By Matt Jarram, Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors went against their own officers’ recommendations and approved a three-storey development at land to the rear of a church in Beeston.
Developers want to construct a three-storey building to contain six flats of multiple occupancy at land to the rear of the Methodist Church in Wollaton Road.
Planning officers said the proposal by applicant Berardino Labbate, would provide extra residential accommodation in Beeston.
However, they felt the building would dominate the Methodist Church to “the detriment of its character” as well as affecting residents living on Wilkinson Avenue. Refusal was therefore proposed.
But during a tight count of votes at Broxtowe Borough Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, March 9 – four councillors refused planning permission while five voted for the scheme to be passed.
Two councillors also abstained. This means planning permission has been granted.
Cllr Greg Marshall (Lab), who represents Beeston West, told the planning committee it makes good use of a “dilapidated and unused site”.
“Tonight has already been littered with contributions around one of the most pressing planning issues that this committee faces,” he said.
“And that is of course the creeping or not so creeping attempts of houses of multiple occupancy in residential suburban neighbourhoods and areas.
“This application presents a fantastic anecdote to that problem.”
Cllr Philip Owen (Cons), who represents Nuthall East and Strelley, described the scheme as “overbearing” and was concerned where occupants would park their cars.
He said: “It is not often I agree with planning officers – the scale and its massing would dominate the church.
“They could have come back with a more appropriate scheme. You might be able to design out cars but you are not going to stop people having cars.”
Cllr Owen also expressed concerns for the residents living on Wilkinson Avenue.
There were 25 neighbours consulted on the application of which two objections were made. Concerns included loss of light, privacy and increased congestion.
