Apartment block close to cathedral approved

The application had objections from Unesco and Derby Cathedral

An application for a nine-storey block of flats near Derby Cathedral has been given the green light despite objections.

Wavensmere Homes and Wilson Bowden Developments are set to build 195 apartments on the site of a former police station off Full Street in the city centre.

The cathedral previously warned the new building would "overwhelm" and hide the Grade I listed place of worship.

Revised plans were approved by councillors on Derby City Council's planning committee.

Developers say the ground floor of the block could accommodate a gym or a café

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) had urged the council not to approve the scheme as it stood and said it would impact the amenity of the cathedral - situated less than 70 metres away - and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.

In a letter to the council dated May 2024, the cathedral said it “needs to be re-assured that the view and light from windows in the cathedral are not compromised” and that the amended reduction in height was “modest”.

Historic England also raised objections about the initial proposals but did not object to the altered plans.

James Dickens, managing director of Wavensmere Homes, said: “This challenging brownfield site, which has lain vacant for over a decade, occupies one of the best locations within Derby city centre.

"Receiving the go-ahead will help Derby to meet the high demand for new homes – and improve its five-year housing land supply."