Block of flats may be built despite fears over its size
A LARGE block of flats could soon be built in Nottingham despite concerns it would be “seriously overbearing” and block light to neighbours.
Waterway House, a vacant 1970s office building on Waterway Street near Nottingham Railway Station, is set to be demolished and replaced by a block of 191 apartments up to eight storeys high.
Nottingham City Council’s planning committee has been advised by council officers to grant permission for the project, proposed by Rainier Developments. The firm described the empty building, last occupied by an engineering company, as having “little architectural merit”.
It argued that the new tower, with a mix of 122 one-bed and 69 two-bed apartments, would be a more efficient use of the area. Rainier has previously stated it hopes to start work this year, completing in 2026.
Designs show the ground floor would have a lobby with shared resident areas, car and cycle parking and back-of-house areas. The developer says the plan would make the area safer and e like green
roofs and planting would make the structure sustainable.
But Nottingham Civic Society opposes the plan, saying its size would overshadow the protected Station Conservation Area.
It also claimed the tower would add to what it believes is a growing barrier between The Meadows and the city centre – largely formed by tall student accommodation buildings.
However, the society’s call for the project to be downsized by two storeys were dismissed by a planning officer, who said: “The scale and massing of the building takes its reference from recent development in the surrounding area which has begun to change the character of the area towards higher-rise residential and office development.”
A neighbour at Station House on Crocus Street supported the regeneration of the area, but feared it would result in a “dramatic loss of natural light”.
A council report on the application, to be discussed by councillors today, said it would be voted on as it was a major submission and because the expected financial contributions would be lower than usual so the project could remain viable.
Planning committee members have been recommended to grant permission, subject to the completion of a Section 106 financial agreement being reached over the developer’s contributions.