Old Bakewell mill plan goes before council

The site of Arkwright's original mill is up for a major planning decision tomorrow.

The Peak District National Park Authority is to receive an update on the plan on May 15, which aims to demolish much of the old Lumford Mill site in Bakewell to be developed into a £6 million commercial estate.

Riverside Business Park will include a new Aldi store, shops, offices and a hotel, retaining the frontage of a Victorian brewery.

The Buxton Road site has significant historic properties, including the original grade-II listed mill and Holme Bridge, built in 1664.

The historic facade of the mill visible from passing Buxton Road will be retained.

Protected buildings will be kept on the site including the mill’s chimney and facade which will form the frontage for a planned hotel.

Possibly regenerating an area with many derelict buildings, the plan will also see a new access bridge being built west of the current entrance. It may be a welcome change, providing a boost to the local economy as well as up to £300,000 in business rates to the local authority.

But Tim Allen, of Historic England, consulted on the application, said it would have a “significant affect” on the historic environment.

He added: “On consideration of the complex history and past development of the site and interrelations of the listed buildings with scheduled monument (and the undesignated heritage assets on site), a thorough assessment of all these issue should be required.

Proposed plans for the new Riverside Business Park

“We would have serious misgivings around these matters being dealt with through multiple applications. It remains however for the PDNPA to decide. We advise that heritage issues are highly complex on this site and the authority will need to properly understand the significance of the site and its elements and their potential for re-use.”

Aldi has submitted a separate application to build on the former Cintride site nearby, which has been recommended for approval by planning officers.

A spokesperson said: “The proposals will increase local choice and should reduce the need for people to travel out of the area to complete their food shopping.”

Helen Wilson, of Granby Croft, objected that the proposals would “destroy the historical nature of this site, especially the original bridge”.

She added: “There’s access available already via the other entrance from Chesterfield Road, which negates the need for a new bridge.

“However the traffic using this access route would also create unacceptable levels of noise and disruption. It is not an appropriate site for a supermarket.”