The former dental surgery on Chaworth Road in West Bridgford is set to be demolished after standing empty for several years.
The former Campbell Clinic, at the corner of Loughborough Road and Chaworth Road, has fallen into disrepair and been covered in graffiti since the practice moved to Landmere Lane, Edwalton.
The owner contacted Rushcliffe Borough Council in July about demolishing the bungalow-style building but was told planning permission was not required. Preparatory work was under way when the site was visited on Monday, August 10.
Neighbours Colin and Ruby Woodier, who have lived next door for 40 years, described the building as an “eyesore”.
“It’s awful. It’s a wreck and it’s heartbreaking,” Mrs Woodier said.
The couple said a second bungalow behind the former clinic was demolished around three years ago. That land has since remained vacant, with vegetation growing over their boundary wall.
Mr Woodier said residents had previously opposed plans for five flats on the site before permission was eventually granted, but no development followed.
The former clinic has a lengthy planning history. An application to demolish it was refused in 1997, while permission was granted for its conversion into a dental surgery in 2003.
Plans to change the building into a mosque were submitted in 2020. Permission was later granted on appeal after the council failed to make a decision within the required period, although the conversion did not take place.
No plans have yet been submitted setting out what could replace the building.
Other residents said their main concern was ensuring any future development was properly maintained and appropriate for the area.
One said: “It got to the point where it was a bit of an eyesore, particularly with rubbish coming to the front. As long as it’s something that enhances the area, that’s what we all want.”
Mr and Mrs Woodier said they were not opposed to development but wanted their privacy, boundary and access to daylight protected.
“We know these things happen and we can’t exactly stand against it,” Mr Woodier said.
By Joseph Connolly, Local Democracy Reporter and The Wire