Pub conversion to dwelling at The Bell Inn, 47 The Hill, Cromford

What was proposed

Listed building consent was sought for changing the ground floor and cellar from a public house to a dwelling, with internal and external alterations.

“It is proposed to change the use of The Bell Inn from a Public House (Sui Generis Use) to a dwelling (C3 Use). Internal and external alterations requiring Listed Building Consent are proposed to facilitate this change of use.”

Officer report

The building and its setting

The Bell Inn is a Grade II listed building in the conservation area and World Heritage Site, with historic associations to Arkwright’s control of Cromford.

“The Bell Inn is a Grade II Listed Building (listed in 1990) which occupies a prominent corner position on the junction of North Street and The Hill, Cromford. It is located within Cromford Conservation Area and within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. The property is of two-phase construction, with one part constructed in coursed stonework and the other in red brickwork.”

“The property consists of a ground floor public house and associated cellar with flat accommodation above, and a beer garden located on the opposite side of the road. Despite the largely twentieth century character of the interior fixtures and fittings illustrated in the submission, the use of the Bell as a pub speaks directly to its historic significance and to that of the Cromford Conservation Area and Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier applications concerned signs, advertisement consent and alterations to the listed building, including a temporary steel security door.

“05/00070/LBALT Alterations to listed building - Externally illuminated name sign and projecting hanging sign and non illuminated amenity board and door plaque REF 16/03/2005”

“08/00878/LBALT Alterations to listed building - Installation of steel security door to secure premises for a temporary period of one year PERC 24/02/2009”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended delegated authority to grant consent because the alterations were acceptable, heritage harm was limited, and residential use was preferable to vacancy.

“The proposed internal alterations seek to reconfigure and refurbish the building in connection with the conversion. The alterations to reconfigure the ground floor/ cellar layout for domestic use are considered relatively minor in nature, with an acceptable impact on the listed building. Consent is also sought to introduce linings to walls and ceilings as part of thermal improvements.”

“Historic England considers that the proposed change of use is considered to result in a low level of “less than substantial harm.” However, this harm could be avoided if the building remains in use as a pub, shop, or similar community facility. Residential use is preferable to long-term vacancy, but only after reasonable efforts have been made to retain its existing or similar community use.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Historic England raised heritage concerns, while the council’s conservation officer and World Heritage Site partnership found the proposal acceptable with safeguards.

“Initial response (22.08.2025) The grade II listed Bell Inn Cromford dates to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries with direct associations to the Arkwright's control and patronage in the town. Despite the largely twentieth century character of the interior fixtures and fitting illustrated in the submission, the use of the Bell as a pub speaks directly to its historic significance and to that of the Conservation Area and Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.”

Officer report

What residents said

Seven representations raised concerns about parking, congestion, highway safety, loss of the pub and uncertainty about the proposed dwelling’s form.

“A total of 7 representations overall have been received raising concerns with the scheme. A summary of the representations is outlined below:”

“- Lack of dedicated parking - causing more congestion in busy area. - Whilst the unoccupied pub creates no parking issues a residential property would. - Potential for unsafe parking and turning near a school. - Loss of trade and local community hub if the property is no longer a pub. - Proposal isn't clear - will the property be flats or a HMO. - Pub garden should be utilised for parking. - Lack of turning space, with residents relying on private land.”

Officer report

What happened at the meeting

A senior planning officer presented the application, photographs and site context, and the committee had visited the site before the meeting.

The decision

Authority was delegated to the Development Manager to grant listed building consent, subject to the specified conditions.

“That authority is delegated to the Development Manager to grant Listed Building Consent, subject to the conditions detailed in section 8.”

Minutes