A developer has been given the green light to convert historic former council offices in Derby city centre into luxury apartments.
Last year, Severns Developments (Middleton House) Ltd put forward proposals to turn the Grade II-listed Middleton House, in St Mary’s Gate, into more than 50 apartments, made up of a mix of one, two and three bedrooms.
The plans also involved creating more apartments in the grounds of Middleton House, with the entire project delivering 77 flats.
Now, Derby City Council has granted planning permission, following some amendments to the original plans, which involved preserving some existing buildings on the site.
Severns Developments is a company started by Adam Cavell, director of City and County Property Management (CCPM), which in September, 2017, secured a deal for Middleton House.
Back then, Mr Cavell said that the building could lend itself to as conversion into luxury flats.
In the original planning documents submitted to the city council by Severns Design House, on behalf of Severns Developments, it said: “Investment in a vacant property within the City Conservation Area will prevent further degeneration of the area and the Grade II-listed property.
“In a location predominantly of residential and commercial uses, the conversion and refurbishment to provide residential apartments will provide a positive addition to the vibrancy of the area.
“It will introduce activity during times where it would otherwise not be present, especially at night.”
Middleton House first went on the market by Derby City Council towards the end of 2016. Advertised as suitable for conversion to “residential, educational, hotel or office use”, the 61,000 sq ft site attracted interest from 25 potential buyers.
Sitting on a 1.43-acre site, the building once housed the city council’s education and social services departments.
The development of Middleton House is seen as a key element of the Derby City Centre Masterplan, which aims to create 4,000 homes, 1,900 jobs and leverage £3.5 billion in investment by 2030.
Granting permission, city council planners said: “It is considered that the proposal, as amended, would result in less than substantial harm to the City Centre Conservation Area and listed buildings on St Mary’s Gate, including the Cathedral.
“However, this harm is considered to be decisively outweighed by the socio-economic benefits that will be realised as a direct result of the proposal.
“Subject to compliance with conditions, the proposal would not have an adverse impact on the highway network, or flood risk matters. Furthermore there would not be any unreasonable impact upon neighbouring properties.”
