Derbyshire Archives - Planning Design Ltd

Planning pedigree – permission secured for redevelopment of a former kennels within the Green Belt!

26th February 202421st February 2024 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice are delighted to announce that Full planning permission has been secured for the demolition of existing redundant outbuildings, and the erection of a 5 bedroom house and a detached garage at a former kennels located to the south of Morley, Derbyshire (Erewash Borough Council).

Former Kennels — **Figure 2:** Approved Cross-Section

The house would be of quasi-agricultural appearance in terms of its size, scale, design and finish with a traditional palette of materials including red brick, standing seam metal and plain roof tiles are proposed. The dwelling would comprise an entrance hall, open plan kitchen/living/snug area, utility/boot room, WC living room, study, shower room, plant room, media room and store on the ground floor and 5no. bedrooms (with ensuites) across the first floor.

A detached double garage with accommodation above is proposed to the rear of the site.

Planning & Design Practice - Approved Floor plans for Former Kennels — **Figure 3:** Approved Floor Plans

A standalone solar PV array would be located at the rear of the site would provide the majority of the electricity for the house. Primary heating would be provided by an Air Source Heat Pump system.

The site is located within the Derby and Nottingham Green Belt and was formerly occupied by kennels which contains a number of redundant buildings of varying size, scale and condition.

Criterion g) of Paragraph 154 of the National Planning Policy Framework (2023) is most pertinent to this development proposal as it supports ‘complete redevelopment of previously developed land’, which would:

‒ not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt than the existing development; or

‒ not cause substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt, where the development would re-use previously developed land and contribute to meeting an identified affordable housing need within the area of the local planning authority.

When having regard to the nature of the application which is for the demolition of existing commercial buildings and the erection of a single open market dwelling house, the key assessment for the Planning Team was to demonstrate that the proposed redevelopment would not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt than the existing situation.

It was proposed to demolish 7 of the existing buildings on site which have a combined floor area of approximately 734m2 (approximately 1869m3). The combined floor area of the proposed dwelling was approximately 481m2 (approximately 1456m3). The proposed design, layout, appearance and finish is considered to be complementary to the local distinctiveness of the site which would be read as a plain utilitarian functional agricultural building and would sit comfortably against the host residential house.

It was successfully argued that the proposed redevelopment would result in a reduced built form with a building of a lesser scale and proportions thus significantly enhance the openness of the Green Belt by the significant reduction of built development within the immediate and wider site context, in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.

For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Andrew Stock, Associate Director – Chartered Town Planner at Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Statements of Heritage Significance

21st February 2024 by Gary Stringer

Statements of Heritage Significance are vital when it comes to judgements on what forms part of the curtilage to a listed property, they can set out the significance of the building and its relationship with adjoining land and give an accurate history that will aid the decisions of the local authority. Recently Planning & Design Practice were tasked with writing a Statement of Heritage Significance for owners of The Toll Gate House on the outskirts of Ashbourne to aid with planning permission for a dwelling to be built on land they own adjacent to the property.

The Toll Gate House was listed 14-Feb-1974 Grade II: for its special architectural or historic interest. The listing describes Toll Gate house as;

‘Mid C19, on the Southwest side of the later part of the Derby Turnpike Road. Victorian Tudor. Red brick, slate roof with bands of fish scale tiles. Gabled with fretted bargeboards and finials. Tudor style windows with elaborate glazing. Massive chimney stack and subsidiary chimneys. T shaped building with the stem of the T facing the new road. Below the gable is the former signboard, now blank.’

The Toll Gate House at Ashbourne is typical of its type. The original architectural design of Toll Gate House had similarities with the demolished Duffield Road Toll House at Darley Abbey, and with the refurbished Kedleston Road Toll Bar House. These Toll houses were used by the local Turnpike trusts to collect money to maintain the local roads. At the time of building of the Toll Gate House at Ashbourne , many turnpike trusts saw a serious decline in income as long distance traffic was drawn away to the railways. On a restricted budget, some trusts built additional gates on the roads leading to stations. These tollhouses were often much simpler than those built at the height of the turnpike era and may have originally been a narrow cottage alongside the highway not unlike the Ashbourne Toll House.

It was discovered that over the years, using documents provided by the client, the Ashbourne Toll Gate House has undergone many structural changes resulting in the footprint of the building now being dramatically different to when it was initially listed in 1974.

We also discovered it was built up close to the roadside (due to its original purpose) on a narrow plot, it was not until 117 years later that the adjacent land became part of the property, this land has never been fully integrated in use by the property and has even been used until recently for agricultural purposes. Recent high-density development in the immediate area also meant that there is no longer a rural aspect to the property. Therefore, it was concluded in our Statement of Heritage Significance that the proposed development of the adjacent land does not impact on the integrity of the listed building.

Permission was initially refused but we won on appeal and the planning inspector agreed with what we found stating:

‘Overall, I find that the proposed development will not harm the understanding and experience of the listed building. Accordingly, the effect of the development on the setting of Tollgate House, and to its significance would be negligible.’

Detailed factual historical research enabled Planning & Design to prove that the land being built on was never a factor in the significance of Toll gate House and that recent developments had compromised any argument for it being in a rural location. It is a great result for our client.

Statements of Heritage Significance, Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas

Planning & Design Practice have in house heritage specialists who work on a variety of projects that are concerned with Listed Building Consent, Conservation Areas and World Heritage Sites. We always work with the client and the councils to get the best outcome. If heritage is a deciding factor in your future development plans, please get in touch to find out how we can help you, on 01332 347371 or email enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Green belt opportunities

20th February 2024 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice are pleased to announce the approval of an outline application for the demolition of outbuildings including an old barn allowing the erection of a new home within the Derbyshire Green Belt.

The site is located in Heage, a village in the parish of Ripley in the Borough of Amber Valley. Although located on the outer edge of the settlement, the site also has a Green Belt designation. However, the site itself consisted of a previously developed piece of land with hard standing and a number of outbuildings, which had previously been used for chicken farming, stabling, storage and workshops in the last 50 years.

In the Green Belt, development is restricted in the National Planning Policy Framework, with exceptions including:

The replacement of a building, provided the new building is in the same use and not materially larger than the one it replaces;
Limited infilling in villages;
Limited infilling or the partial or complete redevelopment of previously developed land, whether redundant or in continuing use (excluding temporary buildings), which would:
- Not have a greater impact on the openness of the Green Belt than the existing development; or
- Not cause substantial harm to the openness of the Green Belt, where the development would re-use previously developed land and contribute to meeting an identified affordable housing need within the area of the local planning authority.

More specifically, Amber Valley Borough Council’s Local Plan includes a policy in which the replacement of existing dwellings is allowed in Green Belt, providing that it would not result in a disproportionate increase over the size of the original dwelling.

On behalf of our client, we applied for a bungalow which had the same floor area as the combined total of the outbuildings which were proposed to be demolished, sited in the same location as the largest outbuilding. The main arguments set forward were:

There would not be a material increase in the footprint of the building on the site;
It would be the limited infilling of a village; and
It would also be the redevelopment of previously developed land.

The Council were accepting of the proposed development in principle, and with some minor design tweaks, were happy to approve the outline application.

Other considerations for the proposed development included access from the highway, impact on the character of the area, and the impact on neighbouring amenity.

Securing Green Belt development

We have lots of experience as a practice in successful applications and appeals for Green Belt development, often providing both the planning and architecture services. For more information on the team, and our services, or to arrange for a no obligation consultation to discuss your project please contact us on 01332 347371 or enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Emily Anderson, Planner, Planning & Design Practice

We’re recruiting – Planner

6th February 202430th January 2024 by Gary Stringer

Exciting opportunities exist to join our planning team, in our Derby office.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a leading town planning and architectural consultancy looking to recruit a Planner to join our team.

We are a highly regarded team of professionals with development projects in a wide range of sectors including housing, commercial, leisure, agriculture and mixed use. We have an excellent record of success in achieving planning consents and our architectural team are successfully delivering high quality buildings and places. Much of our work is in rural areas and edge of urban locations and many of the sites are sensitive in landscape and historic environment terms. We are strong advocates of sustainable development.

The role will require strong verbal, written and presentation skills. Candidates must be able to demonstrate the ability and initiative to handle a diverse and competing workload and work to tight deadlines. Good interpersonal skills will also be necessary, as will be liaising and negotiating with the public, external consultants and organisations, Council Members and other Council departments. You will be a self-motivated individual with a demonstrable track record of problem solving and working proactively to deliver projects for either Clients or Applicants.

You will be educated to at least degree level and will be, or working towards becoming RTPI chartered.

Planner – Required skills & experience:

Experience of working on a wide range of planning projects;
Commercially aware and able to work proactively;
Articulate and able to communicate to clients and colleagues on all levels;
Good level of spoken and written English;
Excellent organisational skills.

We have an excellent track record in supporting and developing planners. We believe in giving people responsibility and autonomy and you will be given the opportunity to lead your own projects, deal directly with clients and develop your own contacts. Our learning and development offer includes mentoring, training courses and internal workshops to support Continuous Professional Development (CPD).

Salary and Benefits:

Full time permanent position – 37.5 hours per week flexitime and hybrid working arrangement
25 days holiday, plus 3 days at Christmas and Bank Holidays (36 in total)
£25,000-£32,500 – dependent on experience
Techscheme
Cycle to work scheme
Payment of RTPI membership fees
Regular in house CPD events

Join our Planning Team

To be considered for interview please provide a cover letter, CV and examples of your written work to: enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Strictly no agency interest please

Barn storming Green Belt success!

24th January 202416th January 2024 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice is delighted to announce that planning permission has recently been secured for the change of use and conversion of existing traditional red brick agricultural buildings to form 3 houses at a farmstead, within the Green Belt in Ockbrook, Derbyshire (Erewash Borough Council).

The application relates to a series of traditional red brick and plain tiled barns located to the rear (northwest) of the host Farmhouse. The site is bounded by open agricultural fields to the north and west, existing modern agricultural buildings to the east and a single track lane to the south. The site is wholly located within the Green Belt.

Full planning permission was sought for the change of use and conversion of existing traditional red brick agricultural buildings to form 3 dwellings with associated conversion works. A collaborative approach between Planning & Design Practice’s in-house Architects and Planning Consultants was required to produce a sensitive but functional scheme.

Barn 1 relates to a single storey ‘L’ shaped red brick and tiled barn located to the north side of the courtyard. The proposed conversion would comprise an open plan kitchen/living area, 2 bedrooms and bathroom. A residential curtilage and parking for up to 2 vehicles will be provided to the rear of the building.

**Figure 2:** Barn 1 – Approved Elevations and Floor Plans

Barn 2 relates to a split single and two storey red brick and tiled barn located toward the east side of the courtyard. The proposed conversion would comprise an open plan living/kitchen/dining area, 2 bedrooms (with ensuites), pantry and utility room with a WC on the ground floor. A single bedroom would be located on the first floor. A residential curtilage will be provided to the rear of the building and parking for up to 2 vehicles at the entrance to the site.

**Figure 3:** Barn 2 – Approved Elevations and Floor Plans

Barn 3 relates to a one and half storey red brick and tiled barn and a steel portal framed carport located along the western edge of the courtyard. The conversion would comprise an office, utility room, WC, kitchen, lounge, bedroom (with ensuite) and a snug on the ground floor and 2 bedrooms and bathroom across the first floor. A residential curtilage and parking for up to 2 vehicles will be provided to the rear and side of the building.

**Figure 4:** Barn 3 – Approved Elevations and Floor Plans

The application site is wholly located within the Green Belt. Paragraph 155 of the NPPF states certain other forms of development are also not inappropriate in the Green Belt provided they preserve its openness and do not conflict with the purposes of including land within it. These include:

“a) mineral extraction;

b) engineering operations;

c) local transport infrastructure which can demonstrate a requirement for a Green Belt location;

d) the re-use of buildings provided that the buildings are of permanent and substantial construction;

e) material changes in the use of land (such as changes of use for outdoor sport or recreation, or for cemeteries and burial grounds); and

f) development, including buildings, brought forward under a Community Right to Build Order or Neighbourhood Development Order.”

Criterion (d) was most pertinent to this application as it supports the re-use of buildings provided that the buildings are of permanent and substantial construction. The main consideration there-fore was whether or not the buildings are of permanent and substantial construction. The application was accompanied by a Structural Report which independently assessed the structural rigidity of each building to which this application relates. It was successful argued that the buildings are of permanent and substantial construction capable of being converted through carrying out some remedial and repair work.

The proposed change of use and associated conversion works to form 3 houses would have little impact on the character and appearance of the existing buildings as only very minor works were proposed as part of the application including the installation of new windows (including roof-lights) and doors. No extensions were proposed as part of the application. Furthermore, it was proposed to retain all existing agricultural detailing as part of the conversion work.

The complete refurbishment of the buildings and repair to roofs using traditional materials are considered to be a significant benefit of the proposal which would significantly enhance the character and appearance of the existing buildings and the surrounding area.

Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team of Town Planners, Architects, Architectural Assistants, Design Professionals, and Heritage Specialists. Barn conversions are something Planning & Design Practice Ltd are well versed in, having helped lots of clients imagine and realise their dream homes. We have vast experience of working on rural projects for homeowners, landowners and farmers in including barn conversions (both via a planning application and Class Q).

For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Andrew Stock, Associate Director – Chartered Town Planner at Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Farm Diversification Approval for Derbyshire Farm

8th January 202413th December 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is pleased to announce that Full planning permission has recently been secured for the change of use of an agricultural field for use as a driver training facility for excavators as part of a farm diversification scheme in Derbyshire.

Policy S4 of the Adopted Derbyshire Dales Local Plan (2017) which considers development within countryside locations, supports development in such locations if it represents the sustainable growth of tourism or other rural based enterprises in sustainable locations where identified needs are not met by existing facilities or it comprises proposals for agriculture and related development which helps sustain existing agricultural and other rural based enterprises, including complementary farm diversification proposals.

Policy EC10 of the Adopted Derbyshire Dales Local Plan (2017) which deals specifically with farm diversification developments, supports proposals where it can demonstrate that such developments supplement, rather than replace or prejudice, farming activities on the rest of the farm.

The applicant started a free range egg business in 2010, holding up to 32,000 free range hens in three separate buildings across their landholding. In 2019 the applicant secured their own packaging license to sell free range eggs to the general public, including shops, restaurants and hotels covering Ashbourne, Derby, Burton Hilton, Repton and Uttoxeter. The Planning Team at Planning & Design Practice Ltd was instructed to assist in developing a case to demonstrate that the proposed change of use of agricultural field for use as a driver training facility for excavators was policy compliant.

It was successful argued that the proposed development is of a scale which would financially support the farming enterprise carried out on the applicant’s wider land holding rather than replace the farming use.

The site will be operated by Doctore On Track Training Services Ltd provide high quality, training, assessment and accreditation services to the Construction and Rail industries and will make full and effective use of the land and existing buildings for use as classrooms associated with the driver training facility.

Planning your farm diversification aims

Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team of Chartered Town Planners who can take a project through from inception to completion. Farm diversification can be described as any proposal which seeks to supplement farm income on working farms which would be operated ancillary to the existing authorised agricultural activity at existing established farm enterprises. We are well versed in understanding local Council’s policies to ensure the best possible case if put forward for our clients.

For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01332 347371.

Andrew Stock, Associate Director – Chartered Town Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Derby Market Hall – Restored and ready for business

12th December 2023 by Gary Stringer

As thoughts turn towards December 25th, and Christmas shopping for the big day, many Derby residents may well be missing their trip to the Derby Market Hall, to stock up on greeting cards and gifts, poultry and panettone. Derby Market Hall which opened on May 29th, 1866, cost £29,000 to build, and is a rare fine example of a Victorian Market Hall. An iconic landmark in the city centre, it is currently closed and being refurbished at a cost of £35 million. This site has a very long history of trading and community engagement, one that stretches back centuries.

At the end of the 16th century Derby had a population of 2000-2500. Many of these were involved in crafts and trades, or were retailers living in and around Irongate, the Market Place and Sadlergate. There was a baker’s shop in Babington Lane, butchers’ stalls in the Market Place, and tailors living on the Morledge. Cloth working was the town’s staple industry, and tailors and cloth workers had their own trade company¹.

Previously the site of the Market Hall had been part of the Town Improvement Act when architect Matthew Habershon created a new market area behind the Guild Hall around 1835. It already contained permanent stalls, shops, a butter, egg and vegetable market but by the 1860’s this had become inadequate and it was cleared and built anew².

Work on building the Market Hall was begun in 1864 with the laying of the foundation stone. It is a lofty and spacious tunnel vaulted space, built of red brick with stone dressings; and has semi-circular headed windows in arched recesses. The centre slightly projects and is of rusticated stone with a blind arch at each side and arched doorway at the centre. The sides have stone-coped brick parapets and centre a moulded cornice and open balustrade. An impressive interior which has an iron and glass barrel-vaulted roof with a central lantern light. The designer was Borough Surveyor Robert Thorburn, modified, after structural weaknesses had been noted, by his successor Edwin Thompson³.

The iron roof of Derby Market Hall covers an area of 220ft x 110ft. The roof span is 86ft 6ins with an apex at 64ft. The Derby Market Hall roof was built from cast iron and wrought-iron components. These were prefabricated by J. & G Haywood & Co of Phoenix Foundry, Derby (whose company was just over the Derwent on Nottingham Road).

Seventy years later, in the 1930s borough architect Herbert Aslin refitted the interior of the Market Hall with new stalls, this allowed the council to raise the rents.

These remained for around sixty years, until 1989 when further remedial work from Robert Thorburns work needed to be resolved, and new stalls were installed. Workmen discovered unique traces of Derby’s history during the renovation work. A well six feet and 30 feet deep was uncovered, which may have served the buildings that stood on the site prior to 1864. Tunnels were discovered running between the Lock Up Yard and the Guildhall. Experts believe they were probably used to move prisoners between the two areas⁴.

Barely thirty years later those market stalls were again in need of replacing and the building was in need of much needed repairs. Extreme weather such as strong winds, snow, or heavy rain caused a risk that the glass windows might came out of their frames.

This need for renovation presented the Council with an opportunity to transform the Grade II listed building into a contemporary and vibrant destination that will attract visitors from the region and beyond, and act as a showcase for the “Best of Derbyshire”. By linking Derbion and St Peter’s Quarter to the Cathedral Quarter and Becketwell, the transformed Market Hall is intended to serve as a flexible space used for entertainment and restaurants as well as markets offering the best of the region’s independent shopping, food and drink.

The first phase began with extensive roof and structural restoration of its cast iron, copper and glass roof. This was finished in August 2022 and needed a scaffolding structure weighing more than eight blue whales to complete the works.

During these renovations two-time capsules have been discovered by the contractors. They date from 1864 and 1938, the time of the previous renovations. These the time capsules have gone on display at the Derby Local Studies Library, in Full Street, as part of an exhibition, which will run until 16 January.

As one of the most prominent buildings in our city centre, and one envisaged to play such a central role in Derby’s future, the Council have grand ambitions for the revamped Market Hall to function as a seven-days-a-week destination for Derbyshire’s culinary and creative businesses. Equipped with facilities to include a bar and cosmopolitan food court, co-working space, gallery and performance spaces, the Market Hall aims to become a place people want to visit and spend time in again and again.

Time will tell how long this version of the Derby Market Hall will remain but if history tells us anything it is that this Derbyshire icon will continue to serve as a commercial and cultural centre, celebrating the heritage and spirit of innovation that are so distinctive to the region for centuries to come.

Ruth Gray, Heritage Consultant, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

References – Derby Market Hall:

1: Derbyshire Historic Environment Record MDR11254 – Medieval town, Derby

2: M. Craven. Derby An Illustrated History.

3: Derbyshire Historic Environment Record MDR10367 – Market Hall, Market Place, Derby

4: BBC News: Victorian Derby Market Hall celebrates 150 years

Arguing history with a Chat Bot

25th October 2023 by Gary Stringer

A recent exchange between our Heritage Consultant Ruth Gray, and an AI chat bot revealed that artificial intelligence may not know all the facts! Read on to find out more!

I am the heritage consultant for planning & design and my job is to reveal the significance of heritage assets and report on the impact a development may have on a heritage asset. Facts are very important to our reports as key decisions will be based on them. I was curious as to the uses I could put an AI chat bot app to in my work and what I found was alarming! I asked it a simple question:

Me:‘ Tell me about John Smedley Mills is it still open?’

It answered with this;

‘Smedley’s Mill today provides apartment living, office units, workshops, restaurants, shops and communal areas. Parts of the river were restored to create an attractive waterfront environment. The regeneration honoured the mill’s textile heritage.’

This surprised me because the river not next to John Smedley Mills Lea Brook runs beside it my local knowledge told me that. So, I asked it something else;

Me: ‘Isn’t John Smedley the longest running knitwear factory in the world?’

It replied:

‘Yes, you’re absolutely right. The John Smedley mill in Lea Bridge, Derbyshire had the notable distinction of being the longest continuously operating knitwear factory in the world when it finally closed in 2003.’

Closed? I know for a fact it isn’t closed! So I asked it something else;

Me: ‘It’s still open at Lea bridge making knitwear?’

Chat bot: ‘No, you’re right, I misspoke earlier – the original John Smedley knitwear factory at Lea Bridge is no longer operating.’

Anyway, after a lot of back and forth with this ill-informed chat bot I copied and pasted direct information from John Smedley’s current website and its reply was:

‘I clearly had outdated information suggesting the Lea Bridge factory had closed. Thank you again for pointing this out – I’ve updated my knowledge and recognize John Smedley maintains production at this iconic long-running knitwear mill. Please let me know if I can clarify or expand on this correction.’

You can rest assured I will not be using AI generated information in any heritage reports for Planning & Design! Our heritage reports use a combination of historic map data, first hand written evidence, the local historic environment record along with site visits and any other verified information including historic photo images. We present the facts as they are and these help inform the decisions as well as the designs of new developments and projects.

Chat Bot – past, present and future

AI will undoubtedly have its place in our lives in the future but beware of what it can also do to our past! For the moment it is still learning as is evidenced by my recent conversation with it above it only knows what it drags from the web. A lot of our history is still in archives and is still with the locals in their attics! AI hasn’t got all the information ………..yet!

John Smedley is very much still open and thriving after we secured planning permission in December 2015. We were instructed as planning consultants to deliver a complex set of proposals for redevelopment, conversion and part demolition on a site at Lea Mills part of the John Smedley factory. The ‘East Site’ was no longer needed for garment manufacture and development was needed to secure a beneficial future use for the land and buildings and to support the company’s development and expansion. The company also had three listed cottages at risk which were in a poor state of repair and needed to be refurbished and brought back into residential use. You can find out more about the project at this link.

If you have any projects in mind with a heritage element do get in touch with the team here at Planning & Design. This article was written by a human!

Permission secured for Peak District barn

24th October 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice are pleased to announce that planning permission has been secured for the erection of an agricultural building in the Peak District National Park. The building will allow our client to store their tractor securely, complimenting the existing rural business.

In line with our clients brief our Architectural Team, in collaboration with our team of RTPI accredited Town Planners, prepared a scheme that would sit comfortably within the Peak District landscape whilst also considering the rural surroundings of the site. The scheme took into consideration the potential impact on the character of the area and the beauty that the national park offers. These considerations informed the final scheme and the siting of the barn.

The proposed building will be steel framed, with concrete blocks infilling the steel and externally covered in timber. The timber cladding will be vertical and stained dark brown. The roof will include clear panels to allow natural light into the barn. The location of the barn was chosen as it will be sited adjacent to an existing tree line, helping to integrate it into the landscape.

The agricultural building will store a tractor and other agricultural machinery. A tractor and associated equipment (eg mowers, baler, trailer) are needed for hay making, topping and practices relating to the sheep. The tractor is also a vital tool in general maintenance on the farm for example hedging, fencing and wall repairs.

Planning in the Peak District National park

Due to the natural beauty that the Peak District offers, gaining planning permission can be difficult if certain factors are not considered and given sufficient attention during the design phase. Within the National Park, factors such as the proposed design, materials and location within the landscape should always consider what the potential impact could be. These initial details should always be discussed with Clients early on, so any potential hurdles that could occur have been thoroughly considered and subsequently avoided or mitigated.”

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team of Chartered Town Planners, Architects, Architectural Assistants and Heritage Specialists. Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. We can take a project through from inception to completion, but we also offer the flexibility to engage a client’s own architects and provide a planning service, whilst our design team can also work with clients who have engaged other town planning professionals.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are well versed in researching and understanding local Council’s policies to ensure the best possible case if put forward for our clients.

For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 01332 347371 or enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Shaun Hyde, Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Dale Road delight for a vacant property in Matlock

3rd October 202320th September 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice is pleased to announce that Full planning permission has recently been secured for the change of use, conversion and extension of a vacant property located in the heart of Matlock to provide 5 residential apartments and retention of the ground floor and front basement for commercial uses (E Use Class).

**Figure 1:** Photograph of the vacant property (fronting Dale Road)

The property is a three-storey 19th Century unlisted building located within the Matlock Bridge Conservation Area in the centre of Matlock. The property backs onto the River Derwent and command a prominent position within the town.

Vacant property collaboratively reimagined

A collaborative approach between our in-house Planners, Architects, and Heritage Specialist was required to produce a sensitive but functional scheme. The proposed conversion would provide 5 residential units including four studio apartments and one 2 bedroom apartment. The development would see 145.5 sqm of Class E floor space retained for commercial/retail uses. A three storey rear extension is proposed to house an internal staircase providing a separate access to the proposed residential units.

In terms of the principal elevation of the building fronting Dale Road, and the side return which is also visible from Dale Road, there are to be no changes or alterations. In this regard the existing historical character and appearance of the building, which we considered to be an integral part of the Dale Road street scene would be maintained.

**Figure 2:** Proposed side and rear elevations

In social terms the development would contribute towards meeting the District Council’s much-needed objectively assessed open market housing targets and in economic terms the benefits include premises retained for employment uses with a thriving Town Centre.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd is a multi-disciplinary team of Charactered Town Planners, Architects, Architectural Assistants and Heritage Specialists. Gaining planning permission is a key step in almost any development. We can take a project through from inception to completion, but we also offer the flexibility to engage a client’s own architects and provide a planning service, whilst our design team can also work with clients who have engaged other town planning professionals.

Planning & Design Practice Ltd are well versed in understanding local Council’s policies to ensure the best possible case if put forward for our clients.

Own a vacant property or thinking of buying one? For a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Andrew Stock, Associate Director – Chartered Town Planner at Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Planning pedigree – permission secured for redevelopment of a former kennels within the Green Belt!

Statements of Heritage Significance

Statements of Heritage Significance, Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas

Green belt opportunities

Securing Green Belt development

We’re recruiting – Planner

Planner – Required skills & experience:

Join our Planning Team

Barn storming Green Belt success!

Farm Diversification Approval for Derbyshire Farm

Planning your farm diversification aims

Derby Market Hall – Restored and ready for business

References – Derby Market Hall:

Arguing history with a Chat Bot

Chat Bot – past, present and future

Permission secured for Peak District barn

Planning in the Peak District National park

Dale Road delight for a vacant property in Matlock

Vacant property collaboratively reimagined

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