Locksmiths and gun shop at Land opposite (west of) Park View, Etwall Road, Egginton, Derby

What was proposed

The application sought to change agricultural land to commercial use and build a single-storey agricultural-style locksmiths and gun shop with associated facilities.

“Proposal: Change of use of land and the erection of an agricultural style commercial property (locksmiths and gun shop (Use Class E)) and associated amenities at Land opposite (west of) Park View, Etwall Road, Egginton, Derby, DE65 6GW Ward: Etwall Reason for committee determination This application has been called into committee by Councillor Muller due to local concern raised.”

“The Highways Officer has reviewed the application and subject to conditions offers no objections to the development, additionally the Force Designing Out Crime Officer has reviewed the application and considers that the proposal is acceptable, with proposed security measures ensured through conditions and the Firearms Act 1968 which is strictly controlled.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site was agricultural land with an existing access, hedgerows, trees, parking proposals, and a nearby school and listed building.

“At the frontage of the site there is an existing mature hedgerow and there is large area of tree planting to both the north and south of the site boundary. The surrounding area on Etwall Road forms the main route between the A5132 and the level crossing prior to Etwall. Opposite the application site to the east is a small group residential dwellings, to the west at the rear of the application site is Longdon Park School which is a Grade II Listed Building.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history, while the historic ridge-and-furrow record was considered no longer present.

“Business Plan received 02 April 2026 : This sets out the existing business of Livens Ltd that is located in High Street, Burton-on-Trent and acts as a Locksmithing and Gun Shop that has been operating as a family business for over 175 years. The proposed growth of the business is outlined through the relocation to a larger premises, increasing staff numbers and the opportunity to reach to more customers.”

“Conservation Officer The application site is within the setting of a Grade II listed Building Park Hill, Egginton - 1372020 | Historic England Historic mapping suggests an association with the application site to the Listed Building The application site includes a HER record: MDR15435 - Ridge and furrow, east of Park Hill, Egginton - Derbyshire Historic Environment Record The landscape character has been unchanged in the intervening period (1904 – 2026 mapping period).”

Officer report

Who spoke

An objector and the applicant addressed the committee, and Councillors Muller and Kirke spoke as local ward members.

Members’ concerns

Members questioned the business’s local need, school safety, the rural location outside the settlement boundary, and effects on local heritage.

“As Local Ward Member, Councillor A Kirke addressed the Committee and raised concerns regarding the loss of agricultural land and that the rural location was not an appropriate site for the proposed business, which would not be for local people.”

“Members considered the Application and raised concerns that the proposed business was not linked to local business need, safety concerns regarding the special educational school, outside of the settlement boundary and the impact on local heritage.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee refused permission because heritage harm was not outweighed by public benefit and the isolated site would increase unsustainable journeys into the rural area.

“RESOLVED: That planning permission be refused contrary to the recommendations in the report of the Head of Planning due to the less than substantial harm to the setting of the listed building for which there was no public benefit to outweigh the harm and the site was in an isolated location which would increase unsustainable journeys into the rural area…”

Minutes