Plans to turn a historic former convent in Derbyshire into a plush hotel and conferencing centre has been refused.
Proposals had been put forward to Amber Valley Borough Council to transform the former St Elizabeth Convent, in Belper, into an 11-bedroom hotel.
The scheme also included a modern conference centre extension, as well as new car parking areas, a two-storey house and storage barns in the grounds of the site, off Matlock Road, near to St Elizabeth’s Catholic Primary School.
According to the original planning application, the historic building, which dates back to the late 19 th century, had fallen into a “state of disrepair”.
Documents submitted to the borough council by Halsall Lloyd Partnership, on behalf of the applicant, argued that the property needed “substantial modernisation in order for it to function and be fit for purpose as a 21st-century property”.
However, the borough council has decided to turn down the application.
It argues that the development, which is within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site, would result in “harm to the character and appearance of the area”.
It is also critical of the modern additions proposed in the planning application, including the conference centre, which would have been built to the south of the existing building, overlooking Matlock Road.
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Refusing permission, the borough council said: “The building dates back to 1896 and was commissioned by George Herbert Strutt for his private secretary John Hunter.
“The house was one of the most notable residences built by the Strutts in Belper.
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“The building and its grounds are therefore an attribute of the World Heritage Site, contributing to its outstanding universal value and makes a positive contribution to the character of the Belper and Milford Conservation Area.
“The proposed development, which includes incongruous and prominent building works and other harmful development, will result in harm to the character and appearance of the area.
“The public benefits arising from the redevelopment of the listed building and its associated grounds would not outweigh the 'less than substantial' harm caused to the setting of the designated heritage asset.”