Former Derbyshire and England cricketer's wine bar plans for old Matlock bank approved

The plans, from John Morris, former Derbyshire and England Test cricketer, to turn the former National Westminster bank in Dale Road into a wine bar, were signed off by councillors.

Members of the Derbyshire Dales District Council planning committee voted by nine votes to four to approve the application.

Chris Whitmore, a Dales council planner, called the former bank building “impressive” and said the plans would include outdoor seating to the rear, alongside the River Derwent.

Mr Morris’s firm, Bradmans, named after the late international Australian cricket idol Sir Don Bradman, has run a wine bar in Duffield for the past two years.

A written statement from Mr Morris, read aloud at the meeting, said: “We have immensely enjoyed the start to our business and further to our success in Duffield we wanted to expand into other locations.

“Having assessed various locations in Derbyshire and wider areas, we identified Matlock as a perfect location to bring our passion for wine to and open our second site.

“The premise has been left empty for a number of years and as we all know high streets across the country are in decline and need to evolve to survive.

“We want the opportunity to invest in the building and area to create a pleasant and sophisticated establishment that will bring the building back to life and help this part of Matlock to thrive.”

Mr Whitmore confirmed there was likely to be disturbance to the residents living on the upper floors of the former bank but said it must be considered if this is excessive for a town centre location where a certain level of noise is expected.

The wine bar would be open from 11am to midnight Monday through Saturday and 11am to 11.30pm on Sundays, in line with other nearby businesses.

Coun Richard FitzHerbert said: “These people want to invest in the Derbyshire Dales. They want to employ people and we need to get town centres going again.”

Concerns were also raised about the risks it would cause for residents.