Convenience store plans for listed Derby pub

A historic former Derby pub could be turned into a new convenience store.

The owners of the former Tiffany Lounge pub on the corner of Midland Road and London Road have submitted plans for a change of use to the ground floor of the empty city centre venue.

The permission calls for the ground floor of the listed building to be changed from a public house into retail space and the creation of an additional flat above it.

Above the proposed shop will be six new flats – five of which are currently under construction following a previously approved planning application.

The Tiffany Lounge, formerly the Crown and Cushion, pub closed two years ago. It is said the previous tenant shut down the pub due to “lack of trade and security issues”.

Should the plans be agreed to, work would include the demolition of existing bars and removal of keg taps and other pub furniture as well the creation of new shop signage.

Planning documents say the new owner has tried to find a new tenant to take over the pub but without success.

And it adds that the possibility of turning the pub into a shop, for which there is interest, could allow a “lifeline” for the building.

It is claimed the new housing development at the former Derbyshire Royal Infirmary site could tie in well with a new shop and any alteration uses should be encouraged.

A Design and Access Statement by Simon Foote Architects on behalf of the applicant said: “The owners of the property have struggled to find a tenant willing to take over the ground floor public house unit.

“The income from renting out of the ground floor unit is needed to finish the works to the first and second floor residential units.

“The offer from an interested tenant to create a shop to the ground floor and repurpose the space is a lifeline for a building that otherwise could fall into disrepair.

“The reinstatement works to both the main entrance and the shopfront allow the heritage of the building within this important street scene to be re-established and have a long term sustainable use.”