Planning block splits opinion on high street
COUNCIL REJECTS SCHEME TO TURN BANK INTO PUB/RESTAURANT
OPINIONS are split after a plan to turn an old bank into a pub was rejected for being “over intensive”.
The proposal to convert the former Trustees Savings Bank, in Plains Road, Mapperley, into a pub/restaurant, creating a new ground-floor shop with six apartments above it, was turned down by Gedling Borough Council last week.
The bank closed during the Covid pandemic and has been vacant since February last year.
The council said the proposed extensions with different roof heights and styles “would result in an over intensive from of development” which would be “visually prominent and incongruous within the street scene”.
But views on the high street were divided over the decision.
Retired Duncan Thompson, 76, who lives in Mapperley, said: “I think it could be used for a more useful purpose.
“We have a lot of nice little bars that look great. It could have diminished the look of Mapperley Top.
“If you want to go to a pub there you have the Plainsman and Wetherspoons – there’s a lot of choice here already.
“I think it is probably the right call. It would be a huge pub right in the middle of all the shops.”
Driving instructor John Wilkinson, 62, said: “Mapperley is a lovely area.
“You have nice little bars for afternoons, but it is not really big for evening venues.
“It’s perfect for lunches and going for a few drinks. But I do not think another pub is a good idea. If I lived behind it I would be happy it was rejected.”
But others said it was a “shame” the plans had been turned down.
Garry King, 61, who lived in Mapperley for 18 years before moving to Gedling, said: “I’m surprised by that. I think Mapperley could do with a proper restaurant as well as the café bars.
“I think its a bit of a shame really that it has been rejected. Something needs to be done with it – we don’t want it empty.”
Council officials said the plans would harm the character of the area.
In a report, a council planning officer wrote: “The proposed extensions, by virtue of their footprint, scale, massing and design with different roof heights and styles and external materials, would result in an over intensive form of development.”
The officer added that the venue would “appear visually prominent and incongruous within the street scene, resulting in harm to the character and appearance of the area”.
The plans would have created 15 full-time jobs, according to the developer,. who argued the redevelopment of the vacant building would also benefit the area.
In a planning document, planning agent Enzygo Ltd, on behalf of applicant Hillcrest Properties Limited, said: “The redevelopment of this vacant brownfield site, in a highly sustainable location, will bring significant local benefit in terms of the creation of approximately 15 fulltime employment opportunities, aesthetically improving a redundant building, creating an additional leisure and retail location to improve the vibrancy and offer of the high street, aiding the transition to a post-pandemic economy, and taking the opportunity to create high-quality residential accommodation at upper-floor level in a highly sustainable location.”
The company added: “The proposed conversion of the old bank building will be sensitive in form that shall add to the amenity and vitality to the local centre, creating functional spaces for the end users, catering for the needs of the community, and breathing life into the high street which is vital to the longterm survival and growth of local centres.”
The Post attempted to contact Hillcrest Properties Limited for comment.
There’s a lot of choice here already. I think it is probably the right call
Duncan Thompson (pictured)