Matlock Bridge Conservation Area

This area primarily developed in a relatively short period at the end of the 19th century, when the railway station enabled visitors to enjoy the benefits of the hydrotherapy establishments, particularly Smedley’s Hydro, in Matlock Bank. A cable tram, which had a terminus in Crown Square, would transport visitors up the steep Bank. The tram system created a focus and encouraged economic development and facilities and establishments, such as numerous commercial properties along Dale Road, and hotels and inns such as the Olde Englishe on Dale Road, The Crown Hotel and the Railway Inn on Bakewell Road furthered economic stimulation. In terms of buildings, most are constructed in stone, and the variety of building styles reflect the late 19th century eclecticism in architecture, with examples of Gothic Revival, Italianate and Baroque Revival This period also led to the development of Hall Leys Park, with its Broad Walk on which to promenade alongside the river Derwent and the result was, and still is, an attractive green public open space within the heart of the town.

Matlock Bridge Conservation Area is a predominantly an urban area, the boundary of which originally encompassed Dale Road, Matlock Station and Bridge. The Conservation Area boundary was designated in October 1989, but it was further extended in July 2008. The boundary now includes Crown Square and properties along Bakewell Road and Bank Road to the north. Hall Leys Park is now included to the east and the River Derwent forms the boundary to the south. The railway bridge, line and Holt Lane are included to the west and some properties at the southern end of Snitterton Road. The Conservation Area also includes Matlock Station and associated buildings. The Conservation Area currently comprises 13.5 hectares.

Historic Assets

Within Matlock Bridge Conservation Area there are 283 buildings, of which 3 are listed entries.  The listed buildings in Matlock Bridge are Derwent Bridge, which is both a listed structure (Grade II*) and a Scheduled Ancient monument, the Station Masters House (Grade II) and the Royal Bank of Scotland (Grade II) They all contribute, both individually and visually, within the street-scene.

Conservation Area Character Appraisal

In 2003 a comprehensive Conservation Area Character Appraisal was approved, which accessed the special qualities of the character and appearance of Matlock Bridge Conservation Area, both in terms of its buildings and the relationship of it's spaces, alongside those buildings. It assessed the archaeology; origins and development of the area; the architectural and historic quality; the setting and landscape of the area; an analysis of the character and considered the negative and neutral factors which impact on the Conservation Area. Coupled with this, the document made reference to planning policies and strategies that work to enhance and preserve the special character and appearance of the area.  This document also formed part of a wider initiative, which was used to secure grant funding, targeted at commercial properties. This was for repairs and replacement of architectural details in the area and to stimulate economic investment. This Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme was in operation for four years until the match funding from English Heritage was no longer available. In that period many of the commercial buildings (and some residential properties) in the area had significant grant aid injected in order to repair or restore their physical fabric - shop fronts, roofs, stone-work repairs, windows etc.

Following this, consideration was given to extending the Matlock Bridge Conservation Area and a further Appraisal was carried out. This Appraisal also assessed the character and appearance of buildings and areas outside the existing conservation area and in July 2008, a new boundary was approved for Matlock Bridge Conservation Area.

Buildings at Risk

None of the listed buildings within the Matlock Bath Conservation Area are recognised by the District Council as being ‘at risk’.

Article 4 Directions

Where Article 4 Directions are in place in the District they remove specified ‘permitted development ‘rights from a property, which means that planning permission will be required for the works as specified in the Direction. In October 2006 an Article 4 Direction was established in Matlock Bridge Conservation Area for number of buildings both commercial and residential, along Dale Road, Holt Lane, Snitterton Road and Derwent Avenue. For further details as to the individual properties covered by the Direction and the restrictions on those properties, please refer to Related Documents below.