Developer challenges council’s refusal of apartment scheme

The disagreement regarding the development of a site adjacent to a historically significant structure in Derby is set to persist, following an appeal by developers against the city council’s rejection of their proposals. The building, previously known as the Pear Tree Library, situated on Pear Tree Road in Normanton and possessing local listing status, underwent transformation into a retail space for small enterprises in 2021. Earlier this year, the council turned down proposals for a three-story block containing nine apartments intended for the adjacent plot, citing that it would “disrupt” the locality. Official records now indicate that 2i Investments, the developers who asserted the proposed block would provide essential housing, have lodged an appeal against this determination with the Planning Inspectorate. The current edifice – initially identified as the Carnegie Library – holds a local listing, signifying that while it doesn’t fully satisfy the requirements for national listing, it possesses architectural or historical significance for the immediate vicinity. In February, Derby’s urban planning authorities dismissed the nine-apartment scheme, determining that it would be “directly abutting the locally listed building and therefore disrupt the heritage asset and its setting”. Online publications of documents now confirm that 2i Investments has submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate regarding the council’s rejection. Within a statement of case report, the company contends that the architectural design of the apartments would integrate harmoniously with the historic structure and its environment, rather than causing detriment. The report stated: “It is the appellant’s position that in the context of the appropriate test and having regard to the local listing description and the proposed development; that the proposal would maintain all aspects and characteristics informing the qualities of the building sought to be protected in the first place.” It further added: “It brings forward a provision of development that is located to the rear of the former library building, providing a predominant interrelationship with the flat roofed, single-storey, rear projection areas that clearly offer no measurable architectural value to the building.” The timeline for the appeal process has not yet been established.