Housebuilder challenges council over Matlock housing development

Regional housebuilder William Davis Homes is challenging Derbyshire Dales District Council’s decision to reject its proposal for a new housing development in Matlock.

The planning committee denied the outline plans for over 400 homes in March.

Its original application included approval for site access and the development of up to 345 residential units.

It also included Class E “commercial” uses, such as retail spaces, a restaurant/café, a hot food takeaway, as well as open spaces, including a countryside park, play area, landscaping, and surface water management.

The second application was for 78 residential units, complete with associated access, open space, landscaping, and surface water management.

Located off Gritstone Road, the proposed site is designated for future development in the Derbyshire Dales Local Plan.

William Davis Homes plans to submit detailed information to both Derbyshire Dales and Derbyshire County Council as part of the planning process to address drainage concerns, which were a major reason for the refusal.

The company will request that the Local Flood Authority (Derbyshire County Council) appoint an independent engineer to review the proposals.

Funded by William Davis Homes the engineer will ensure that all mitigation and engineering measures follow best practices.

The development also hopes to create jobs for the local community during the construction process and at shops in the new local centre.

Group land director at William Davis Homes, Sarah Whetton, said: “This appeal involves an application for outline planning permission for a site already identified for development in the Derbyshire Dales Local Plan. As a responsible developer, we have a reputation for quality and caring for the communities we build in. The proposed development will help to address the demand for housing in the area and contribute to the government’s new homes target of 1.5M in the next five years.

“We will provide detailed information about the drainage measures as part of the planning conditions, which are part of the ongoing planning process. It is disappointing we’re having to go through the appeal process given the site is allocated in the Local Plan and there is a dire need for additional housing in Matlock.”