HISTORIC DERBYSHIRE SITE COULD BE BROUGHT BACK TO LIFE

Land News

A historic industrial site only a short distance from Derbyshire’s Peak District and the M1 motorway is being sold by property consultants FHP.

The former Butterley Engineering works between Ripley and Alfreton has been given a price tag of £1.65 million and could be suitable for either further industrial use or residential development.

It has a history stretching back more than 200 years, when Benjamin Outram founded a company which went on to supply the iron works for projects which ranged from St Pancras Station to the D-Day Mulberry Harbours.

Butterley Engineering closed in 2009, leaving behind two listed buildings and scheduled ancient monuments in the form of a blast furnace and an underground canal tunnel which was originally used to take the iron works off site.

The rest of the 13 acre site has been cleared, and David Hargreaves, one of the founding directors of FHP, says its size and location means it is probably best suited to residential development.  He commented:

“This is a site with a fascinating history stretching back to the industrial revolution and its scale means that it could still be returned to business use.  However, expert planning advice suggests it will be a prime location for residential development, and there is a clear need for more housing in the area.”

Though the site is not in a conservation area or green belt land, it is close to a nature reserve, the Butterley Reservoir and is less than two miles from the A38.

FHP Director Tim Gilbertson, who is also working on the disposal of the site, says its good connections make it an attractive location for housing:

“The A38 connection means that it is within easy reach of both Derby and the M1 motorway, so it would work well for people who commute.  Its proximity to the Derbyshire Dales and the Peak District is another strong selling point, and from a practical perspective it’s also within a mile of a Sainsbury supermarket.”

The site is covered by a 999 year lease and planning advice suggests it may have the capacity to accommodate more than 130 homes, subject to detailed planning consent, while the listed buildings could be converted for use as apartments or business space.

Theo Till, a development surveyor at FHP, says the site could help the Amber Valley area meet local housing need.

“The expert advice we have been given suggests there is very good potential for residential development on this site, particular when housing has been built on adjoining land.  Everyone knows that new homes are badly needed and the connections and lifestyle the Butterley site offers make it an attractive option.”

For further information on the site please contact David Hargreaves, Tim Gilbertson or Theo Till on 0115 950 7577.