The Derbyshire Dales Planning Committee met to discuss modifications to previously approved plans for the redevelopment of Market Place and Victoria Square in Ashbourne. Councillors unanimously approved applications to vary conditions relating to the layout and features of the public space, and the replacement of a tree.

Ashbourne Reborn Project - Market Place and Victoria Square

The committee considered two applications, 25/00827/VCOND and 25/00828/VCOND, which sought to vary conditions of a previous Listed Building Consent, 23/00959/LBALT, for works at Market Place and Victoria Square in Ashbourne, as part of the 'Ashbourne Reborn' project.

The Ashbourne Reborn project is a scheme to regenerate the town centre. Derbyshire County Council is acting as delivery partner for the Highways and Public Realm project.

Councillor Peter Dobbs and Councillor Stuart Lees both declared a non-pecuniary interest in the items, as they are both board members of the Ashbourne Reborn Programme Board. Both councillors remained in the meeting during the discussions.

Application 25/00827/VCOND

Application 25/00827/VCOND sought to vary condition 2 of the Listed Building Consent 23/00959/LBALT. The changes proposed included:

• Replacing a non-disabled parking bay with a disabled bay.
• Minor adjustments to the layout of motorcycle parking.
• Adding a small electrical cabinet.
• Increasing the number of bollards around the perimeter.
• Replacement parking signage.
• A small section of reclaimed heritage paving on Buxton Hill.
• Bringing the kerb line forward by approximately 300mm at the parking meter.
• Retaining the existing style bins.
• Including a new Aco drainage channel.
• Adding two bollards adjacent to the tree on Victoria Square.

The Senior Planning Officer, Edward Vaudin, presented the application, highlighting that the Market Place and Victoria Square surfaces are grade II listed, and that the key consideration was the impact on these surfaces.

The council's conservation officer raised no objection, stating:

The works would cause further disruption to the surfacing however the measures are not substantially more impactful on significance and are justified as public benefits.

Ashbourne Town Council also raised no objections.

Kevin Parkes, Head of Professional Services at Derbyshire County Council, spoke in support of the application as the applicant, and answered questions from the committee.

Councillor Stuart Lees moved to grant listed building consent subject to the conditions set out in the report, with delegated authority to the Director of Place and Economy to approve any necessary amendments. Councillor Peter Dobbs seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.

Application 25/00828/VCOND

Application 25/00828/VCOND sought to vary condition 10 of the Listed Building Consent 23/00959/LBALT. This related to the replacement of an existing Maple tree in Victoria Square, as it was considered to be at risk. The proposal included details of the replacement tree species and associated works to the hard surfacing.

The Senior Planning Officer, Edward Vaudin, presented the application, noting the need to balance the impact on the listed surfaces with the benefits of maintaining a tree in this location.

Ashbourne Town Council and the council's Trees and Landscape officer raised no objections. The council's conservation officer stated that the variation of condition is acceptable in terms of impact on the significance of the heritage assets.

Derbyshire County Council Archaeology department requested that the installation of a root barrier be subject to archaeological monitoring.

Kevin Parkes, Head of Professional Services at Derbyshire County Council, again spoke in support of the application and answered questions.

Councillors raised questions about the size of the replacement tree, maintenance during its early years, adoption of the tree after contract works, protection against vandalism and strong winds, and the type of surfacing to aid drainage and watering.

Councillor Neil Buttle moved to grant listed building consent subject to the conditions in the report, with delegated authority to the Director of Place and Economy to approve amendments. Councillor Peter Dobbs seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.