A developer is appealing a council’s decision to block its plans to build dozens of waterfront flats at Beeston Marina.
In January this year, Broxtowe Borough Council’s planning committee unanimously refused permission for a two and three-storey apartment complex off Riverside Road, which overlooks the Nottingham and Beeston Canal and the River Trent.
Beeston Marina Ltd had been seeking permission to build the 19 apartments on a site currently home to a permanent caravan site with five static caravans.
An appeal was made to the Planning Inspectorate, which will now review the decision, on April 11, documents published by Broxtowe Borough Council show.
The appeal has worried members of the Beeston Civic Society, one of 96 individuals and groups to have objected to the plans at the time.
Tamar Feast, a trustee of the society, said: “We think it fails on every level of planning policy.
“We believe aspects of biodiversity and the local wildlife have been overlooked.
“It is out of scale and I think it will have a significant negative impact for the local residents. These homes aren’t affordable.”
Speaking during and after the Planning Committee meeting on January 8, residents and councillors raised concerns relating to parking and traffic issues, reduction of privacy of residents in nearby properties, and an impact on biodiversity and the environment.
There were also fears construction work could damage the canal, and sewage could be discharged into the water itself.
Planning and Design Group Ltd, which has appealed on behalf of Beeston Marina Ltd, says it believes “the development is acceptable and that there are no circumstances which otherwise would justify the refusal of permission”.
It has argued the introduction of taller buildings would form “an attractive focal point which would complement the existing buildings”.
Documents say the development would be split into two blocks to help maintain views of the Canalside Heritage Centre and the lock, while the existing towpath would act as a buffer between the canal and the buildings.
An Ecological Impact Assessment has also been submitted, which has satisfied the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, which runs the nearby Attenborough Nature Reserve.
Documents further note there are numerous multi-storey apartment buildings along the Nottingham and Beeston Canal, including Boulevard Wharf, the Greystacks student accommodation block and the British Waterways Warehouse in the city.
Should the appeal be upheld, Broxtowe Borough Council could be forced to pay the developer’s appeal costs.
Beeston Marina Ltd has been contacted for comment.
• The Ivy submits plans to open a Nottingham restaurant
• Costa Coffee plans for new West Bridgford coffee shop
• Lady Bay footpath to close for a year for Waterside Bridge works
