Derby City Council planning committee members have given the green light to a proposal which will create a food and beverage offer in one of the city’s regeneration areas.
Burton Abbey Developments is looking to create an outdoor artisan food and beverage market – similar to those seen in London and Manchester – on an empty plot of land in St Peter’s Churchyard.
The proposals had been refused twice and council officers were proposing a third refusal to the committee. Now, however, the plans have been approved.
The application received strong backing from the city’s business community – including Marketing Derby and the Derby Economic Development Advisory Committee – which submitted letters of support.
John Forkin, Managing Director of Marketing Derby, said: “We back this application, it’s exactly what the area needs. The report describes the site as ‘open, undeveloped space, vegetation and amenity which contributes to the verdant value of the street scene’.
“In truth, it is derelict and in desperate need of some TLC which this proposal brings. The Heritage Impact Assessment actually states the scheme would ‘enhance the conservation area’ due to the investment it brings.
“The proposal fits perfectly with Derby City Council’s ambition to create a vibrant city centre by regenerating such sites and this amenity will help attract more visitors.
“It’s exactly the sort of thing Derby is crying out for and the applicant has shown considerable patience and willingness in seeking planning for over three years.”
Known as The Yard Derby, the revised scheme involves creating 10 retail units arranged in an ‘L-shaped’ configuration along the southern and western edges of the site, situated away from the Grade II*-listed St. Peter’s Church and the Grade II*-listed Old Grammar School.
The plans incorporate a seating area with a capacity for up to 100 people.
One key aspect of the proposal and location involves the developer’s plan to create a sympathetic entrance through the historic 19th-century wall bordering the site.
The scheme’s backers included respected heritage architects Lathams as well as historian Maxwell Craven, both of whom have carried out detailed analysis of the site.
