A developer can press ahead with its plans to build 23 new homes on the site of an old pub in The Meadows.
Developer MyPad can now build the properties at the western end of Bathley Street, in the Old Meadows Conservation Area, after plans were approved by Nottingham City Council’s planning committee on Wednesday (July 22).
The site had been home to the Toll Bridge Inn, which was demolished in around 2011.
The council sold the land next to Wilford Toll Bridge, which gave the pub its name, to MyPad in 2022.
According to documents, the development will feature a mix of detached, semi-detached and terraced houses, along with a block of flats.
Cllr Mike Edwards (Lab) spoke during the meeting to represent his ward, after dozens of residents objected to the proposals.
He raised concerns over car parking, the height of walls surrounding the development, the size of the junction, and the use of gas in the development rather than greener means.
“I don’t think the estate does well enough on green credentials. I think the idea it needs gas in an age where we are moving towards air source heat pumping I think is a mistake. I think gas is going to get more expensive.”
Similar concerns were raised by committee member and Green councillor Shuguftah Quddoos.
She also said the boundary wall, which in some places would reach heights of 2.1 metres, “will create a separate community in The Meadows and will not promote social cohesion.”
Councillors were informed it would not become a gated community, with access maintained for everyone at all times.
After the plans were revealed, some of the letters of representation said the site will become “overdeveloped and crammed”, while the block could “dominate” the conservation area in which it will be based.
Commenting on the initial scheme, the Nottingham Civic Society had said: “We have serious reservations about the layout, density and scale of the residential development proposed within The Meadows Conservation Area adjoining Victoria Embankment.
“The civic society considers that the development fails to respect the character of the conservation area either in its scale or its style.”
However, during the meeting, all councillors but Cllr Quddoos voted through the plans.
Cllr Gul Khan (Lab) said: “I respect the local councillor Cllr Edwards, his views. I really like the proposal. I support the proposal. These 23 [homes] will fill a gap as you know we have a shortage of housing in Nottingham.”
By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter