Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Archives

Planning success mitigates factory fire risk

11th September 202319th July 2023 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice have successfully secured full planning permission for the installation of a sprinkler system and associated apparatus at the factory of John Smedley Limited textile manufacturers in Lea Mills, Matlock, Derbyshire. The site is of historic importance as the world’s oldest manufacturing factory in continuous operation. It is the last surviving operational textile mill in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

The sprinkler system is both a health and safety, and insurance requirement for the continued operation of the manufacturing business, which brings considerable employment and other economic benefits to the local area. Evidencing this need and the value of the continued operation of the manufacturer was key in securing planning permission.

The site’s historic importance and location within the Castle Top/Lea Bridge and High Peak Conservation Area, and the Dethick, Lea & Holloway Conservation Area required a detailed heritage impact assessment and design expertise to ensure sympathetic design of the new pump house, water tank, and exterior fittings required for the sprinkler system. This involved choosing an inconspicuous colour scheme, recessed design and incorporating suitable screening.

The design of the proposed additions, consideration of heritage impacts and the clear business need for the development was sufficient to achieve approval from Derbyshire Dales District Council. Planning & Design Practice’s in-house heritage experts are able to respond to the complex requirements for development in Conservation Areas, working collaboratively with our core team of planning practitioners and architectural specialists to secure favourable planning outcomes.

This collaborative approach has formed our strong reputation for providing honest and sound commercial advice, skilled presentation, advocacy and negotiation, with a successful track record since being founded in 2002.

A history of success at John Smedley factory

We have had previous successes with John Smedley Ltd. Planning & Design were previously instructed as planning consultants to deliver a complex set of proposals for redevelopment, conversion and part demolition on a site at the 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.

Permission was granted for the redevelopment of surplus land and buildings at the factory site to provide 26 new homes, through a combination of conversion and new build.

You can read more about that project at this link.

Planning & Design have a wealth of experience in designing and securing planning permission for commercial projects. We have the required skills to design both small and large scale schemes in-house and tailor the design to the client’s unique specifications. Unsure of your site’s potential? We are also able to provide our professional opinion on the planning potential of your property at the outset.

For more information, or to discuss your proposals please contact us at enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk or phone 01332 347371.

Alice Wibberley (placement student July 2023) with Emily Anderson, Planner, Planning & Design Practice Ltd

Positive ownership makes for post industrial opportunities – Salt Mill leads by example

22nd March 202322nd March 2023 by Gary Stringer

What to do with a massive mill complex left over from the Industrial Revolution? Our Heritage Consultant Ruth Gray looks at how careful ownership can be the key to a building’s successful re-purposing and create a 21st century asset, capitalising on the new industries of leisure and tourism.

The North and East Mill set on Derbyshire’s Derwent River on the edge of town was Belper’s beating heart since the 18th century until finally the last workers left as the textile industry and the building itself could finally no longer feasibly function.

All over the country and indeed world there are huge complex buildings that were built for specific industries that lie empty awaiting an alternative use. But finding that use is a long and drawn-out process, and we all know of sites that become derelict eyesores while we wait for the various stakeholders to come together to find a solution. Meanwhile the general public look on in bewilderment as a building literally crumbles before their eyes and in the case of the East Mill in Belper Peregrines make a home, vegetation takes hold causing the bricks to tumble and the doors to seize up from the damp. It’s a sad sight for the towns people.

The added complication is that the North and East Mill in Belper lie within the UNESCO Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and the North Mill is Grade I listed, and the East Mill is Grade II listed it is a highly significant site. Finding the optimal viable use for such buildings is crucial in order to retain them for future generations as well as to continue to tell the story of the place that helped develop the international cotton industry with unique methods and inventions.

Salts Mill – an example of what to do

Positive ownership is the key to saving these buildings it is crucial and the only way to make the difference. Often a project is so complex it takes an alternative route to kick start the process. As a case study Salts Mill in Saltaire is a comparable example of a large mill complex in a WHS that has kickstarted the rejuvenation of Saltaire bringing prosperity via culture. Jonathan Silver was an entrepreneur from Bradford he bought Salts Mill in 1987. The mill was in a dilapidated state, but Silver could see the building’s potential, and transformed it.

But he didn’t do it all at once he did not have a blueprint. He did the following:

The only masterplan he ever had (a shopping mall plus marina) was quickly dropped.
Architect Rod Hackney advised him not to be in a hurry to let space at Salts, but to wait for quality clients. Silver heeded this advice.
He accepted a suggestion to start off by putting on theatrical events by the IOU company and Opera North. He believed regeneration can start from any point, no matter how small. It does not have to be large-scale.
Wherever possible he avoided committees, red tape, bureaucracy, which he said impede decisive decision-making.
He went for quality, didn’t cut corners and wasn’t afraid of allowing someone to make a profit from his enterprise.

Saltaire, Bradford, West Yorkshire. October, 2013, View of Salts Mill, a UNESCO world heritage site and gallery and diner

Cromford Mill further up the valley are in the process of achieving a similar outcome to Salts Mill the Arkwright Society has taken the long road working step by step to save the important buildings and build sustainability through a mix of events and business tenants.

For the Belper Mills there are two live planning applications, AVA-2018-0818 and AVA-2018-0819. 0818 is the main application and covers works proposed to the East Mill, North Mill, Workshops, Strutt House and the Archway Bridge/Gangway over the road. Five years since they were first submitted its still ongoing. Privately owned and mired in bureaucracy there is not a lot that the general public can do but wait. Although buildings such as these do not have time to wait, they are like critically ill patients that need immediate attention and careful custodianship.

Further Reading:

1: Legacy showed the way ahead for regeneration

2: New drive to save historic Belper Mills after years of problems

Main Image: Ruth Gray Images

Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Quiz

10th January 202314th December 2022 by Gary Stringer

World heritage status was bestowed on the Derwent Valley in 2001 in recognition of its international significance for the developments that took place there in the late 18th century that led to lasting technological and cultural changes which resonated around the world.

Planning & Design Practice regularly work with buildings that are within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site (DVMWHS). UNESCO encourages all planning applications that effect WHSs to include a Heritage Impact Assessment in accordance with the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) guidance. The site runs from Matlock Bath to Derby and includes mills and purpose-built factory workers houses and unique transport systems many of the properties are Listed Buildings and there are several Conservation Areas.

The complexity of all this wonderful heritage can be confusing for anyone wanting to make alterations to their property or make changes to the use of a building. Our in-house heritage team can provide Heritage Impact Assessments to support your planning applications if you live in the WHS or its buffer zone.

Test your knowledge of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site in our quick quiz:

1: What is the length in kilometres is the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site from North to South?

2: What is the name of the structure in which the mill bell on top of Masson Mill is situated?

3: In 1771 Richard Arkwright built Cromford Mill what is the name of the water source he used to power the mill?

4: Cromford Station was part of the Manchester, Matlock, Buxton, and Midlands Junction Railway, now known as the Derwent Valley Line, but it’s also famous for its use by what Brit pop band for its record cover?

5: Planning & Design recently helped enable the restoration of the four workers cottages adjacent to John Smedley’s Mill at Lea Bridge. John Smedley (1803-1874) wasn’t the original owner of the mill complex, who was the original owner who had a famous daughter?

6: What was special about the design of the rebuilt 1804 North Mill in Belper?

7: There are several well-known textile mills within the Derwent Valley Mills WHS but what is the name of the former paper mill in Little Eaton that sits on the banks of the River Derwent?

8: What year was the Silk Mill at Derby built?
A. 1771
B. 1804
C. 1721

Scroll down for answers!

Our Heritage Team

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. For more information on our team, and the Heritage Services we offer please contact us on 01332 347371.

Answers:

24K
Cupola
Bonsall Brook.
“Some Might Say” is a song by English rock band Oasis. It was released as the first single on 24 April 1995 from their second studio album, (What’s the Story) Morning Glory? (1995).
Peter Nightingale built the complex in 1783 powered by the Lea Brook his daughter was Florence Nightingale.
After a fire in 1803 that destroyed Belper North Mill William Strutt was the first to systematically tackle the threat of fire in textile mills by first cladding with plaster and then by the use of iron and brick. Every aspect of the North Mill is was designed to resist combustion.
Peckwash Mill. Paper mills supported the textile mills using the cotton waste as a raw material to produce wrapping for parcels before they were dispatched to customers, the paper was also used for admin purposes.
1721. The silk mill was the first large scale factory style production complex to be powered by a single undershot wheel. The mill was five storeys high 33.5m long and 12 m wide. By 1730 300 people are said to be employed at the Silk Mill.

Club house success for Belper Rugby Club

28th November 202225th May 2022 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice are delighted to have helped redesign and negotiate a successful planning application for a new extension to the club house at Belper Rugby Club. The site is situated in a sensitive location within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and next door to the Grade II Listed Babbington Hospital, which was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott, who also co-designed the Houses of Parliament.

Belper Rugby Union Football Club (BRUFC) is a community-based, popular rugby club and is the flagship rugby club in Amber Valley. The club was founded in 1975 and in the early years the club played its games on local pitches, using public houses for a clubhouse. In the 1980’s the club moved to Eyes Meadows, Duffield where it developed to regularly field three senior sides.

In 1995 the club identified Strutts Field as a possible new home. The school, which ran the site were finding it a burden and were looking for a partner to help with its upkeep, whilst not losing its use. After discussions, the club and school saw the benefit of working together and a lease was signed (with Derbyshire County Council) prior to the 1995/6 season. Strutts School has since closed and transferred to a new site on the Parks Estate. The current lease with Derbyshire County Council runs until 2056.

Initially there was only changing facilities at the site and in 1996 Amber Valley Borough Council offered the club a prefabricated building that had previously been used as office accommodation. As these facilities were temporary, and with support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the University of Derby School of Engineering, plans for a new clubhouse were approved with construction completed in 2004. The club currently comprises 4 changing rooms, referee changing rooms, a social area with kitchen and a fully licensed bar. These facilities were adequate at the time for 2 adult male teams. BRUFC are an entirely volunteer run, community sports club. The club has emerged from the pandemic in a healthy position and player numbers continue to grow.

Currently, BRUFC have 90 registered male players, 30 registered female players and 135 players aged under 18. BRUFC continue to play First and Second senior teams each week and regularly have 3rds/Veterans matches. BRUFC women’s team is thriving and has started playing in a development team league, and BRUFC Juniors section has both boys and girls regularly playing and training. As the club continues to grow there is a requirement for the clubhouse to extend to allow for the additional occupancy.

The existing social space is not large enough to accommodate existing membership, and as a result lose much needed revenue. The extension will provide facilities more suited to the more diverse membership and to visitors to the club. The extension will also result in the club being able to offer a new and much-needed social facility for the community of Belper in a town centre location. BRUFC intend to use the extension to the social area as a means to income generate by hiring it out for private functions, such as small weddings.

At Planning & Design Practice, we recognise the importance of the built heritage in our towns, villages and rural areas. Our Heritage team includes Director Jon Millhouse, who is a Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, Architectural team leader Lindsay Cruddas, a registered Specialist Conservation Architect and Heritage Assistant Ruth Gray who recently completed a Masters in Public History and Heritage at the University of Derby. For more information on the heritage services we offer, or for a free, no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out how we can help on 01332 347371.

Planning success for new yoga studio

28th November 202217th November 2021 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice are pleased to announce that permission has been granted for a new yoga studio in Derby city centre, converting a classic terraced house from a small family home into its new business use. The first floor has been opened up to create the yoga studio itself and the stairway and entrance hall have been reconfigured to create a more welcoming and comfortable environment.

Special attention has been paid to preserving the heritage of the street scene when choosing a new fire escape window with an in-keeping sash window being installed to serve the first-floor studio.

The property is close to the city centre and whilst predominantly residential the street itself contains a number of other small businesses. Our client is a well-respected and experienced certified Iyengar yoga teacher with an established client base, many of whom live in this part of the city. The building has been in the family for some time and the purpose of the application was to create a small centre for the teaching and practice of yoga and the delivery of complementary therapies. Whilst this was an application for small business use, as part of the application, the applicant would also like to be able to revert the building back to being a dwellinghouse at some point in the future without having to re-apply for planning permission.

As yoga is considered both a health and a leisure use, it now forms part of Class E of the amended Use Classes Order. Many people use yoga for their physical and mental health, mindfulness and wellbeing, but there is also a recreational element to yoga, it is an opportunity to meet and to undertake a shared exercise experience. Class E also includes former B1 uses which can take place within a residential area.

The proposed development represents an exciting and sustainable re-use for this building. The site benefits from being a sustainable location with a range of transport options available to clients. The parking restrictions on the streets surrounding the site will prevent the development from having a negative impact on the highways. The quiet nature of the studio and the proposed hours of opening will protect the amenity of neighbours. With no exterior alterations to the building being proposed its contribution to the Strutts Park Conservation area, and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Buffer Zone will be unaffected.

Planning & Design Practice have a wealth of experience in designing and securing planning permission for commercial projects. We have the required skills to design both small- and large-scale schemes in-house and tailor the design to our client’s unique specifications. If you are unsure of your site’s potential, we are also able to provide our professional opinion on the planning potential of your property at the outset. For a no obligation consultation to discuss your project or property please get in touch on 01332 347371 or at enquiries@planningdesign.co.uk.

Main Image: Photo by Elina Fairytale from Pexels

Heritage project update – November 2021

28th November 202216th November 2021 by Gary Stringer

Jon Millhouse, both a Chartered Town Planner and a Full Member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, with a specialist interest in Historic Building Conservation gives a further Heritage Project update on a number of interesting heritage and conservation projects that Planning & Design Practice Ltd are currently engaged with.

It has been a busy few months for the heritage team at Planning & Design Practice. We have welcomed Ruth Gray to the team as a Heritage Assistant. Ruth has a Master’s degree in Public History and has enhanced our capacity to prepare heritage reports and appraisals. Her research skills and knowledge of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site have already proved to be a great asset.

The Elvaston castle master plan proposals are progressing extremely well. We are employed by Derbyshire County Council to provide strategic planning advice and compile the forthcoming planning and listed building applications. Our work includes preparing a supporting planning statement and environmental impact assessment which are nearing completion. Exciting proposals for the reuse and restoration of listed buildings at the estate have been drawn up by architects Simpson and Brown, promising a much enhanced visitor experience. A public exhibition was held onsite at the Castle on Friday 12 November as well as being available online as a virtual exhibition for the week of November 8. The applications are due to be submitted by the end of the year.

We were pleased to see two of our earlier schemes received recognition in the form of awards recently. Chase Farm, Ambergate, a small housing scheme in the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site designed by our architects and developed by Chevin Homes, was recognised at the East Midlands Business Link “Brick Awards 2021”. In addition Callow Hall Ashbourne, where we provided planning support and help to secure consent for an extension and new accommodation in the grounds, was given the honour of best hotel of the year by the Sunday Times newspaper.

Other smaller but no less interesting schemes we have worked on recently include designing and obtaining consent for a small extension to an original Arkwright cottage in Cromford in the heart of the World Heritage site, listed building consent for the restoration of a 18th century gardeners bothy in the grounds of the former Glapwell Hall, and designing and obtaining planning consent for the conversion of a delightful old stone field barn to a new home at Hollington Staffordshire.

For more information on all things planning and architecture related, plus national news, projects we have worked on as well as expert advice and opinion, sign up to receive our free Monthly Newsletter.

Jon Millhouse, Director, 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.

RTPI’s “Re-use of Historic Buildings” webinar -Showcasing Smedley’s

29th November 202226th October 2020 by Gary Stringer

Planning & Design Practice Director Jon Millhouse gave a presentation on Friday 9 October as part of the RTPI East Midlands webinar ‘The Re-use of Historic Buildings’.

This webinar forms part of the RTPI Online series, and was an opportunity to look at best practice in the redevelopment and re-use of important historical assets. Jon joined a panel of speakers including experts from Savills, Locus Consulting and City of Lincoln Council who reviewed current legislation, policy and guidance. The event also featured in-depth case studies, one from from Lincoln looking at the Lincoln Cathedral Visitor centre and Cornhill Quarter, and the second on the redevelopment of a Derbyshire mill complex for commercial and residential uses, the John Smedley Mills project, that Planning Design were lucky enough to work on.

Jon commented “it was great to share my experiences of a rewarding and interesting project, and reflect on the practicalities of redeveloping an historic site and using planning obligations in a creative way to secure Investments into worthwhile projects such as an apprenticeship training programme, the establishment of an archive for historic garments and the restoration of dilapidated listed buildings”.

At the 2019 RTPI East Midlands Awards for Planning Excellence, our work for John Smedley Mills was awarded the Highly Commended Certificate for Excellence in Planning for Heritage & Culture.

The Highly Commended Certificate recognised our work on the redevelopment of the ‘East Site’ at John Smedley Mills, Lea Bridge. Planning Design were instructed as planning consultants, alongside Evans Vettori Architects to deliver a complex set of proposals for redevelopment, conversion and part demolition on the site, which is the last working textile mill in the Derwent Valley World Heritage Site and the “oldest manufacturing factory in the world”.

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 scheme included the renovation of three late 18th century Grade II Listed cottages which were in a very poor state of repair and on the “heritage at risk” register.

The full ‘The Re-use of Historic Buildings’ webinar is available to view on the RTPI East Midlands YouTube channel.

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.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us for a free 30 minute consultation to discuss a particular building or project.

Planning permission for restoration in World Heritage Site

5th December 202220th May 2020 by Gary Stringer

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.

We use our experience to provide the right level of detail to accompany applications for planning permission and listed building consent.

Farming diversification for the new decade

10th March 2020 by Gary Stringer

The National Farmers Union (NFU) have recently published their 2020 Farming Diversification Report and with the start of a new decade, a number of factors have made the opportunity for diversification more attractive.

The UK’s departure from the EU will result in the progressive withdrawal of CAP subsidies and the introduction of the ‘ELMS’ Environmental Land Management Scheme. This is intended to divert payments to land where the quality of environment is enhanced, for example increased biodiversity, water and soil quality or protection of historic environments.

The rise in popularity of ‘Wellness Tourism’ also provides an opportunity for diversification, as those in towns and cities turn to open countryside retreats. We recently obtained Listed Building Consent for the conversion of a Grade II listed farmstead in Longford to six holiday letting units.

The introduction of Class Q Permitted Development Rights also allow for the conversion of modern agricultural buildings. This can allow a diversified stream of income, reducing the reliance on farming activity. We have been involved in many successful Class Q conversions.

Class Q Conversion of a Steel Barn, Burton-on-Trent

Planning & Design have worked on numerous diversification schemes, a prime example being Wakebridge Farm at Crich. The farm dates from the late 18th Century and is built on the site of the former Wakebridge Manor and chapel. The proposed redevelopment involves the establishment of a sheep dairy enterprise with associated creamery, hotel, restaurant and bar. We were delighted to obtain Planning and Listed Building Consent for the full redevelopment for the farm which is a prominent feature in the landscape of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

Proposed refurbishment of the barns at Wakebridge Farm, Crich

We have vast experience of working on rural projects for homeowners, landowners and farmers in rural areas including:
• Rural housing development
• Barn conversions (Both via a planning application and Class Q)
• Agricultural dwellings and occupancy conditions
• Agricultural buildings
• Equestrian development
• Farm Diversification schemes
• Tourist accommodation
• Certificates of Lawfulness
• Restoration of Listed Buildings
• Planning permission within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site

If you have any questions about a rural planning project please do not hesitate to get in touch.