Historic Derby pub to become shop

A former Derby city centre pub is to be transformed into a shop after plans were given the green light.

Derby City Council planners have approved a planning application which will see the ground floor of the former Tiffany Lounge pub on London Road converted into a new convenience store.

The owners of the former pub, located near Derby’s Midland railway station, called for permission 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 shop will be six new flats – five of which were in the process of being converted when plans were submitted.

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

Now that plans have been approved, work taking place is set to include the demolition of existing bars and removal of keg taps and other pub furniture as well the creation of new shop signage.

The plans were submitted to the council before Christmas last year.

Planning documents stated that a new shop could act as a “lifeline” for the listed building. And council officers have agreed with the idea.

A Decision Notice by Derby City Council says: “The retention of and proposed alterations to the listed building would amount to less than substantial harm to the heritage asset which is outweighed by the benefits in terms of reinstatement of historic features and viable reuse of the building. The revisions to proposed uses to form additional residential units in upper floors would form a high quality living environment and be sensitive to the significance and character of the listed building. There would be no adverse highway safety implications, subject to cycle parking being provided.”

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.”

Earlier this week it was reported that the Stuart Hotel, also located on London Road, had unveiled plans to turn part of its venue into a shop. Plans were submitted to Derby City Council last Friday (March 18) with a decision expected later this Spring.