Homes and office building at Derbyshire County Council County Hall, Matlock

What was proposed

The application sought outline permission for up to 50 homes, a new office building and associated development, with access decided at this stage.

“The application seeks outline planning permission for up to 50no. dwellings (Class C3), a new office building (Class E) and associated development with approval being sought for access. All other matters relating to the proposal are reserved, namely: appearance, layout, scale and landscaping.”

“The new office building would be sited to the north of the site where the Business Centre is currently located. The Business Centre and the adjacent Stable Block would be demolished. A design code and parameters plan have been prepared to provide a guide on the scale and form of the office building and to establish design principles.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

County Hall is a listed building in the Matlock Bank Conservation Area, on a steep site with mature trees, woodland, an orchard and extensive parking.

“County Hall is a prominent Grade II listed building, situated on the junction with Smedley Street and Bank Road and forms the heart of the Matlock Bank Conservation Area. Prior to its acquisition by Derbyshire County Council in 1955, the building now known as County Hall was purpose built for, and in use as, Smedley’s Hydropathic Establishment.”

“The Site has a steeply sloping topography (in a north-south direction) resulting in buildings and structures being at various differing levels. There are a significant number of mature trees around the site, predominantly Beech, Lime and Pine. A woodland compartment lies to the south of the site and an orchard area to the southwest of the site.”

Officer report

The officer recommendation

Permission was recommended subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, with delegated authority to approve necessary amendments.

“Principle of development • Heritage • Housing Mix and Affordable Housing • Design and Layout • Biodiversity • Trees and Landscaping • Highway safety, Transportation and Accessibility • Planning Obligations and Viability…”

“To grant permission subject to conditions and S106 agreement with delegated authority to the Director of Place and Economy to approve any amendments to those conditions as deemed necessary.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Agents and a ward member spoke in support, while a civic association representative and two local residents spoke against the application.

What members discussed

Members questioned affordable housing, contributions, access, parking, design, heritage, office use, the application scope and matters secured by conditions.

“During questions Members sought clarification on the following:”

“Affordable housing provision and proposed Section 106 contributions. • Access, footpaths, highways and parking arrangements, including future parking management and enforcement. • The scale, design and appearance of the proposed development, particularly the office building, housing layout and impact on the character of Matlock Bank.”

Minutes

The committee decision

The committee unanimously granted permission subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement, adding advice about a pitched roof and concealed plant.

“It was moved by Councillor Hughes, seconded by Councillor Bointon and…”

“That permission is granted subject to conditions and s106 agreement with delegated authority to the Director of Place and the Economy to approve any amendments to those conditions as deemed necessary. An informative is to be added to the decision notice advising the Applicant that the office block should include a pitched roof and no plant should be externally visible.”

Minutes