Student flats here would be a ‘crime’
BUT PLANS RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL
CONSERVATIONISTS have labelled a plan for 100 student flats on the original “Snottengaham” town boundary a “crime”.
They have objected to the proposals to convert a former restaurant in Hockley.
The vacant three-storey building at 38-46 Goose Gate is thought to be on the original boundary of the Saxon town Snottengaham. Hilary Silvester, executive chair of Nottingham Civic Society, explained this was “the Anglo-saxon home of the wise people, wise to have built such a defensible height” near Castle Rock.
But, despite the concerns, Nottingham City Council planning officers have recommended the plans for approval.
Councillors will make the final decision at a planning committee meeting on Wednesday.
In the proposed conversion, developers want to create new shops on the ground floor.
The development is expected to reach six storeys in height in places.
During a consultation process, the civic society said it would be “a crime to build on top of such a historic structure and ruin the current aesthetics”.
It added that “extending above the current three floors would cause much noise and disruption and would take away the current elegance of the building”.
Ms Silvester said the amount of student accommodation in the city centre itself was at a “saturation point”.
“The building would be oppressive on the rest of the street: it’s too big, too tall, looms over and affects the character of that area.
“The design to build more floors is not in keeping with other buildings in the area – it’s too angular.
“I would like to see the original character of the city retained, as that is gradually being eroded, and existing buildings could be improved instead of some being demolished and being replaced with new ones or additions being built, as in other areas of Nottingham.
“With the amount of student housing in the city, we’re approaching saturation point, any new planning application seems to be for student accommodation. I’m not saying anything negative about the students themselves or the two universities, as they do bring a lot of good to Nottingham as a city.
“But it does have a further impact on Nottingham when this kind of infrastructure is planned.”
The society previously said the city was facing an “architectural disaster” if the demolition of “landmark” buildings continues. But statistics show there is a need for more purpose-built student accommodation a to cover a shortfall. People in the city had their say. George Harrison, 21, said: “With a rising population and more students coming into Nottingham, I guess that’s to be expected. With the shops, I would like to see more and I would like to see more variety. I’ve lived here for a while and came to college in Nottingham, so that would be nice.”
James Quinn, 32, from Giltbrook, said: “Isn’t there enough student accommodation? I wouldn’t change the building too much, but if it means the building would be in use, then why not, I guess.”
Callum Clarke, 31, who lives in the area, said: “It would bring more money in and there would be more new shops, so I can’t see why not.
But I would be worried about how much people would be charged for living there – renting in the city centre is as expensive enough as it is.”
Jen Chisholm, 46, said: “I think it’s a great idea. I love the old-style windows and I hope those kind of features of the building are kept. It’s good to put it to use
– I’m a fan of old buildings like that.”
A council report outlines reasons why approval is recommended after comments from stakeholders, details of the plan itself, including design, scale and impact on townscape, and sustainability were taken into account.
The report says: “It is concluded that the proposed development would have a positive visual impact upon the site and its surroundings, and would not adversely impact on any key views identified with the
Nottingham Urban Design Guide.” Officials from Clarendon Nottingham Ltd, a joint venture between Aon and Bmor, submitted the plans. Speaking last year, James O’brien, head of planning at Bmor, said: “The proposed development at Goose Gate is really exciting as it will see the retention and renovation of a historic Lace Market building, as well as improvements to the empty commercial space on Woolpack Lane, by removing the poorquality extensions and replacing with a sympathetic new building. “The proposed student development will also create 3,000 sq ft of retail or restaurant space, which will restore premium shopfronts and active frontage on both Goose Gate and Woolpack Lane – adding to the vibrant atmosphere that is already well established within Hockley.”
It’s too big, too tall, looms over and affects the character of that area
Hilary Silvester