Disused Derbyshire toilet block to be turned into “nano-brewery”

Artist’s Corner, on the A6 between Matlock and Matlock Bath, had been used as a public toilet block for three decades until its closure in April 2018 by Derbyshire Dales District Council.

The council had closed the recognisable hexagonal building, which sits alongside the River Derwent, a public car park and a children’s play area, due to the cost of maintenance and lack of profitability.

However, now a brewing company currently run by a husband and wife team from a spare room in their Whatstandwell home wants to turn the building into a nano-brewery – an even smaller example of a micro brewery.

MORE TO READ: Solar farm in Derbyshire countryside set to get green light

The building sits beneath the renowned High Tor, a popular climbing route and also the site of an infamous walking bath with an iron rail to hold on to. Artists used to sit on the land below to paint pictures of the cliff.

Stephen McKnight, of Hollow Tree Brewing Company, applied to the council earlier this year and now planning officers have recommended that the plans are approved.

A final decision will be made by councillors on Tuesday, October 12.

The business was started in summer 2019 and is classed as a nano-brewery due to the scale of its output – 13 gallons/60 litres at a time.

It says it hopes to grow this scale through the use of Artist’s Corner. It says it has operated without causing any disturbance from a private home for two years and hopes this reassures residents who have worries about noise, odour and disruption.

Currently, the business has an online store and sells bottles of its beer at markets around Derbyshire.

The firm says its use of the former toilet block would not have a negative impact on the attached public car park, with the venue itself not open to customers.

It says: “The opportunity that the building at Artist’s Corner provides Hollow Tree Brewing is an incredible one.

“It would help the development of a young business with the site providing the exposure that the business requires.

“In allowing the building to be used as a nano brewery, it would give an attractive building a purpose, bringing it back into use whilst having minimal impact on the area.

“We see ourselves as a part of the surrounding landscape, so want to blend in, not to stand out.

“Ultimately Artist’s Corner would help a small independent family-run business take the next step in achieving their dream.”

Cllr Garry Purdy, leader of the council, said that he “insists” that the premises must have good security measures including CCTV installed, which the applicant has agreed to.

Three residents have submitted comments in response to the application, fearing the new use would cause extra traffic and produce noise and odours.

Council planners, recommending approval, wrote: “It is considered that this would be a sustainable re-use of the building and one which can be operated without significant imposition on the amenity of the area.

“As the building is situated on the busy A6, it is felt by the applicant that any noise or aroma created by the brewery would be far less than any noise or aroma created by traffic passing through the area.