Pictured above: Willersley Castle
A Derby firm has helped proposals to fund vital repairs to
historic Willersley Castle at Cromford, the former home of the
Arkwright family set in the heart of the Derwent Valley World
Heritage Site.
The Planning and Design Practice in Vernon Gate worked closely
with castle owners Christian Guild, who use it as a hotel, holiday
and conference venue, on a planning application for a building
within the grounds.
The practice secured consent from Derbyshire Dales District
Council for the change of use of the Grade II listed Derwent House,
a separate property on the approach to the main building, to
residential use.
It also secured planning permission for the change of use of a
former stable block within the curtilage of the Grade II* listed
castle to provide alternative offices.
The purpose of the scheme is to allow Derwent House to be sold
to raise funds towards a complete overhaul of Willersley Castle
roof which is urgent need of repair at an estimated cost of more
than £425,000.
Derwent House, which has three reception rooms and five
bedrooms, is believed to pre-date the castle, with the rear
believed to be the remains of a stone-built farmhouse.
It is likely to have formed part of what was Willersley village,
prior to its reorganisation by industrialist Sir Richard Arkwright
and so helps tell the story of the settlement.
The three-storey frontage was built around 1800, shortly after
the castle, and has detail to its construction which contributes to
the setting of the castle.
It has always been used as a home, other than as office
accommodation since the 1980s.
Money from its sale will go towards repairing the roof of the
castle which retains its original format and materials that have
deteriorated over 220 years, leaked and caused some internal
damage.
The castle is the jewel in the crown of the Cromford
Conservation area and the World Heritage Site.
It was designed by architect William Thomas for Sir Richard
Arkwright who developed the water frame that revolutionised the
cotton milling industry. Sir Richard died in 1792 before completion
of the building. His son, also Richard, moved into the castle in
1796 and the family continued to live there until 1922.
The castle, set in 60 acres of grounds, ranging from meadow
limestone crags, has been a holiday centre since 1928, apart from
being a Salvation Army maternity hospital from 1940-46 when more
than 4,000 babies were born there.
Jon Millhouse, of Planning and Design Practice, said: "We are
delighted to be able to use the planning system creatively to help
preserve a famous and important part of Derbyshire's heritage.
"Derwent House is a gem, part of the Arkwright story, and now
has the opportunity to be restored to its original use."
As part of the scheme, Christian Guild will pay a sum towards
providing low-cost housing in the district.
The practice has also won planning permission to convert another
prominent building, The Plough, at the junction of Station Road and
Derby Road, Ashbourne, into five one or two-bedroomed
townhouses.
The pub, one of 16 in the town, was put up for sale in 2010
after 10 years of poor business and having several landlords. The
application, by Barncroft Homes, was supported by Ashbourne Town
Council, with no objections.
For more information about The Planning and Design Practice,
please visit their website here: www.planningdesign.co.uk