Backing for revised plans for gem venue near water
COUNCILLORS have heaped praise on revised plans to build a jewellery “Centre of Excellence” overlooking Carsington Water.
The application, by Ashbournebased jewellery firm CW Sellors, has been on the back burner throughout the pandemic, but as work finally begins on the project, the firm asked for permission to modify the design.
The alteration to the existing plans involves building a rooftop sales suite on top of the building, which will double as a training centre and tourist attraction, off the B5035 near to the Knockerdown pub.
Varying the conditions of the original planning consent would also allow for an outdoor pergola, and other alterations to the outside appearance of the centre.
Planning officer Chris Whitmore recommended Derbyshire Dales District Council’s planning committee recommended approval of the new design, and councillors spoke out at last week’s meeting to agree with the recommendation.
Council leader Garry Purdy said: “I’m more excited now than I was in 2015 at this prospect, because I think it’s going to be a fantastic tourist attraction.
“The applicant has been held up
I think the updated application is much, much better. I think it will enhance footfall.
by the pandemic, and it’s been a matter of him juggling his monies, so that’s the reason for the hold-up.
“I think there will be 30 or probably even 50 employees on the site and I’m pleased to hear all the green energy subjects coming in.
“I think that the upper roof addition is welcome, because we were told on site that the applicant had been to London to look at the Faberge showroom, and therefore if that’s an example of the quality that’s coming to this project then that’s what the applicant will be aiming for.”
Ashbourne councillor Tom Donnelly
also gave the scheme a glowing endorsement. He said: “Seven years seems a long time in the making, but I was delighted when we were on the site to see the development really starting to take off.
“I think the updated application is much, much better, and I think looking at the economical side, the community benefits and also the application and the building, I think it will very much enhance the footfall into Carsington Water.”
Fellow Ashbourne councillor Robert Archer was the next to comment, and said the pros outweighed the cons. Despite the building being bigger, he said, the potential economic benefit would outweigh all the cons.
Without any further debate, councillors voted unanimously to approve the variations and allow the application.
Councillor Tom Donnelly