Former restaurant site to be transformed into residential scheme

Planning permission has been granted, at appeal, for the demolition and redevelopment of the former La Gondola restaurant in Osmaston Road, Derby.

La Gondola opened in 1969 and was a popular restaurant and hotel for decades. However, the business declined and eventually went into liquidation in 2009.

The building stood empty for 14 years prior to being purchased by EB Property Solutions, part of the Elgie Group, in 2021. The developers originally submitted plans for demolition and redevelopment, this application was refused in December 2021.

Matthew Montague Architects redesigned the site and submitted a revised planning application in April 2022 and despite being recommended for approval by the City Council Planning Officers this application was also refused by Derby City Council’s planning committee.

Following this decision JMI Planning was instructed and an appeal was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate. After a successful review, the planning inspector has given the go ahead and the scheme has been approved.
The approved development comprises 42 apartments over two four storey blocks; 34 being two-bedroomed and eight one-bedroomed.

Matthew Montague said: “This is good news; the approved scheme doesn’t dominant the street scene and addresses the scale of the former hotel, the building has been in a state of disrepair for many years, it is great that it will now be regenerated “.

Sam Elgie of the Elgie Group said: “We are delighted to have received permission for the scheme, it’s been a very long process but we can now move forwards.”

The developers intend to sell the site.