Council backs redevelopment of Derby retail park

The proposed redevelopment of a Derby retail park to provide hundreds of homes in a project featuring a tower rising to a maximum of 19 storeys has been backed by the council.Lichfields brought forward an outline planning application on behalf of its client to transform the site of Bradshaw Way Retail Park.The application site is a terrace of retail units currently occupied by Matalan and Home Bargains.The development, which forms part of the Derbion Masterplan, involves the demolition of the existing units to make way for various buildings/blocks rising to 19 storeys.Proposals comprise up to 420 homes, approximately 50,000 sq ft of office space and 5,100 sq ft of commercial space.A statement filed on behalf of the applicant with Derby City Council – whose planning committee met on 1 June – said: “The objective was to design a sustainable, community-led, residential masterplan.”This proposal would provide new high-quality homes whilst recognising Derby’s prerequisite needs for bringing people back into the city whilst improving permeability and connections and offering an office block to bring work back into the city centre.”A report for the committee added: “There is support for this scheme as it would bring forward regeneration opportunities, deliver much-needed housing and city centre living along with boosting the city’s economy and encouraging footfall into the city centre.”Members unanimously resolved to be minded to grant planning permission and refer the application to the secretary of state’s casework unit, due to an objection raised by Historic England, as per the recommendation.As well as Lichfields, the development team includes Eurofund Group, Leonard Design Architects, Currie & Brown, Bidwells and Waterman Group.