Council thumbs-up for glamping site

from Melbourne Village Voice April 2023

Melbourne Village Voice April 2023

GLAMPING accommodation in vintage vehicles on the Melbourne Hall

Estate is now all set to go ahead

Councillors at South Derbyshire District Council’s Planning Committee on March 21 spent half an hour briskly debating proposals from Melbourne Hall Estate to allow the quirky glamping site in eight vintage vehicles on land near the pool

The site is the subject of a forthcoming Channel 4 series fronted by TV comic turned glamping champion Johnny Vegas

The meeting also heard concerns about traffic coming in and out of the site along Pool Road, so councillors imposed a condition that applicants should come up with a vehicle management plan giving details put in place to avoid conflict with different road users

The site on land near the hall was given temporary permission last year but the latest decision allows for a seasonal operation between April and September, which will become out-of-season storage between October and March

Historic England, the body which looks after England’s historic environment, had voiced concerns about the application, saying they did not have enough information to make a comment

But a conservation officer for the council did not have such concerns, saying enough information had been provided and that, because the site did not have any permanent structures, it could be returned to its previous state if the glamping site was no longer operational

The officer concluded: “The proposed use of the site is appropriate for this location, and there are public benefits to the delivery of diversification of land within Melbourne Estate; the income generated being directly reinvested into the Heritage Assets

“The agent has provided confirmation that the glamping site will contribute much needed income which will greatly contribute to the maintenance of the Heritage assets Without diversification and alternative revenue streams Melbourne Hall Estate could fall into disrepair, and may close to the public, which would be a great loss to the community, the town, and the general public ”

A planning report accompanying the proposals said: “The proposal would attract and offer accommodation for visitors at Melbourne Hall Estate, this will bring economic benefits to the locality and also support the maintenance and preservation of the Grade II Listed Melbourne Hall and Grade I Listed Historic Park and Gardens for the benefit of the public

“The proposal will preserve the surrounding designated heritage assets and character of the landscape, there would be no adverse impact upon the residential amenities enjoyed by existing neighbouring occupiers or the efficiency of the highway ”

by Lucy Stephens

What changes has he seen over the years?

“A lot has changed,” said Ben “I think the community support is definitely still there and that definitely came back during Covid I think people rallied around a lot more, and realised they needed local amenities more

“That has stuck around since Covid as well I think with the shock of everything, and things closing, everyone was all of a sudden in the same boat – the togetherness was there a lot more, and everybody was there for each other

“We have had a lot of competition and there aren’t many shops of this size that have survived

“We do sell a lot of alcohol! But things like canned vegetables have decreased; not many people buy that kind of thing now – people prefer fresh nowadays We have more snacks like biscuits and crisps ”

When all is said and done the Spar shop, famously open from eight until eight, has been a huge part of Ben’s life – and the local community’s – for many years

“Life is a rollercoaster,” he said “It goes up and down I’ve seen a lot of my customers go through hard times, and they’ve seen me go through hard times So it’s emotional to leave!”

RENOVATION works to the Assembly Rooms in Melbourne have been highly commended in a scheme recognising the best additions to the town’s landscape over the last year

The latest Melbourne Civic Society awards have seen the extensive works at the Assembly Rooms given a highly commended prize Judges, who comprised visiting architect Amanda Harmer, along with Judith Baron, civic society chair Martin Keay, along with David Clark and

Barry Thomas from the society, and Melbourne Parish Council chair Terry Summerlin, thought the Assembly Rooms’ works were the best project of the proposals they considered this year

Work there included tidying and making safe the rear covered area, complete removal of storage sheds with the reduction in height and repair of the boundary wall towards the Lothian Gardens, repairs to the bell tower, repairs and repainting of all wooden windows, additional disabled access and provision of EV charging points Judges felt these renovations “greatly improve” the building’s appearance, and “show the commitment of the management to the maintenance and updating of one of the town’s heritage buildings”

Two further projects were commended: the renovation to the previously vacant and run down shop and accommodation at 26 Market Place, and work to renovate and convert the single property at 5-9 Chapel Street into three individual two-bedroom houses

MELBOURNE school children are set to benefit after a gig at the Assembly Rooms raised a massive £1,500.

The total raised from the event on March 11 is being split equally between Melbourne Infant and Junior Schools to update library and sensory areas.

The concert featured the vocal talents of The Lost Boys: Marvin Cooke on lead guitar, Ant Bacon on keyboards, Andy Jones on drums, Darren Walker on bass, Liam Coffey as lead singer and Debbie Matthews as a supporting singer.

After months of rehearsing, the band played songs from the 80s, getting the crowd singing and dancing throughout – some of them donning fancy dress for the occasion!

A raffle at half time was organised by Angie Cooke and supported by family and friends, with the band then returning to wow the crowd, ending proceedings with the magnificent rendition of Purple Rain

Local band Burgess & Walker were the perfect warm-up, getting things going before The Lost Boys hit the stage.

Angie Cooke said: “It was truly teamwork with James Cooke and Ben Walker balancing lights and sounds as well as helping to set up and take down all the gear!

“Merchandising was produced by Grant Cooke and Siobhan Hardy Sharon Walker ensured the door was manned and monies accounted for, everyone was so helpful ”

Angie paid tribute to “incredible donations” for the raffle, including local people and Toyota UK and Europe, including vouchers for champagne breakfast and health and fitness; whisky, gin, chocolates, framed prints, games bundles, a picnic hamper, stationery, candles, record players and even a guitar.

Angie thanked Andy Heafield and the team at The Assembly Rooms for setting up the room and keeping the bar going

NATIONAL Trust leaders want visitors to its properties like Calke Abbey to take a moment to enjoy the beautiful blossom season. The trust is asking people to share blossom images on social media using the #BlossomWatch, in the hope that the “joyful sight of blush-tinted blooms will lift spirits and help everyone to celebrate nature together”.