Grotty old hotel in Macklin Street, Derby, set to be transformed into homes for 20 people
Plans have been submitted to turn a Derby city centre hotel into “high-quality” residential homes for more than 20 people.
A planning application has been submitted to Derby City Council to transform the former Rangemoor Park Hotel on Macklin Street, near to where the new Becketwell Arena is being built.
The application has been submitted by a Derby resident and is currently in the consultation stage of the planning process. The plan is to turn it into a larger house for 22 occupants to live in under one roof, with a total of 23 bedrooms.
Previous reports say the hotel closed down permanently around 2017 after going into receivership. Since then it has remained vacant, turning into a grotty eyesore, with some windows bordered up and its entrance appears to have been fenced off.
Planning documents say the former hotel at Macklin Street is “ideally positioned to benefit future residents” due to its proximity to public transport, educational institutions, healthcare facilities and essential amenities. The applicant says the plan addresses “a clear need” for affordable, flexible housing in Derby.
Each of the 23 bedrooms will have en-suite facilities if the application is approved. But only some will have cooking facilities, planning documents state. Parking will be provided at the rear of the building but it is unclear how many parking spaces will be provided.
A planning statement says: “The proposed change of use aims to provide high-quality, affordable, and inclusive housing for individuals within Derby’s city centre, supporting the area’s housing needs and offering a viable alternative to traditional single-family housing options. This project recognizes the diversity of residents who may benefit from the new HMO, including students, young professionals, and other individuals seeking affordable urban living. To support the varied needs of prospective tenants.
“The proposed development aligns with the city’s housing objectives, meeting the demand for affordable and flexible living spaces for individuals, particularly students, young professionals, and those seeking centrally located housing options. The conversion will adapt the existing hotel structure into private and communal living spaces, balancing privacy with community interaction, and ensuring the property meets modern living standards.”
Any plans for HMOs across Derby are set to be rigorously looked at. This is because Derby City Council recently approved restrictions for HMOs in parts of the city where there are deemed to be excessive numbers of bedsits which need regulation – the city centre being one of them.
This clampdown came following a year-long review into how too many HMOs were causing widespread problems in areas of Derby include car parking, fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.