A historic Derby building which has strong connections with the city’s porcelain manufacturing industry is to be given a new lease of life.
For several years the property, in King Street, next to the Seven Stars pub in the Five Lamps area of Derby, has stood empty.
But last year, following a sale of the property, a planning application was lodged with Derby City Council by AK Innovative Design Solutions to breathe new life into it.
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Now, the authority has granted permission, paving the way for the ground floor to be refurbished as three retail units, with six flats on the first and second floors.
It is believed that the building was once the residence of Sampson Hancock, one of the founders of the Old Crown Derby China Works, which was based at another location in King Street.
It is also understood that at one time, the property was a factory shop for the business.
Hancock had worked at a porcelain factory in Nottingham Road, but when it closed down in 1848, he and five other workers decided to join forces to set up their own factory, which opened in 1849.
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The Old China Works were eventually sold to the Royal Crown Derby Porcelain Company in 1935, which closed down the works. Today, Royal Crown Derby still makes fine bone china at its Osmaston Road factory.
The surviving building in King Street, which has fallen into a state of disrepair, is on the Derby City Council local list to show its important links to English porcelain manufacturing.
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Today, on the side of the building, it is still possible to see the remnants of the Old Crown Derby China Works signage.
Granting permission to revamp the building, city council planners said: “The development, as amended, is acceptable in the context of these locally listed buildings and the overall conversion and adaption of the buildings would enhance this prominent part of the wider street-scene.
“In dealing with this application the city council has worked with the applicant / agent in a positive and proactive manner and has secured appropriate and proportionate improvements to the scheme which relate to the detailed design and materials.”