Plans to convert Ingleside House at 5 Wilmot Street into residential flats have now been approved by Erewash Borough Council.
The proposal, first reported by Ilkeston News earlier this year, sought planning permission to change the use of the former hairdressers into three self-contained flats off Bath Street.. The council issued its decision shortly before Christmas.
What has been approved
Planning permission has been granted for the conversion of the existing building into three market-rate flats. These will consist of two one-bedroom, single-occupancy flats on the ground floor and one two-bedroom flat on the first floor, suitable for up to three occupants.
The approved plans confirm internal floor areas of approximately 37 square metres, 39 square metres and 61 square metres, which officers say meet national minimum space standards for residential accommodation in a town-centre location.
The building was most recently used as a beauty therapy business and is located within the Ilkeston Conservation Area.
Changes to the building
According to planning documents, external alterations will be limited and largely focused on a modern flat-roofed rear extension. These include alterations to existing door and window openings, a reduction in the width of a first-floor stair landing window, and the insertion of a rooflight on the rear roof slope.
Planning officers concluded that the proposed works would not harm the character or appearance of the conservation area and that the building makes a positive contribution to the town centre.
Planning officer assessment
In a delegated decision report, council officers said the principle of converting the building back to residential use was acceptable, particularly given its historic residential use and its central location close to shops, services and public transport.
Environmental Health officers raised concerns about potential noise levels due to the town-centre location. However, planners noted that future residents would be aware of this and that internal noise mitigation would be addressed through Building Regulations rather than planning conditions.
No objections were received from neighbours or statutory consultees during the consultation period.
Previous refusal addressed
The approved scheme follows an earlier refused application for the site. Officers confirmed that changes to the internal layout, outlook and access arrangements had addressed previous concerns. Improvements include better privacy for ground-floor flats and revised access so that each unit is entered from the front rather than the rear.
Decision and next steps
Planning permission was formally granted on 23 December 2025, subject to standard conditions. Development must begin within three years, and the works must be carried out in accordance with the approved plans.