By Latifa Yedroudj, Junior Local Democracy Reporter
A plan to build an apartment complex near the River Trent in Beeston has been thrown out by local councillors.
Broxtowe Borough Council refused to grant the construction of 29 two and three-storey flats on Riverside Close, Riverside Road, which overlooks the Beeston Canal and River Trent.
The decision was made on Monday (January 8) at Broxtowe Borough Council’s planning committee. There had been 96 letters of objection or concern ahead of the meeting.
Residents and councillors cited concerns over the proposed development due to parking and traffic issues, privacy of residents in nearby properties, biodiversity and the environmental impact to the area.
There were also fears the construction could cause damage to nearby Beeston Canal, sewage disposal issues and an increased risk of flooding due to its close proximity to the River Trent.
The proposed development by Beeston Marina Limited is located along Riverside Road in Beeston Rylands, off the A6005 Derby Road and close to Weir Field Recreation Ground.
Councillors also criticised the design of the building, saying it has an “out of character” appearance to the neighbourhood.
Councillor Shaun Dannheimer (Ind) said: “The development is not sympathetic to the quirkiness and the heritage of the area, due to its height it will cut out daytime light.
He added: “It is the wrong building in the wrong place.”
Cllr Dannheimer said the flats could cause traffic issues, leading to a loss of income to businesses in the area as visitors may be deterred from visiting.
Cllr Gabrielle Bunn (Ind), who also objected to the proposal, said: “Developments coming forward should be a benefit and improve communities that live in the area.”
Residents who attended the planning committee meeting on Monday celebrated after the council refused to grant approval to the development. The news was met with cheers and applause from people in the public gallery, many of whom were holding signs and placards in protest.
Nigel Slater, 66, grew up in Beeston Rylands and described the development as a “monstrosity”.
He said: “What they’re proposing is ridiculous. We don’t mind development on it, but it should be in keeping with the area. This thing looks like it’s fitting at Chernobyl, it’s so awful. We’re so pleased we’ve won over, thank goodness the council was on our side.”
Jule Bevington, 62, another local resident who objected to the plans, said: “One of the reasons we live down there is beauty of the area. And this would go against the design of the building.”
Jeni Hunneyball, 59, one resident who turned up to the meeting to protest against the proposal, said: “We want something more in keeping with the area, we want to protect the quirkiness, heritage and the aesthetic of it. We want more social housing so those people invest in our community. Those apartments don’t give me the impression those people will invest in our community.
The proposed development would consist of two separate buildings of 29 apartments. Out of these 29 apartments, 11 are one-bed flats and 18 are two-bed flats.
The buildings would have two and three storeys of accommodation and external materials proposed would be brick with areas of cladding to the upper most storey.
There would be basement parking with 16 vehicle spaces and cycle enclosures to accommodate 29 cycle spaces, as well as refuse storage would be provided to the basement, the planning application reads.
