About Us
Founded in 1960, Derby Civic Society is dedicated to inspiring public awareness and fostering a commitment to excellence in town planning, design, and architecture. Our mission is to preserve, protect, and enhance Derby's historic, cultural, and aesthetic landmarks, ensuring they remain sources of beauty and public interest for generations to come.
Our dedicated team of volunteers plays a vital role in safeguarding the character of the City of Derby. We actively review all planning proposals, whether they involve new developments, modifications to existing structures, or changes to the surrounding landscape. When necessary, we present our recommendations and concerns directly to the Planning Committee to help ensure thoughtful and responsible decision-making.
We pay close attention to proposed developments within Conservation Areas, as well as projects involving Derby's listed buildings—whether they are on the Statutory List or the Local List. Our representative actively participates in the City Council’s Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee, ensuring our perspectives are heard. Notably, the Planning Committee adopts the committee's advice in 95% of cases, highlighting the importance of this collaborative process.
The Society plays an active role in advising the City Council on the designation of new Conservation Areas and the expansion of existing ones. Notably, the establishment of the Green Lane Conservation Area was significantly influenced by the efforts of our members. We actively participate in consultations held by the City Council and other statutory bodies on matters that impact the future wellbeing of our city and its residents. This includes contributing to the development of local plans and the Local Development Framework. As a member of the East Midlands Association of Civic and Historical Societies, the Society benefits from access to a wealth of valuable resources and connections. Additionally, we maintain strong ties with a variety of local organisations, including the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (renowned for restoring the Railway Cottages), the Friends of Derby Museums, the Friends of Derby Cathedral, the Darley Abbey Society, the Strutt’s Park Residents Association, and the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site.
The Society is guided by a Council (committee), elected by membership at the Annual General Meeting held each autumn.
If you'd like to learn more or are interested in joining and supporting Derby Civic Society, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Derby Civic Society Committee Members
Ashley Waterhouse
Chair
Ashley has lead on a number of key projects to help safeguard Derby's heritage. He leads the Society in major local campaigns, including assembling a committee that secured Grade II listing of 27 Queen Street. He provides talks on military history and is a collector of militaria. Ashley is a member of the Royal Historical Society.
Ian Goodwin
Deputy Chair
Maxwell Craven
Secretary (Acting)
Maxwell is a member of the Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee (CHAC) representing the Victorian Society. Maxwell is Chairman of the Cathedral Fabric Committee and Trustee of the Bridge Chapel.
Alan Grimadell
Chairman
Phil Lucas
Treasurer
Phil has experience of finance in both a High Street Bank and Local Authority settings. He is a founding member and treasurer of Derbyshire Disabled Cricket Club. He is a former school governor and current treasurer of Derwent Green Gym. Phil's interests include the industrial and economic history of Derby.
Peter Steer
Peter is a Chartered Structural Engineer. He has been involved in many planning issues in the City over the last 25 years. These include the Inner Ring Road and its division of long standing social groups, the saving of St Helens House and the battle to preserve the Hippodrome
Theatre.
Carole Craven
Carole is a member of the Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee (CHAC) representing the Georgian Society.
Beth Rawson
Beth is an NHS Librarian and the Curator for the Derby Hospital Medical Museum. She is the Secretary for the Strutt's Park Residence Association (SPRA) and is a member of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site Collections Group.
Lawrence Chell
Jason Toon
Jason has a strong interest in Derby's history and has a particular interest in military heritage, notably the Nottingham and Derby Regiment. He has been involved with a number of local heritage and conservation projects.