Three storey apartment block plan for Frederick Street
Frederick Street application is made
AN APPLICATION has been made to build a new three-storey apartment block in Frederick Street, Loughborough.
The proposal for the former Training Centre, 19 Frederick Street, has been submitted in the name of “Russo” and company Grey Goose, Ashby Square, Loughborough.
The agent for the proposal is Mark Abell of Mark Architecture, Sileby, and the application to Charnwood Borough Council states that the site, which has been cleared of the original building, already has permission for seven small apartments with seven parking spaces.
However the new plans are for nine “good-sized affordable apartments” without on site parking.
The applicants state they feel that the apartments would attract occupants who are more likely to welcome public transport.
The proposal states: “Whilst the existing approval looks to create seven parking spaces on a very tight site, it is strongly felt that the ‘affordability’ of the new units is compromised by offering vehicle consideration.
“Loughborough is a very sustainable location for residents to live and work in an affordable manner. The site benefits from good local amenities and is in close proximity to Loughborough town centre and a number of good and frequent transport links.
“By removing the tight and questionable parking facilities we look to directly accommodate local residents that look to live and work in Loughborough.
“This also means that this proposed scheme directly relates to a reduced environmental impact and a promotion to use cycling and public transport services.”
The proposal also goes on to say that the new, taller, building’s design: “Looks to achieve a real sense of individuality, in an area which has distinct variety in and around Frederick Street.
“The scheme produces a natural, interesting and refined design through the use of diagonal timber cladding. The design in ways has a sense of similarity to the College building on Frederick Street.”
As the Echo went to press, just one Frederick Street resident had objected to the proposal so far saying the plan would be an over intensification of the site and would see an increase in car numbers.
The resident states: “The size of the dwelling suggest use by either professional couples or small families both of which are likely to have cars. As do many students.
“This will result in on street parking which will no doubt park on Caldwell Street, Frederick Street and Heathcote Street.
“The owners will currently be entitled to two resident parking permits per unit and numerous visitors’ parking permits. Unless controls can be put in place to prevent car ownership for residents of these units.”
The resident concludes: “My wife and I have been here since 1998 and I have brought up two children. During that time we have seen a general decline in the appearance of the area due mainly to an increase in rented properties and absent landlords.
“For a ‘so called’ Conservation Area, many properties are not well maintained. Wheelie bins and rubbish are left in front gardens of rental properties and gardens become easily overgrown and are only maintained yearly if at all.
“Car parking for permanent residents is also becoming increasingly difficult.
“There is currently no mechanism in place to force landlords to keep properties in a reasonable state of repair.”