Drakelow park scheme gets green light
South Derbyshire District Council has given its unanimous support to the Drakelow Park regeneration scheme. Plans for the site include the creation of 2,239 new homes and about 1,500 jobs.
It is estimated the development, which lies 3km to the south of Burton-upon-Trent, will create around 1,500 new jobs through its "employment park". The sustainable scheme will also provide a new school, health centre and a neighbourhood centre with retail, food and drink facilities and a nursery.
The planning application was submitted by Roger Bullivant Ltd (RBL) and E.ON UK (E.ON) which own land in Drakelow. Home to RBL's headquarters, the site is currently used as an industrial and manufacturing site.
Chris Chatfield, of Roger Bullivant, said: "This is a comprehensive and sustainable solution for this brownfield site.
"We will now begin to work on the detail and development could commence as early as next year. The first phase, which will take between six and eight years to deliver, will include the delivery of up to 1,000 dwellings and a local centre."
In resolving to grant outline planning permission for the scheme, the chair of the planning committee Councillor Martyn Ford described the plan as a "quantum leap" for South Derbyshire.
Listed building consent was granted in July 2009 for the refurbishment of the Grade II-listed stables and cottages which remain from the former Drakelow Hall. In addition, 35 per cent of the site will be green space including a new riverside and woodland park, nature trails, sports pitches and open space.
