Castle plan 'less controversial'

The castle overlooks Matlock

A plan to build housing at a castle in Derbyshire has been revised to make it less controversial, a developer says.

Cross Tower Ventures says its new proposal will involve building more of the 46 apartments and houses inside the walls of Riber Castle.

The original plan had been recommended for refusal by Derbyshire Dales District Council, but was withdrawn shortly before being considered.

The castle, near Matlock, was built by industrialist John Smedley in 1862.

Its grounds were later converted into a wildlife park, which closed in 2000.

Bill Clay, from Cross Tower Ventures, said: "It's a very important building on the landscape, it's very close to the hearts and minds of all Matlock people."

However a residential development was the only way the castle could "provide for its own upkeep", he said.