Major Derby residential scheme gets the go-ahead

Plans for a major build to rent (BTR) scheme have been voted through by Derby City Council’s planning committee.

The committee voted 6-3 to pass plans for The Landmark, Godwin Developments’ 201-apartment scheme. It will be referred to the Secretary of State for final approval, although they have nodded the scheme through once before.

In February 2019, in a close-run vote, Derby City Council’s planning committee gave The Landmark outline planning approval. But final approval for the development was still pending because of a report submitted on behalf of UNESCO which stated potential effects on Derby’s heritage.

Earlier this week, Godwin Developments warned that if planning permission was refused, the city would miss out on millions of pounds of investment and hundreds and jobs and regeneration.

The decision will also see the creation of 900 temporary construction jobs over a two-year period and around 10 to 15 permanent roles once complete.

Stephen Pratt, group land director at Godwin Developments, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Derby City Council approved once again our proposals for The Landmark – in a huge vote of confidence for the city and its ambition for the future.

“We are passionate promoters of Derby and its potential to reinvent itself through attracting additional employment and strengthening its city centre. Our scheme – The Landmark – will be a fantastic extension to Derby’s Future High Street bid and will bring additional investment, jobs and desirable city living into the heart of Derby, while also improving the public realm and flood defences.”

“We would like to thank the members of the planning committee for recognising and affirming once again the substantial economic, social and environmental benefits this scheme will bring to the city. We are also extremely grateful to the support and encouragement we received in the planning process by a number of local stakeholders – businesses, the local community, local heritage experts Lathams, and many more.”

John Forkin, managing director of Marketing Derby said: “Marketing Derby is delighted that councillors have voted to support the development of The Landmark in Derby. As an organisation, we have supported the developer and their plans every step of the way. Derby will now get the investment and profile it deserves with this ambitious and high-quality development.”