Project Description

Client:  Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service and Derbyshire Constabulary
Location:  Derbyshire/East Midlands
Local Authority:  Amber Valley Borough Council
Sector:  Public Sector
Project Status:   Complete

DPDS were instructed by Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) and Derbyshire Constabulary under the umbrella of the Derbyshire Police Fire Partnership LLP (DPFP LLP) to manage and co-ordinate a planning application for a Joint Training Centre which included the following:

  • Two storey training centre building comprising:
    *  Offices;
    *  Classrooms;
    *  Welfare Facilities; and
    *  Fire Appliance bays.
  • Single storey operational element for Derbyshire Constabulary;
  • A Water Culvert;
  • Hydrants;
  • A Road Traffic Collision (RTC) Compound;
  • A Compartment Fire Behaviour Training (CBFT) facility;
  • Attack Units;
  • Training Towers;
  • Underground Search & Rescue simulation facilities;
  • A Boat Garage; and
  • Foam Training Area.

The scheme has allowed the rationalisation of the client’s HQ & training provision on a single site creating economies by eliminating duplication of provision and enabling the potential to provide an “exemplar” training model for other fire and rescue service clients in the future.

A full project team was assembled which included specialists in Transport, Flood Risk, Ground Investigations, Landscape, Arboriculture, Ecology, Air Quality, Noise and Lighting.

DPDS undertook the following:

  • Project Management and chairing of Design Team Meetings;
  • Management of technical team;
  • Comprehensive pre-application discussions with the LPA;
  • EIA Screening;
  • Preparation of Planning Supporting Statement;
  • Preparation of Design and Access Statement;
  • Preparation of a Landscape Strategy;
  • Monitoring of consultation responses;
  • Liaison with LPA; and
  • Attendance at Planning Board speaking in support of the application.

The application was considered by the Council’s Planning Board with an Officer recommendation for approval, a number of local residents appeared at the Planning Board objecting to application. DPDS appeared and spoke in support of the application. Planning Board members accepted the Officer recommendation and subsequently approved the application.

Due to efficient responses to requests for additional information and close working relationship with the Case Officer the application was approved within 13 week determination period.

Subsequent to the approval, DPDS have co-ordinated the submission of pre-commencement conditions attached to the permission and construction of the facility is now complete and operational.