Nottingham City Council is expected to approve the plans at a planning meeting on 20 December 2023.
The proposed development on the site of the former St Matthew on The Hill Church in Nottingham has been a subject of considerable public interest.
The application, filed by Allan Joyce Architects Ltd on behalf of Framework Housing Association, outlines plans for 15 units of supported accommodation with communal facilities. This development includes external cycle and refuse storage, landscaping, and six parking spaces.
The site, which saw the demolition of St Matthew on The Hill Church in 2019 following an arson attack in 2009, is situated in a residential area with various nearby amenities, including Henry Whipple Primary School.
The proposed building is a two and three-story build featuring studio and one-bedroom units, communal living spaces, and sustainable elements like photovoltaic panels.
Despite the benefits of providing much-needed housing for vulnerable groups, the application has raised several concerns within the community. These include safety and security issues, particularly due to the proximity of the development to a primary school, parking and road safety, potential impact on local biodiversity, and the broader impact on the area’s resources and character.
In response to these concerns, various consultations and observations have been made by adjoining occupants, biodiversity experts, the Carbon Neutral Policy Team, and other relevant stakeholders.
The development aims to retain and protect existing mature habitats, incorporate sustainable design features, and ensure the safety and well-being of both the residents and the surrounding community.
The recommendation for this planning application is to grant permission, subject to specific conditions aimed at addressing the concerns raised.
These conditions include the submission of a Management Strategy, ensuring the development’s integration into the local community, and safeguarding the amenities of nearby residents. Furthermore, the development must adhere to environmental and sustainability criteria, including a Biodiversity Management Plan and conditions related to energy efficiency and tree protection.