Plans to demolish The Bakersfield Public House on Oakdale Road in come before the Nottingham City Council planning committee on 18 September 2024.
The plans have been recommended for approval, but may still be refused when voted on at a planning committee meeting.
Plans submitted by Hockley Developments, include the construction of 13 houses and eight supported living apartments following the demolition of the long-standing but now vacant pub.
Details
The proposal outlines the construction of a mix of semi-detached and detached two-storey family homes. The new homes will also feature additional bedroom space within the roof area. Out of the 13 houses, 10 will be semi-detached, and 3 will be detached, all with allocated parking spaces either at the front or side of the properties. Additionally, all houses will include Electric Vehicle Charging Points (EVCP) and a dedicated bin storage area.
Alongside the family homes, eight one-bedroom supported living apartments are set to be built. These will cater to vulnerable adults requiring varying levels of care. The apartment block will also be two storeys in height, fronting Oakdale Road, with three allocated parking spaces and associated cycle storage facilities.
Community Concerns and Consultation
Throughout the planning process, several concerns were raised by local residents, councillors, and organisations. A total of 49 neighbouring properties were consulted, and four formal objections were lodged, with issues ranging from noise and privacy concerns to the impact on parking in the area.
Some residents expressed fears that the influx of new homes could exacerbate parking issues on an already congested road. The plans did attempt to alleviate some of these worries, with each home having at least one parking space. However, concerns linger about overflow onto the surrounding streets.
There were also objections to the proposal to connect the development to the adjacent park, with residents citing potential risks to child safety and fears of increased anti-social behaviour. While some residents opposed the idea, councillors raised the possibility that the pathway would increase foot traffic, potentially deterring undesirable activities.
Loss of Community Asset
The Bakersfield Public House had served as a social hub in the area, but its closure and subsequent decline in business made its continued operation unsustainable. The report noted that the pub had suffered significant financial losses, with the landlord describing monthly deficits of £4,000. Despite this, there were no formal objections to the loss of the pub during the consultation process.
The council’s report confirmed that six other public houses are located within a 15-minute walk of the site, providing alternative community venues. As a result, the decision to allow demolition aligns with the local policy that allows for the redevelopment of public houses where alternative facilities are available.
Design and Sustainability Features
The design of the development has undergone several revisions to address concerns about the density and scale of the project. The final version reduced the number of plots from 14 to 13, allowing for more landscaping and a better integration with the existing streetscape. The traditional design of the homes, which includes a mix of red brick and white render, is intended to blend in with the architectural style of surrounding properties on Oakdale Road.
In line with Nottingham’s sustainability goals, the development will incorporate several eco-friendly features. Each home will be designed to exceed current building regulations, with energy efficiency measures such as solar photovoltaic panels and heat pumps being considered. The proposal also includes measures to enhance the site’s biodiversity, with plans for bat and bird boxes, as well as hedgehog-friendly fencing.
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