New homes ‘have been a long time coming’
PLANS TO BUILD ON ‘EYESORE’ SITE OF OFFICES THAT BURNED DOWN IN 2017 ARE NOW SET FOR APPROVAL
ARNOLD residents have mixed views over plans to build 131 homes at the site of former offices which were gutted by fire four years ago.
The land, on Rolleston Drive, had been vacant for six years prior to the fire in 2017.
Applicant ilke Homes is hoping to develop on the nine-acre brownfield site in the town after purchasing the land from Nottinghamshire County Council.
A report submitted to Gedling Borough Council’s planning committee before their meeting tomorrow recommends the authority grants full planning permission for the houses to be built at the site.
The report states: “The proposal would make a significant contribution towards affordable housing need in the borough.
“The development is on balance visually acceptable, results in no undue impact on the neighbouring properties or the area in general.”
Of the 131 homes built, there would be 73 with three-bedrooms, 45 two-beds and 13 four-beds.
But some local residents have expressed concerns over a lack of infastructure in the area – while others have welcomed the news for the site which has been vacant for so long.
Maureen Jackson, who lives on Rolleston Drive opposite the derelict land, said: “It’s the right thing to do in my opinion.
“I would rather see houses than see it derelict and unused.
“I’ve lived here for six years and it’s been like this ever since I moved in.
“I think it’s a good decision.” Meanwhile Harry Garmin, 55, from Arnold, told the Post: “Well it’s been a long time coming. “It’s been like this for years now, so it’s good they are finally doing something with it. “It’s an eyesore, unfortunately, and it’s been like that for some time.
“If they can build some nice homes for people, then I’m all for it. I do worry about traffic, though, as it’s quite busy along here already.”
“There’s not the demand for housing here,” said one man, who wished to remain anonymous.
“You can keep building and building - but if there’s not enough doctors and shops it’s going to create problems.
“I don’t think houses is the best use of the land.”
Another resident, who also wished to remain anonymous, commented: “It’s been empty for a long time – I believe there were offices there, but there was also a fire there a few years ago.
“I’ve heard they want to build houses there – it won’t benefit the area at all because there’s no infastructure to go with it.
“They are already building on Mapperley Top but there is a real lack of infastructure.
“I fully believe they will build on there, that’s for sure, but it’s not the right thing to do, in my opinion.”
I would rather see houses than it derelict and unused. I’ve lived here six years and it’s been like this since I moved in
Maureen Jackson