Planning Applications in
Derby
Derby has a population of approximately 257,300 and is part of the East Midlands region. Search any postcode in Derby to see recent planning applications near you — including extensions, new builds, demolitions, and change of use applications.
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Residential Extensions
Rear extensions, side extensions, loft conversions, and garage conversions in Derby.
New Builds & Developments
New housing developments, apartment blocks, and commercial buildings proposed in Derby.
Change of Use
Applications to change building use — shops to flats, offices to restaurants, and more in Derby.
Listed Buildings & Conservation
Works to listed buildings and developments in Derby's conservation areas.
Demolition Notices
Prior approval applications for demolition of buildings in Derby.
Trees & Landscaping
Tree preservation orders, tree works applications, and landscaping schemes in Derby.
Planning Battles in Derby
Notable planning controversies and disputes that have shaped development in the Derby area.
Becketwell Regeneration Slow Progress
2019-2025The Becketwell regeneration project — Derby's flagship city centre development on the former Debenhams and nightclub site — has progressed slowly. Phase 1 delivered a 259-home build-to-rent building and a new public square, but subsequent phases including a performance venue and further housing have been delayed. Residents have questioned whether the development delivers genuine community benefit.
Why this matters: Multi-phase city centre regeneration schemes can stall after the profitable early phases — monitoring subsequent reserved matters applications ensures the full vision is delivered.
South Derby Growth Zone Green Belt Release
2017-2025Derby's Local Plan allocated significant areas of green belt land for housing in the south of the city, including sites at Boulton Moor and Wragley Way. These allocations have been fiercely opposed by residents in Chellaston and Aston-on-Trent who argue the infrastructure (roads, schools, GP surgeries) cannot support thousands of new homes.
Why this matters: Green belt release for housing generates years of detailed planning applications — monitoring each phase and condition discharge ensures promised infrastructure keeps pace with house building.
Rolls-Royce Employment Land Protection
2020-2025Rolls-Royce's massive Sinfin and Wilmore Road sites are among the largest employment areas in the East Midlands. Planning applications near these sites have been scrutinised for potential conflicts with aerospace operations, including height restrictions near the test facility and noise impact considerations. Any threat to Rolls-Royce's operational flexibility is treated as a major planning concern.
Why this matters: Applications near major employers can affect their operations — monitoring ensures residential development doesn't create conflicts that could threaten important employment sites.
Major Developments to Watch in Derby
Large-scale projects and developments that are shaping the future of Derby.
Becketwell Regeneration
2019-2028Mixed-use city centre scheme on the former Debenhams site, delivering build-to-rent apartments, a performance venue, and new public square. Phase 1 complete, subsequent phases ongoing.
Pride Park Commercial Expansion
2018-2026Continued commercial development of Pride Park, Derby's premier business park adjacent to Derby County's stadium, with new office, logistics, and light industrial space.
Friar Gate Quarter
2020-2028Regeneration of the area around Friar Gate Goods Yard, a Grade II listed former railway building, into a mixed-use quarter with homes, workspace, and heritage restoration.
Boulton Moor Strategic Housing Site
2018-2030Major housing allocation south of Derby delivering up to 1,058 homes on former green belt land, with new schools, roads, and community facilities.
What Makes Planning in Derby Different
- Part of Derby falls within the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site buffer zone, requiring all applications to assess impact on the Outstanding Universal Value of the site — one of the few English cities with this constraint
- Derby's Local Plan Part 1 (adopted 2017) includes specific policies protecting aerospace and advanced manufacturing employment land, reflecting the city's dependency on Rolls-Royce and Toyota
- The city's administrative boundary is tightly drawn, and significant numbers of 'Derby' housing applications actually fall in neighbouring South Derbyshire or Amber Valley districts
- Darley Abbey, a suburb within Derby, contains one of the finest surviving examples of an industrial mill colony and is part of the World Heritage Site — even minor alterations to buildings require exceptional care
- Derby's flood risk from the River Derwent affects a significant corridor through the city, and the 2019 floods demonstrated the vulnerability of development in the floodplain
Derby City Council processes approximately 2,000 planning applications per year. The Local Plan housing target is approximately 665 homes per year, relatively modest for a city of its size. The council has relied on green belt release and cross-boundary cooperation with South Derbyshire to meet housing needs. Employment land protection is unusually prominent in Derby's planning policies compared to other cities of similar size.
Key Areas in Derby
Average house prices around £190,000, making Derby one of England's most affordable cities. Allestree and Darley Abbey are premium areas at £300,000+. The Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site buffer zone affects parts of the northern city. Strong employment market around Rolls-Royce and Toyota creating stable housing demand.
Official Planning Portal
View and search planning applications directly on the Derby council website.
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Nearby Councils in East Midlands
Explore planning applications in other East Midlands councils.
Planning Guides for Derby Residents
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Specialist Topics
Common Planning Situations
Data Sources
- Planning application data: planning.data.gov.uk
- Derby council planning portal — eplanning.derby.gov.uk
- Planning Inspectorate (PINS) appeal decisions
- Data last refreshed: 13 March 2026