Major improvements planned for Derby swimming pool to save it from closure

The building of a community swimming pool in Derby is to be upgraded and be given a huge makeover to avoid it closing to the public because of rising energy costs. Derby City Council has approved important plans to protect the future of Lonsdale Swimming Pool in Bishop Lonsdale Way, Mickleover.

According to its website, the pool is used for children’s and adult swimming lessons, local clubs and schools, as well as being open for public swimming sessions. It is operated by charity Lonsdale Swimming and Sports Trust. A planning application was submitted to the council to give the building a fresh and renovated look “to improve the energy efficiency of the building to reduce running costs”.

Permission was sought to over-clad the building and replace its windows and doors to change its appearance and significantly improve its “thermal envelope” and to meet the current building regulations.

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A design statement on behalf of the trust said: “These works are essential to create an energy efficient building to safeguard its future as a vital community asset. Without the permission for these changes being improved, the likelihood the facility will be able to continue to operate with rising energy costs is very low.

“The proposal for the permission to improve the thermal efficiency of the building, to change its appearance does not cause significant harm to the local context or any heritage assets.”

Last year, it was reported the pool had temporarily closed for around three months due to unforeseen problems and difficulties getting replacement parts. It had been feared at one point by the trustees of the Lonsdale Way pool that it would not reopen at all, especially taking into account the rising cost of running it.

Derby City Council officially approved the plans on October 31. A decision notice from the city council said: “This proposal provides both visual improvements to the appearance of the building, improvements to the thermal efficiency of the building and the opportunity to include micro-generation equipment to off-set the high emery costs associated with the use. As such the proposals accord with all national and local planning policies.

“In dealing with this application the city council has worked with the applicant/agent in a positive and proactive manner and, whilst no amendments to the scheme were necessary in this case, it has been determined in a positive fashion.”

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