TWO of Derby’s most historic buildings will be brought back into use for the first time since 1959 after councillors gave “important” plans for them the go-ahead last night.

West Mill and Long Mill, in Darley Abbey – both Grade I-listed former cotton spinning mills – have been empty for 55 years but will now be converted.

The former will become a wedding venue, with ceremonies held on the top of four floors, banqueting on the next down, and then a recepetion floor, with an art gallery on the bottom level.

This will tell the story of Darley Abbey Mills through old photographs.

It will be open as a wedding venue, which will also host conferences, from May 1 next year, creating 33 jobs.

All five storeys of Long Mill will become office space, which will be available from this autumn and provide space for 150 employees.

The proposals were unanimously given the go-ahead by Derby City Council’s planning committee tonight – but the plans have not been without controversy.

The authority received 26 objections to the change of use of the buildings, with people concerned about traffic, parking and noise.

Stephen Robinson, of Folly Road, near the mills, told the meeting objectors had carried out their own review which showed “a 137% increase in traffic [in Haslams Lane] if one of these events happen”.

He said: “In one hour last Sunday, 298 adults and children, prams, cyclists, joggers and walkers walked across where the one-way system would be. And you want to throw all those cars at them?”

He added that the council report did not take into account noise made outside the venue like “beeping horns” and shouting after late-night drinking. He was told this would be controlled through the authority’s licensing powers.

Mick Nordemann, of Haslams Lane, told the meeting he objected because the application involved cars parking behind his and two other properties.

He said: “The proposed parking would look directly into the rear of three houses’ bedrooms. The privacy and enjoyment of those homes would disappear.”

But planning committee chairman, councillor Sara Bolton, said she believed the scheme was “long overdue” and was an “important scheme in our World Heritage Site”.

Councillor Robin Wood said: “We should grab this chance for listed buildings to have a sensible use.

“Without having to have permission from us, someone could come in and use the buildings for industrial use.”

Andrew Rose, Patterns Properties director, said his company would be aiming to achieve a “net reduction” in traffic in Haslams Lane by increasing the time that there is a toll on Darley Abbey bridge.

He said this would see the payment system running on weekends as well as weekdays.

Mr Rose said: “We want to respect the privacy of our neighbours and we respect their objections.”