County Council sets up development company

A new company, Derbyshire Developments, has been set up by Derbyshire County Council to develop surplus land to build much needed homes and to bring in much needed cash.

Profits from the company will return to the Council to help run front line services.

The company has announced plans to develop two sites in Derbyshire. One, on the site of a former primary school in Danesmoor, Clay Cross, is at the planning stage. Plans have been submitted to build 28 houses and work is expected to start later this year.

The second site is in Duffield and has been used for many years as a council highways depot. Architects are currently preparing a planning application for housing.

Cabinet Member for Council Services, councillor Andy Botham said: “With declining Government grants and increasing demand for many of our services we need to find new ways to bring in money. Setting up Derbyshire Developments is a bold and innovative way to do just that. By developing land we no longer need ourselves we will keep the profits we make in Derbyshire.

“I’m delighted that the company is now up and running and look forward to seeing work progressing in Danesmoor soon.”

There are a further 10 sites across Derbyshire identified for development, and another 300 sites the Council has decided it no longer needs. Derbyshire Developments will consider potential uses for all of these sites as part of a strategic development programme.

Leading figures from the property world have been appointed to lead and run the company. Jon McLeod has been appointed non-executive director and chair of the board for the company. McLeod has a strong track record in regulatory, financial and legal affairs. He has a very wide range of client experience, with a specialism in real estate, property and regeneration.

Aidan Kelly has been appointed managing director. He brings extensive experience in both the private and affordable housing sectors, having worked across the country to deliver a range of housing developments.

The pair join councillor Botham, and chief executive Ian Stephenson, on the board as strategic directors.

McLeod said: “Derbyshire Developments is an innovative public interest company designed to generate returns for the people of Derbyshire, both in terms of the new housing and infrastructure it creates, and in terms of the income it generates for the benefit of council tax payers. I look forward to leading this exciting new project.”

Kelly said: “This is an exciting venture with the opportunity to both develop much needed homes and ‘Profit with a Purpose’, that is to help the county council to invest in critical local services.”