Belper Micropub Plans

Plans to turn a derelict and listed Belper building into a micro pub have been submitted.

Joanne Gregory, an Oakwood resident, has submitted the plans to Amber Valley Borough Council.

If approved in the next few months, the Grade-II listed building, known as Belper House, on the junction of Church Street and High Street, would be turned into Belper Ale House.

The wall of the three-storey building which fronts the junction was never supposed to be an external wall.

Part of the building facing the market place was demolished in the 1900s to enable the widening of the Church Street and High Street junction, a report submitted with the application says.

It says that the now exposed internal wall was then covered in rough cement to protect it from the elements.

However, over the years this has been patched and repaired in an aim to improve its appearance.

A report submitted with the application says: “It is considered that the change of use of the building will give it a sustainable future and make it an asset to the marketplace for locals and visitors. Being located at the top of the marketplace, with good access to public transport and close to many local parking areas, it is ideally situated.
“It is considered that the works will not negatively impact on the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Sites of Outstanding Universal Value, but by the proposed change of use, the visitor experience to the World Heritage Site will be enhanced and improved.
“It should be noted that this development would not involve the loss or alteration to any of the features of the historic building.
“The development is in line with local planning policies which states the council will seek to ensure a high standard of design in all developments and will bring back a derelict building into use and provide additional employment to the local area.”

If approved, the micro pub would create two full-time and three part-time jobs.

It would open from 11am to 11pm every day of the week – but this would be subject to the venue obtaining a premises licence.

The main entrance for customers would be through the door off the market place, while another entrance off High Street would be for staff.

Around two metres of space at the marketplace side of the property would be turned into an outdoor seating area.
A new window would be installed above the main entrance to match the two already in place.

Double-glazed windows and doors would be installed on the ground floor and the guttering and downpipe would be repaired.

All repairs and replacements would be restored with the agreement of the borough council’s conservation officer.
A new “contemporary” entrance at the front of the building would be installed, bearing the words Belper Ale House.