Planning consultancy secures changes to former school

Planning & Design Practice has helped Over the Wall Camp secure planning permission for an extension and alterations to a former school, which it plans to use for a residential activity camp.

The firm has successfully achieved listed building consent for a single storey extension and internal alterations to the Ockbrook Moravian Settlement.

The planning success includes the change of use of The Mews from a nursery to a C2 use to align with the remainder of the site, plus associated landscaping works.

Planning & Design worked on the application in collaboration with Tate and Co Architects for Over the Wall Camp, which is a UK-based charity for children and young people with health challenges and disabilities.

It provides a safe place to step outside of comfort zones, establish friendships and build confidence through meaningful and exciting activities.

It was founded 25 years ago by Paul Newman for children living with long-term health conditions and disabilities. Since then, it has provided camps for over 17,000 campers.

Ockbrook Moravian Settlement was founded in 1750 and is considered as one of only three such settlements nationally.

The six acres and listed red brick buildings, include the Church, Manse, school, and houses; all well-preserved.

The settlement has significant heritage value to its previous users; former pupils of the school, local community groups and religious congregations.

In a statement, Planning & Design Practice said: “Restoring and repurposing these historic buildings will secure a long-term conservation for this notable curio in Derbyshire history, and opening up the site will allow a more diverse group of people access to its fascinating heritage.

“At PDP we recognise the importance of the built heritage in our towns, villages and rural areas.

“We have an in-house team of consultants, conservation architects and architectural technicians who ensure that proposals are designed sympathetically to conserve and enhance historic buildings and sites.”