St. Elphins Cottage, Blind Lane, Hackney, MATLOCK, DE4 2QE

change of use of agricultural building to holiday cottage

Authority: Derbyshire Dales District Council
Appeal type: minor · Planning Appeal
Procedure: Written Representations
Development: leisure-sport · Change of use
Inspector: Owen A

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

the effect of the development on the character and appearance of the area
the effect on highway safety

What decided it

The building's functional design and lack of openings would not represent good residential design and would appear incongruous in its surroundings, conflicting with policies requiring positive contribution to character and high quality design.

The benefits of tourism and economic support were outweighed by the conflict with the development plan policies on character, appearance and design quality.

Plan policies cited: Policy S4, Policy HC8, Policy S1, Policy PD1, Policy NP17 of the Darley Dale Neighbourhood Plan

Read the decision letter on the Inspectorate’s site

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What an account adds

Draw a red line around your site and the appraisal follows.
- Heritage. Listed buildings by grade and distance, conservation areas, scheduled monuments, registered parks and gardens, heritage at risk.
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- Flooding. Flood zones 2 and 3, surface water, and both again with climate change.
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