September 2009 Newsletter

CHANGE OF USE OF FORMER EXHAUST AND TYRE DEPOT TO SHOP, TAKEAWAY AND RESTAURANT – 1 CITY ROAD DERBY

The applicants came to us first to obtain planning permission for office development on the site. The site lies next to the River Derwent close to the centre of Derby City. It is a very attractive site for high class offices with excellent views across the river. Offices are acceptable in planning policy terms and having undertaken pre-planning application discussions with various organisations on a set of attractive proposals (including the Environment Agency) the application was submitted. It then had to be withdrawn in the face of an objection from the Environment Agency who published a Strategic Management Plan for the river Derwent after our planning application had been made. This Agency Plan introduced new constraints to development which prevented the offices (and development on several city centre sites) from being approved.

In order to get around the constraints and gain a useful planning permission the applicants needed to look at alternatives which would retain the existing building and be viable in the current recession.

With the help of local estate agents and valuers new uses were considered and these were discussed with the Council. The application included the renovation of the existing building, together with new access and parking arrangements. The existing building is unattractive in the townscape and the application provided an opportunity to improve its appearance and character. The application also provided an opportunity to provide local services that the area lacks.

The building sits on the opposite side of the street to offices, houses and apartments next to a newsagents and general store. In this location the building can accommodate a shop, takeaway and restaurant without adversely affecting the amenities of the area. The shop, takeaway and restaurant will meet local needs rather than the needs of the wider city. The proposals were supported by the Council and planning permission was granted. The development is set to go ahead with one of the units’ pre-let and strong interest in the others.