Plans to build affordable homes on service station site set for approval
Plans to demolish a Derbyshire garage and service station and replace it with nearly 40 affordable homes are set for approval.
The application, submitted by stapleford firm MyPad 2020 to Derbyshire Dales District Council, would see the Dove service station in Mayfield Road, ashbourne, bulldozed.
If approved by councillors at a meeting next week, the service station, on a well-used through-route in the town, would be replaced with 37 affordable houses.
Council planning officers have recommended the plans are approved, with officials keen to secure the specific homes provided, such as those available for rent and those which would be shared ownership.
They would like to see six one-bedroom homes for affordable rent; 18 two-bedroom homes (nine for rent and nine for shared ownership) and 13 three-bedroom homes (six for rent and eight for shared ownership).
all homes on the site would be two storeys tall and the scheme would have a total of 57 parking spaces.
The site backs on to the Henmore and the scheme would include open space in this area, with the housing built close to Mayfield Road. some trees would also be planted to the rear of the site.
a report submitted with the application by Erda associates ltd says homes on the site would have to be fitted with gas protection membranes including a sub-floor dispersal layer to avoid harmful gases in the ground from causing health problems for the would-be residents. This is due to the area’s use as a service station and garage, creating harmful levels of carbon dioxide and methane.
ashbourne Town Council has opposed the plans, saying it “underestimates the off-street parking requirements” and says local policies say new schemes should not “lead to an increase in on-street parking to the detriment of the safe and efficient operation of the highway network”.
Derbyshire County Council says Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar school does not have the capacity to cater for more pupils, with the site leading to the need for six secondary school and two sixth form spots locally.
The district council’s head of housing has supported the scheme, writing: “The scheme will meet a range of housing needs which are evident on the council’s housing register.”
a total of seven objection letters were submitted to the council by residents, objecting on the grounds of noise pollution, increase of vehicles on an already notoriously congested road, land ownership disputes and flooding issues.
Council officers, recommending approval, wrote: “as the District Council has a modest shortfall in its supply of housing and the site is located within the defined settlement boundary of ashbourne, the principle of residential development in this location close to public transport, public amenities, shops and community facilities is considered to be acceptable. “Redevelopment of the site is unlikely to result in any significant volume of traffic in excess of that already experienced from the current use of the site and its continued use for employment purposes.”