph

Mining the potential- replacement agricultural dwelling

30th November 202215th September 2020 by Gary Stringer

We have just secured planning permission for a replacement agricultural workers dwelling for a farm in Buckland Hollow in Ambergate, Derbyshire.

Our client had specific design features they needed incorporated in order for the new dwelling to practically integrate with the farming operation, including a large boot-room with the capability to wash the sheep-dogs before entering the house. We were able to secure a larger house than had previously been on the site by using Permitted Development Rights to strengthen our argument to the Local Authority, Amber Valley Borough Council.

The difficulty for the project came following the Coal Authority’s concern about the possibility of shallow mine workings that had been flagged by the coal mining assessment. We entered into a difficult period of negotiation with the Coal Authority, who wanted us to conduct some invasive drilling through the centre of the footprint of the proposed dwelling. The issue from our perspective was that we could not demolish the current structure until we had secured permission to build the replacement. Demolition of the building without the confirmation of the replacement was an unacceptable risk to the applicant. We were able to successfully negotiate with both the Coal and Planning Authorities to secure permission that allowed for the demolition of the building but contained conditions that required the invasive drilling to be carried out before the property could be built. This was a positive outcome for both the Coal Authority and for our client.

Obtaining planning permission can provide you with that dream home in the countryside or maybe the way of life you have always dreamt of.

It can also bring about significant gains and help to maximise the value of your rural property. However, development in the countryside is subject to strict planning controls which can make obtaining planning permission very difficult. We have vast experience of working on rural projects for homeowners, landowners and farmers in rural areas including agricultural dwellings and occupancy conditions, farm diversification schemes and Class Q barn conversions. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a no obligation consultation to discuss your particular building or project.

Rory Bradford, Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Approval in principle for new homes following virtual planning meeting

19th June 202317th June 2020 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are delighted to have secured approval in principle for 160 new homes on a large brownfield site near the village of Nether Heage, Derbyshire.

On Monday 15 June, members of Amber Valley Planning Board enthusiastically embraced running their first virtual committee meeting on Zoom. New protocols were used to allow all councillors to debate and comment on the applications before them. The meeting was managed by the Democratic Services Officer Rebecca Smith.

After a couple of short delays, the meeting got underway. Our client’s scheme for 160 dwellings was the first item to be decided on the agenda. In terms of context whilst not in the built framework of the village of Nether Heage, it is on the edge and it is a large brownfield site which is on the Councils Brown field Sites Register and therefore a priority for housing development. There were three objectors and the local ward councillor who spoke on the matter. Each was introduced and each was given three minutes. Stopping people speaking after 3 minutes was simple for Rebecca Smith who managed the event. The main concern for objectors was not the principle of development but the increase in people who would live in the village and use local services including Heage School. The objectors saw it as a problem of an increase in traffic and pedestrian vehicle conflict and congestion around school times. Objectors did not take into account the reductions of heavy vehicle traffic that would result or the financial gains to local schools and support for playing fields. As Agent I spoke last picking up on the points raised and reaffirming the strong case for planning approval.

Members generally welcomed the work we had done with the applicant to reduce the numbers of homes, address issues around drainage and importantly reduce the site area itself so that land within the Green Belt was not included. The debate was limited and the application was approved unanimously.

The next step is now the Section 106 to cover matters of off -site funding and monitoring. This needs to be signed and the Decision Notice issued. Previously on this site the committee approved a slightly larger scheme which included green belt land (but only as open space) only to revoke their decision before the Decision notice was issued due to changes in the local plan. This led to the application being re-presented to committee and refused last year. At every stage the application has had the professional support of the council’s planning team.

We are very pleased to have an approval in principle. The appeal on the larger scheme will continue to run until we have the Planning Permission. The client’s legal advisers will be working with the council to agree the Section 106 over the coming weeks.

Getting planning permission on this site has been very frustrating for me and for our client. We had an approval in principle back in the spring of 2019, over 12 months ago. The Section 106 legal agreement had been signed and we were just waiting for the Decision Notice to be issued. A day before we were expecting the Decision Notice, the council pulled the application on the grounds that having dropped the Local Plan, they had a 5-year housing supply.

This led to the previous application being re-presented to the planning committee. There had been a change in political control after the May 2019 local election and the new controlling group refused the application on thin grounds, but principally because the application site area included green belt land even though this land was not going to be built on.

We submitted an appeal, but we also amended the proposals to address some of the concerns that had been raised. We expect that the Decision notice will be issued shortly and that a further reserved matters application can follow on. A change in political control can have ramifications for development and for developers. Delay is a cost which is often overlooked. It also required our client to pay for revised proposals and for an appeal submission. Running an appeal can be very useful where a council has refused an application on political grounds not planning grounds. The impact of a costs claim and the political ramifications can be great particularly if another political group seek to use it to highlight waste in the council through poor decision making. An appeal can strengthen your position, and whilst it needs to be there and be known it should not be used explicitly at planning committee.

Roger Hartshorn, Director, Garner Holdings Ltd said:

“This is great news for Nether Heage and will ultimately provide a perfect backstop for the historic windmill. The houses are needed within the area and will also give the benefit of stopping commercial vehicles winding through the village. We are now actively looking and working with AVBC to find an alternate site so that the employment and jobs can be retained within the locality.”

Jonathan Jenkin, Managing Director, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Approval in Principle — Image: Sylvia Hill / Nottingham and Derby Hot Air Balloon Club

Not the end of the line for historic station

3rd December 20192nd December 2019 by Gary Stringer

The historic Wingfield Station, recognised as one of Derbyshire’s top ten most important ‘at risk’ buildings – has been rescued thanks to the collaborative work of Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT), Amber Valley Borough Council (AVBC) and The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Built in 1840, the Grade II* listed Wingfield Station and Parcel Shed closed in 1967. It is one of the earliest stations built in England – possibly the world. It is also the last surviving example of railway architect, Francis Thompson’s best work on the North Midland Railway.

Francis Thompson was commissioned by Robert Stephenson – son of George Stephenson – to design 24 stations along the Derby to Leeds section of the North Midland Line. Wingfield Station is the only one to survive. As well as being famous for his railway work, Francis Thompson designed houses, commercial buildings, and many publicly acclaimed buildings. One of the most representative of his surviving work is the Midland (now Hallmark) Hotel, Derby.

In 2012, the Victorian Society described the station as a “maimed beauty deserving better” and one of the ten most important buildings at risk in the country.

AVBC compulsorily purchased the building after more than 30 years of concern over the deteriorating condition of the Station, which is in urgent need of repair and conservation.

The council will hand over ownership of the buildings to DHBT on Tuesday 10 December 10th, in order for the Trust to begin essential works to preserve it for future commercial and community use.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded DHBT development funding of £137,000 to start the project and an application for a further grant to complete the work is planned.

During the restoration of the nationally significant buildings, DHBT is planning to offer a host of activities including “Living History” events detailing the story of the station and the North Midland Railway line as well as open days for the public and local community to gain first-hand experience of the project. In addition the Trust will offer bursary placements for young people’s training in traditional skills.

The Trust will also be recruiting volunteers to help with the project as well as collecting memories and experiences of those who used to work, or had families who worked, at the station or on the local railway.

Commenting on the project Peter Milner FRICS, DHBT Trustee Lead said: “We’re very grateful to the work done by Amber Valley Borough Council and for the National Heritage Lottery Fund support. We intend to give the building a new lease of life as well as offering many opportunities for the community and students to get involved. It’s great to know that we are a step closer to taking the building off the Heritage at Risk Register and ensure its survival for years to come.”

Derek Latham, Chair of DHBT said: “Wingfield Station is just one of many heritage buildings at risk in Derbyshire that we want to see saved and restored for the benefit of our communities in perpetuity. We hope the rescue of Wingfield Station will encourage more action to be taken to secure the future of others on the list.”

Other funders who have made this project possible include The Pilgrim Trust and The Architectural Heritage Fund.

“Wingfield Station is said to be the oldest surviving rural railway station in the world, so it’s great to hear that the Trust will not only be restoring the building, but also opening up that heritage to the local community” said Jon Millhouse, Director at Planning & Design Practice Ltd.

Jon is both a Chartered Town Planner and a member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.

Planning & Design recognise the importance of the built heritage in our towns, villages and rural areas.

We have worked on numerous schemes affecting Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. Director Jon Millhouse specialises in heritage planning and design team leader Lindsay Cruddas is a registered Specialist Conservation Architect.

To discuss a specific project or for general heritage enquiries, please get in touch.