The demolition of a Nottingham office block and the building of flats next to a Victorian terrace has been recommended for approval despite concerns a conservation area could be affected if the homes are occupied by students.
Swish Architecture Ltd, on behalf of Clinton View Ltd, has proposed to part-demolish a 1960s office building and build a four-storey block of flats at Clinton Terrace, off Derby Road.
The office building is currently vacant and is attached to a prominent, four-storey Victorian terrace designed by the Nottingham architect Thomas Chambers Hine.
Hine was responsible for the development of The Park as an exclusive residential area in the 19th century.
The terrace is identified as a row of original estate houses within The Park Conservation Area.
It will be considered by Nottingham City Council’s Planning Committee on November 22 because the scheme has “generated significant public interest that is contrary to the officer recommendation”.
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The developer initially proposed 12 flats of student accommodation, however a consultation with 83 neighbouring properties in April last year resulted in changes to the scheme due to concerns over its use for students and impact on the conservation area.
Following consultation the developer revised the use to 15 flats for residential purposes.
Fresh consultation took place in April this year, however similar concerns were raised.
Documents say: “These representations raised concern that the proposed accommodation would still be attractive for students, as the majority of the units are one-bedroomed.
“It was noted that architecturally the revised scheme provided a better response to Clinton Terrace and other historic buildings in the area, but quality materials would be required.”
The Nottingham Civic Society continues to object.
It said: “The current scheme still fails to preserve or enhance the character of either conservation area, and as such should not be supported.”
However, the council’s conservation officer argues the new scheme would lead to the demolition of the “unsympathetic modernist office building”.
The officer adds: “This development will be a significant contextual improvement upon the structure that it is replacing.”
Planning documents say: “A number of the representations received object to the use of the property as student accommodation.
“As revised, the scheme is no longer proposed for this purpose.
“It is recognised that the flats could still be occupied by students but by
virtue of their size and the accommodation on offer, they are clearly not designed for this purpose, and would only permit a very low density of occupation.”
Section 106 financial contributions of £195,769.19, for affordable housing, education and employment, will also be waived if the scheme is approved, because the scheme would almost be undeliverable if the developer had to pay the sum.
