Major housing scheme moves step closer as consultation starts

Plans for a multi-million pound housing development on the site of a former factory have moved a step closer following the launch of a public consultation by Derby City Council.

The scheme, situated on the site of the former Aida Bliss factory, in City Road, will be known as Haslam’s Foundry.

The plans would see 74 new affordable council homes built, with a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments in low-rise blocks, and two-, three- and four- bedroom townhouses.

The properties would be managed by Derby Homes and let to local people in need of housing.

As well as being fitted with a range of energy saving measures, the development would retain and conserve the Victorian façade of the foundry.

Alongside the new homes, three commercial units have been proposed to front onto the City Road car park.

The city council originally bought the site in 2018 to enable the construction of a new flood wall as part of the ‘Our City Our River’ (OCOR) scheme.

It includes what remains of Sir Alfred Seale Haslam’s Union Foundry, including the main foundry building which dates to 1876.

Haslam, who served as Mayor of Derby, was responsible for developing much of the surrounding terraced housing for his workforce, making the site of particular importance to the Little Chester Conservation Area.

Councillor Roy Webb, the city council’s cabinet member for adults, health and housing, said: “I’m delighted that we can now invite the public to have their say on the proposals for the redevelopment of Haslam’s Foundry.

“This is a great opportunity to provide an efficient and sustainable redevelopment, while maintaining the heritage of the area.”

Following the consultation, a full planning application will be submitted in the spring.

Amanda Solloway, MP for Derby North, said: “These plans offer a really exciting prospect for regenerating the former factory site as part of the ‘Our City Our River’ (OCOR) project.

“It is great to see that the plans will look to keep the proud heritage of the site, while building sustainable housing to meet demand with strong green credentials.

“The re-development has been made possible through the strong work to-date to address the potential risk of flooding to the area.

“It is important that the redevelopment of the site, which has been unused for nearly 20 years, is done right and I am very pleased that residents will get to have their say.”

The proposals can be viewed here until Sunday 13 March.

The project team will also be available at two drop-in sessions to discuss the plans.

These will be on Thursday 10 February, from 3pm to 8pm and Friday 11 February, from 10am to 2pm, both at St Paul’s Church Hall, in Seale Street.

A video has also been produced of the proposed scheme, which can be viewed here.