Two-bedroom dwelling at Post Office Main Road Eyam

What was proposed

The application sought permission to demolish the former post office and build a two-bedroom, two-storey dwelling with limited landscaping.

“FULL APPLICATION – PROPOSED DEMOLITION OF EXISTING COMMERCIAL BUILDING AND PROPOSED NEW 2-STOREY DOMESTIC 2-BEDROOM DWELLING AND ASSOCIATED LIMITED LANDSCAPING at POST OFFICE, MAIN ROAD EYAM (NP/DDD/0625/0591) WE”

“This application seeks full planning permission for the demolition of the Post Office building and the erection of a 2-bedroom dwelling.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a former single-storey post office in Eyam Conservation Area, near two grade II listed buildings and in a predominantly residential area.

“The development site is the Post Office building located on Main Road in the centre of Eyam.”

“The site is in the Eyam Conservation Area. The neighbour to the north, Laburnum Cottage is a grade II listed building. Two properties to the south of the site are Hall Farmhouse, a grade II listed building. The area is predominantly residential.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier permissions covered the post office and its extension, while a 2024 application to change its use to a dwelling was withdrawn.

“1985 - NP/WED/1284/500 – Extension to post office – Granted conditionally…”

“2024 – NP/DDD/1224/1358 – Change of use of post office to dwelling – Application withdrawn following unfavourable comments from planning officer…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended conditional approval, finding the building’s replacement would enhance the conservation area and that community, heritage, amenity and highway impacts were acceptable.

“The application has been supported by a viability and marketing exercise which has successfully demonstrated that the building is not viable for an alternative community use or affordable housing, with evidence of reasonable attempts to market the building for an alternative commercial use which has proven unsuccessful.”

“The proposed dwelling would facilitate the removal of a poor-quality building which detracts from the Eyam Conservation Area, providing a replacement which reflects and complements the prevailing form and vernacular of the street-scene.”

Officer report

Public speakers

Three objectors spoke under the public participation scheme, including one statement read out by Democratic Services staff.

The committee vote

A motion to defer the application for further boundary, ownership and building-size discussions was moved, seconded and carried.

“A motion to defer the application to allow further discussion regarding the boundary of this site and ownership, along with the size of the building, was moved, seconded, put to the vote and carried. If the issues can be resolved then the decision to be delegated to officers, if not then the application to be brought back to the committee for a decision.”

Minutes

What was decided

The application was deferred for discussions about treating the boundary, clarifying ownership, and considering whether the building’s size could be reduced to allow servicing.

“That the application be DEFERRED to allow for further discussions between the Applicant and the Planning Officer regarding:”

“The massing of the proposed building on a small site and if the size of the proposed building could be reduced as the current footprint does not allow for servicing of the building.”

Minutes