New plans for historic Derbyshire pub

Universal Real Estate, based in Derby, has requested permission from Derby City Council to convert the old Portland Hotel on London Road, Wilmorton.The real estate company reportedly aims to convert the pub into 28 independent studio apartmentsThe building was constructed between 1878 and 1884 as a blend of commercial and residential buildings intended to support the city’s railway sector.A few years ago the pub was shut down and briefly housed a company called Enzo Ceramica.The pub has since stood empty for a year – but now looks like it is set to be brought back to use.At present, the building has an empty ground floor, five separate flats on the first floor, and one on the second floor. There’s also a separate outbuilding/garage.The Portland Hotel is a locally listed building, but in the application no exterior changes are intended.