Builder says brewery estate progress ‘very positive’ after concerns raised
COUNCIL CHECKING WORK COMPLIES WITH PLANNING CONDITIONS
A HOUSEBUILDER has claimed its Nottinghamshire estate is getting back on track despite continued concerns from some residents.
Fairgrove, which has been heavily criticised by councillors and homeowners over its redevelopment of Kimberley’s historic brewery off Hardy Street, has said it has made “very positive” progress in recent months.
The company set out to turn the old kiln stores, tower and Grade Iilisted maltings of the Hardys & Hansons brewery into “high-quality” properties after starting work in 2015. However, unsatisfied residents previously criticised the developer over problems with their homes, with some even publicly warning prospective buyers to stay away.
Broxtowe Borough Council councillors had also questioned if planning conditions have been broken at the site, as a planned central reservation had not been completed and there had been little sign of progress at the brewery’s prominent tower.
But in recent weeks construction has started on a central island for pedestrians, which was required as part of the initial planning conditions, with Fairgrove stating construction is moving forward across its site.
“Many companies are still trying to get back on their feet after the pandemic and since the cost-of-living crisis Fairgrove are doing just that. We are doing our very best in what are tough times for a lot of local businesses,” a spokesperson for Fairgrove said.
“Sales have improved since the beginning of this year and inevitably this has resulted in more visible construction progress, which is very positive. Progress on much of the development, particularly the conversions is not obvious as it is inside, however, progress has been made in all areas of construction.”
Nine Corners was closed on April 2 between Main Street and Station Road and will remain shut until April 23 for the roadworks, which will also provide a right-hand filter into the new Nettleship Road.
Despite the new roadworks and Fairgrove’s assertion that steady progress was being made at the former brewery, frustrated resident Andy Bond doubted the estate would make significant progress any time soon.
“For me the problem seems to be the lack of [planning] enforcement and still zero communication with customers who bought homes here,” the 35-year-old, who lives in one of the brewery’s townhouses with his family, said.
“The planning department put [planning] requirements which meant certain works had to be done by set milestones. None of this has been done to date and so I’m not hugely confident that the work will get progressed.”
Mr Bond said he was still concerned about possible trip hazards on the site and expressed worries about what he saw as the deterioration of buildings at the former brewery.
A spokesperson for Broxtowe Borough Council added: “These works are required to comply with the planning conditions.
“The council is monitoring the site and is working positively with the developers to ensure the completion of the development.”
Milan Radulovic, leader of Broxtowe Borough Council, previously asked Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove to intervene and help complete the development, but he has received no reply.