Plans for homes at site of former Derbyshire quarry
17 homes are planned for the site near Matlock
Last updated 13th Aug 2021
A developer is planning to build houses in a former Derbyshire quarry, which is on sale for £1.25 million.
Ernest V Waddington Ltd is behind the plans for the former Harveydale Quarry in Dale Road, Matlock, close to the Pic Tor War Memorial and Shining Cliff.
The former limestone quarry, which has already seen some development, would be the site of 17 houses, accessed through a small patch of woodland off the A6.
Derbyshire Dales District Council has already approved plans for the site, allowing homes to be built in the quarry. This application is for the details of the proposed development, opting for 17 houses.
It details that nine of the houses would be detached and eight would be semi-detached. Meanwhile, of the 17 homes, 11 would be four-bed, four would be three-bed and two would be two-bed properties.
Council officers have recommended approval but a decision will be made by councillors on Tuesday, August 10.
Three households who live near to the site have submitted objection letters, saying that the exit and entrance on to the A6 poses risks to would-be residents in the quarry.
They wrote:
“The amount of housing developments that have appeared over the last few years is making Matlock into a town that does not represent what Matlock stands for – it is over-commercialised, the country feel that once was there is slowly being scrapped away due to councillors allowing this level of development.
“We understand that we need to move forward with the times but this is yet again another money-making effort from a builder that does not care about the area.
“The upset it will cause, and the damage to the surrounding area and homes that are directly backing onto the quarry, will be unimaginable.”
Matlock Civic Association has commented to say:
“The proposed scheme has the makings of a valuable brownfield housing scheme which will enhance the overall appearance of the area but it could be improved significantly without undue additional time and expenditure.”
Council officers say due to the amount of work which will be required on the site to make way for the development, the developer will not provide any affordable housing, instead electing to contribute £57,000 for one affordable home elsewhere in the district.
They also say the homes are set away from the cliff edge to address the potential danger from falling rocks. There will also be a “catchment trench” and a gabion (rock-filled) basket wall to further offset this risk.
The site will also contain a play area and a range of trees and other planting.
Each house would have two parking spots on their driveways, while some will also have single or double garages.
A statement submitted by the developers says the scheme intends to be “a high quality redevelopment of the site” providing “an attractive and safe environment” for families in a cul-de-sac style layout.
It also says:
“The design of the properties is based on achieving high levels of daylight and sunlight through windows and glazing, contemporary materials and steep roof pitches give a distinct sense of place.”
Council officers, recommending approval, wrote:
“It is considered that the contemporary design and appearance of the dwelling houses, with several reflecting on the traditional forms and scale of dwellings to be found in relatively close proximity, are appropriate in this challenging setting within a quarry.
“Whilst the site would be overlooked from the Old Matlock Conservation Area, on the path to High Tor, it is considered that the dwellings will sit comfortably in the background of the traditional dwellings and more recent residential development set to the site’s foreground and the quarry face beyond.”