New attempt for Victoria Dock building

REVISED plans have been submitted for a new landmark building overlooking the main entrance to Hull’s Victoria Dock, which has already divided opinion on the estate.

Earlier this year, councillors on Hull City Council’s planning committee rejected an application to develop the same site at the junction of South Bridge Road and Plimsoll Way. Committee chairman Councillor Alan Gardiner used his casting vote to refuse it after a tied vote – with six councillors voting for and six against.

That scheme featured three ground floor commercial units to be used either as bars, coffee shops, restaurants, a creche, or day nursery with space for 12 flats on two upper floors. The new application includes the same proposed uses together with proposals to carry out work to improve the condition and appearance of nearby land used for car parking.

The new plans envisage 57 parking spaces – an increase from the previous proposed 44. Previously, nearby residents and some councillors have raised concerns over the likely impact of overspill parking on surrounding residential streets.

An existing car park already serves the adjacent neighbourhood shopping centre which includes a convenience store, a doctor’s surgery, a takeaway, a hair salon, and the Three Crowns pub. Part of the new-look car park is planned to be built over an area of greenspace.

In one new objection submitted to the council, one resident said: “The car park has already subsided some 24in into the former dock so the works to level anything in this area are substantial. There will be significant issues as the building will require piled foundations as it is on reclaimed dockland with noise vibration and possibly property damage resulting.”

However, a supporting report by transport consultants on behalf of applicant and landowner Joe Punian claims the re-designed car park would be sufficient to serve both the flats and the business below without creating parking issues elsewhere.