New flats proposed on site of derelict pub

There has been a pub on the site of the Nelson Inn since 1880

The remains of a derelict pub in Derbyshire are set to be demolished to make way for new flats.

Developer H&H Property Developments wants to build 14 homes on the site of the former Nelson Inn in High Street, Woodville.

South Derbyshire District Council planners have recommended that the scheme is approved at a meeting next week.

If approved, the scheme would replace plans from 2022 to keep the 1880-built pub and convert it into two flats, with six new homes on land to the rear, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Rot and infestation

In a report, planning officers said the demolition would be "considered to be an unfortunate loss of a historic building".

However it said the "declined state" of the building meant replacing it would improve the appearance of the area.

A further report said years of storm damage had led to an overall deterioration to the building, including rot and infestation in the timber rafters and eaves, loss of ceilings, unstable masonry, fracturing and the cellar filled with water.

It said the building was also at risk of vandalism.

Woodville Parish Council has objected to the scheme, citing a lack of parking spaces and "limited" on-street parking available.

The council also received four objections from residents, including concerns the new flats would be out of character with nearby Victorian premises.

However, planning officers said the design would not have an undue detrimental impact on the surrounding area and adjacent properties.

They also said 12 parking spaces earmarked for the development would be sufficient.