Derbyshire Dales: Derelict quarry housing plans approved
- Published
Work is set to get under way on the new estate by spring 2024
More than 200 "bold" and "overtly contemporary" homes are to be built in a derelict Derbyshire quarry - but none will be "affordable".
Councillors voted to approve the plans for Hall Dale Quarry in Matlock at a meeting on Tuesday.
Submitted by 4M Property Partners, the designs would see 220 homes as well as a cafe, restaurant, shops and commercial space built at the site.
Work is set to get under way on the new estate by spring 2024.
The former quarry, which has been derelict for two decades, was earmarked for housing in the authority's Local Plan.
At a Derbyshire Dales District Council meeting on Tuesday, councillors discussed concerns over the lack of "affordable" housing within the plans.
Councillors stressed it could not become routine for hard-to-develop sites to not contain any "affordable" housing because it limits the profit of a would-be developer.
Each house would have an electric vehicle charging point and an air source heat pump
Nick Whitehead, Labour councillor for Cromford and Matlock Bath, said: "How can we have a scheme this large and have no affordable housing.
"I find it really disappointing. I was so excited, it is such a brilliant project for Matlock. It is a missed opportunity."
Adam Cavell, from Nottingham-based 4M Property Partners, said: "What you have before you today is our plan to create what we believe is an exemplar, potentially award-winning scheme aimed at creating a successful, safe, sustainable high-quality place to live and work."
Every house would have an electric vehicle charging point, air source heat pumps and be heavily insulated, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Chris Whitmore, the council's development manager, said there was an "interesting and bold design approach" with "overtly contemporary" houses and a manor house-style commercial centre complex.
Councillors approved the reserve matters application, which gives the final green light for development to take place.
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