Planning chiefs give backing to major Nottingham gateway scheme

Plans to redevelop a car handwashing and Indian restaurant site on one of the main roads into Nottingham city centre have been given the backing of planning chiefs at the city council – despite strong oppisiton from locals and the Civic Society.

ALB Group wants to build 100 apartments at 152-160 London Road, in a scheme designed by CBP Architects.

The development will include one- and two-bedroom flats with balconies, a ground floor two-storey restaurant, cafe, bar, basement car parking and a residents-only gym.

Nottingham City Council’s planning committee will sit next Tuesday (May 25) to vote on the scheme. It has received 24 letters of objection from neighbouring properties to the development, with complaints varying from saying the building’s height will be “out of character” for the area, to those saying it will “spoil the beauty” of the immediate surroundings.

Nottingham Civic Society has also voiced its concerns ahead of the vote. It said: “Nottingham Civic Society has reservations about the scale which isolates the form of the proposed development on such a prominent site. This will be the building that will be seen upon entering the city from Trent Bridge. However, its design does not live up its location.

The site cannot be considered in isolation from the edge of The Meadows and the potential for Arkwright Street to be re-created as a direct thoroughfare linking Trent Bridge with the city centre core.”

When the plans were revealed in December, Arran Bailey, managing director at ALB Group, said: “As one of the main routes into Nottingham, London Road is a prominent location and provides a gateway to both West Bridgford and the rest of the city. We are excited to be submitting plans for this landmark scheme, which if approved, would bring luxury homes and further amenities to the area. The new development would improve the aesthetic of a major gateway, and serve to welcome visitors as they approach and travel through the city.

“We have been working closely with Nottingham City Council, CBP Architects and the local community, to ensure the design of the building fits in seamlessly with the environment. The scheme’s contemporary look, complete with natural greenery, would also enhance the view corridor towards Nottingham Castle, which is something Nottingham City Council is keen to maintain.”

Simon Birch, director at CBP Architects, said: “It is a pleasure to be working on plans for such a prominent, residential and commercial development in an unrivalled location in Nottingham. The design of the scheme respects its location on one of the main routes into the city and if plans are approved, it will provide a striking piece of architecture to welcome visitors and commuters along the route.”