New homes are being delivered in the historic centre of Melbourne, South Derbyshire, for the first time in a generation, as Cameron Homes progresses a £3.2m residential scheme on a former community site.

The Poppy Court development, located off Church Street within the Melbourne Conservation Area, will provide five three- and four-bedroom homes, with buyers now able to reserve properties off-plan ahead of completion later this year.

The scheme is being delivered on the site of a former Senior Citizens Centre, which operated from 1965 until its closure in 2021.

The site was subsequently identified in the South Derbyshire Local Plan as suitable for residential redevelopment.

Small-scale housing delivery on constrained town centre site

The development comprises a detached property fronting Church Street and a terrace of four homes facing Castle Street. The homes range from approximately 1,064 sq ft to 1,590 sq ft and include gardens and allocated parking.

The project reflects a trend towards small-scale, brownfield-led housing delivery in constrained urban and conservation settings, where site sensitivity, heritage considerations and planning requirements influence design and construction.

The scheme is also located close to the National Forest, with established trees retained as part of the development.

The site is owned by the Trustees of Melbourne Hall Estate, who brought forward the redevelopment to generate income to support ongoing estate maintenance and repair works.

Heritage considerations and site reuse shape development

Sarah Sargeant, sales director of Cameron Homes, said: “It’s a real honour to be constructing these five beautiful family homes in the heart of Melbourne. The history, strong sense of community and proximity to the great outdoors means it’s a location that’s in demand within south Derbyshire.”

“Many small houses within the Conservation Area don’t have parking, but the residents of Poppy Court won’t need to make any compromises. The private enclosed gardens and generous parking allocation are combined with a refined specification and an array of energy-efficient features.”

Following demolition of the former building in 2025, a British Legion commemorative plaque was relocated within the site boundary, alongside the creation of a landscaped area including seating and planting.

The homes are expected to be completed towards the end of 2026.