Study set to delay plans for Elvaston Castle by up to 6 months
THE controversial redevelopment of one of Derbyshire's most popular historic buildings has been delayed by at least six months while a conservation study is carried out.
Elvaston Castle and its grounds are due to be converted into a hotel and golf course after owners Derbyshire County Council chose Highgate Sanctuary to take over the lease in 2006.
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Elvaston Castle
The company originally intended to submit a planning application in autumn last year, with work starting this summer and the redeveloped Elvaston Castle Hotel opening in summer 2011.
But because of the castle's age and historical significance, English Heritage, which advises local authorities on applications involving listed buildings such as Elvaston, said that a conservation study must be carried out first.
A spokeswoman for Derbyshire County Council said: "English Heritage agreed to fund a conservation study to look at what work needs to be done at the castle and how much that work will cost.
"We are talking to specialist consultants about this work and expect it will take place during the summer.
"The study will help inform all parties about the nature of the essential repairs needed which will help with the planning process."
Highgate Sanctuary has now revised its schedule, with the planning application due to be submitted this summer, work starting this winter and the hotel due to be completed by winter 2011.
Despite the credit crunch, the company still plans to go ahead with the development.
Highgate managing director Dr Tanya Spilsbury said: "We're still waiting for English Heritage and the county council to complete their survey to verify the repair costs and then we will proceed with preparing the proposals as soon as we can."
It is estimated that the 60-room castle needs £3m of repair work carried out, on top of annual running costs of £500,000 – amounts the council said it could not afford.
The controversial development has attracted criticism, with campaign group the Friends of Elvaston Castle set up in an attempt to keep the castle in public ownership.
A Friends spokesman said: "A conservation study costing £35,000 of taxpayers' money has already been carried out.
"The developer has been involved for at least five years and the estate is still declining.
"Nothing other than a not-for-profit community trust, made up of all stakeholder groups, is acceptable to the community to which the park belongs."
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by Joanne, Derbys
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 2:06PM
“I went with my family to Elvaston on Easter Monday, and the park and castle grounds were full of people and families from all generations, having quality time. The cafe supplied an outdoor BBQ and ice cream stall; there was an owl display, a rope making demonstration, and an art exhibition by local enthusiasts. Everywhere one looked in the grounds there were happy smiling faces and children playing.
The park itself is incredibly beautiful and inspiring, and a place of peaceful refuge for people and wildlife.
It is hard to envisage how this would not be drastically changed by converting a big part of this into a golf course, or the castle into a hotel, which would have little benefit to public visitors?”
by Joanne, Derbys
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 1:52PM
“Janet, if "progress" means selling the historic castle to become a hotel for private profit; and a big part of the grounds to become a golf course, which will heavily restrict public access- how can possibly be in the public interest?!
I'm sure you must be aware of the massive public opposition to these plans- from people who actually come to this park on a regular basis!
If DCC had invested in its upkeep, and consulted with conservation groups like English Heritage long before,
perhaps the building wouldn't be in decline!
DCC's job is to serve the people, not rob them of valuable public spaces.”
by Becky, Derby
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 1:43PM
“I grew up around Elvaston Castle, I've played in its grounds and heard all the ghost stories around it. Its a wonderful place that needs preserving for future generations. English Heritage wont allow the restoration to be in bad taste and the grounds will still be there! Now it will bring in more people to the area to appreciate the beauty and history of the building. I'm definately for the restoration - I've always dreamed of getting married at Elvaston Castle, now it will be more than possible!”
by Janet, Derby
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 1:00PM
“Get real, without investment the castle will crumble and be lost forever.
A Hotel makes sense, meaning people can actually enter and enjoy the building which has been restored not out of the taxpayers pocket and the public can still enjoy the grounds as they do now.
Progress oh no we are all scared of that in Derby...”
by Joanne, Derbys
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 12:35PM
“It's a beautiful place, and always packed out with families
having a good time.Parks and buildings like these are rare these days, and so little green spaces left for local people and children to enjoy.
What benefit will there be for a private hotel and golf course, apart from to DCC?!
Once ruined, gone forever. Whole generations of peoples' memories down the drain, all for the sake of greedy profit to a few.
This is a public space- donated by the estate to the PEOPLE!”
by Steve, Derby
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 12:23PM
“I wrote to the council about this some time ago and they fobbed me off with excuses. They could have taken the place on themselves and used part of it as a conference centre (to help fund itself), or venue (as it used to be popular for civil weddings, etc). They are so bloated an inefficient that they couldn't make it work. I went for a walk there recently and I'd forgotten how nice it was there.”
by Joanne, Derbys
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 12:19PM
“Steve- I think we all need to pull together on this- as plans appear to be rolling on, regardless of the publics' wishes!
PS- THANKYOU DET!!”
by Steve, Derby
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 12:07PM
“Joanne, I actually agree with you on something!”
by Joanne, Derbys
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 11:45AM
“Is it possible DET could flag this story up, for the sake of public interest please?
There is massive public support out there against these plans. Thankyou.”
by Joanne, Derbys
Wednesday, April 15 2009, 11:40AM
“Please check out facebook group:"Save Elvaston Castle,"
and on the web, "Friends of Elvaston." There is huge public
support against DCC's plans, and many have expressed deep sadness and anger at the prospect of losing so much of this treasured and historic building and park to private developers- for benefit to them and DCC alone!!!
Just for once- the public need a VOICE, and not to be trampled over by commercial gain. DCC- you are there to protect and represent the public's interest not
ignore them!”