The Bakersfield public house which was damaged by fire in September this year has been granted planning permission by Nottingham City Council for demolition and new-build houses and apartments for vulnerable adults.
Plans to demolish the former Bakersfield pub on Oakdale Road, Nottingham, and replace it with a mix of new housing and apartments have been unveiled.
The proposed development includes 14 family homes and a block of eight apartments, bringing a significant change to the local landscape and drawing a mix of concerns and support from residents.
The Bakersfield, formerly known as the Tally Ho, is a two-storey structure that has stood vacant for some time. Located between Carlton and Sneinton, the pub has, according to its owners, faced declining patronage and mounting operational costs, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. The proposal by Hockley Developments aims to utilise the space to create much-needed residential accommodation, which they claim will revitalise the area.
The new development is set to include two-storey semi-detached properties along with a block of apartments, all designed with a focus on providing housing for vulnerable adults in need of supported living.
According to the planning documents, this is in line with Nottingham City Council’s vision for sustainable residential development, where housing mix and adaptable living are prioritised.
The site has a storied past, formerly serving as a key social hub for the Bakersfield neighbourhood.
However, the economic viability of the Bakersfield pub has significantly deteriorated over the past decade, with decreasing numbers of patrons and rising utility costs rendering it unsustainable. The pub’s former landlord noted that monthly electricity bills rose from around £2,000 to £8,000 in 2022, exacerbating the financial burden. Despite various efforts, including events like quiz nights and karaoke sessions, the footfall failed to recover.
Admiral Taverns, the owners of the Bakersfield pub, tried to lease the property to new landlords, but the venue was eventually put on the market. There was no interest in continuing its use as a public house, and the site was sold with the intention of repurposing it. Hockley Developments subsequently purchased the site, proposing its redevelopment into a residential complex as part of a broader effort to provide much-needed housing in the Nottingham area.
The proposal, however, has faced its share of local criticism. Policy LS4 of Nottingham’s local plan places significant emphasis on the preservation of public houses outside the city centre unless it can be demonstrated that there are alternative facilities available in the vicinity. The developers argue that this condition has been satisfied, pointing to other pubs, such as The Elews Arms, a 14-minute walk away, and several others, like The Free Man and The March Hare Inn, that continue to serve the local community.
The initial planning submission faced several objections from Nottingham City Council, primarily concerning the over-intensification of the site, the relationship between the new housing and the adjacent Parkdale Playground, and concerns about the impact on the area’s character. In response, Hockley Developments made significant changes to their proposal, reducing the number of units and modifying the scale of the apartment block to fit more appropriately within the local context.
The revised plans propose 14 family homes, which include both three and four-bedroom houses, and a block of eight one-bedroom apartments. The scheme also features direct access to Parkdale Playground, which has been highlighted as a key feature intended to benefit the wider community. The buildings will use materials that match the existing architectural character of the area, including red and brown bricks, red roof tiles, and anthracite grey UPVC window frames, to ensure the development harmonises with the surrounding properties.
The proposal also includes provisions for sustainable development, with each property featuring electric vehicle charging points, and the use of solar panels and double glazing for improved energy efficiency. The homes are to be constructed using timber frames, contributing to a minimum ‘B’ Energy Performance Certificate rating, aligning with new sustainability standards.
The council and developers argue that the benefits of new housing stock, especially accommodation for those requiring additional support, outweigh the drawbacks of losing a struggling pub.
The development is expected to boost the local economy by creating jobs during the construction phase and increase the availability of well-insulated, sustainable homes in the city.
• The Bakersfield Fire: Cause of the blaze was deliberate – say Fire Investigators
• Six fire crews tackle Bakersfield pub blaze
• Drone views show extent of damage in The Bakersfield pub fire
