Funeral home plan approved for Buxton pub

The ground floor of the Prince of Wales Hotel on Fairfield Road, which has been vacant since 2011, is set to be used as a funeral directors.

High Peak Borough Council has granted planning approval for the development by Mellor and Smith Funeral Directors, who have outgrown their current premises on Waterswallows Road.

Documents submitted on behalf of the applicant state: “Due to recent growth of the business, the premises at Waterswallows Road are no longer suitable for their needs and so they are looking to relocate to the Prince of Wales site.

“The proposal will give a new use to the former public house site and one which is suited to a residential area, as the disturbance to neighbouring properties will be minimal.”

The first floor of the property will be converted into two self-contained flats.

Barms Ward councillor Rachael Quinn said: “I do find it very sad to see so many pubs, that have been part of many people’s lives for a long period of time, disappearing, but I am glad that the building will not be standing empty and deteriorating. I also welcome the full use of the building to provide two dwellings as well as the funeral home.”