By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
Fast food stalls and a bar will be put up outside Nottingham’s Motorpoint Arena after plans were approved.
The National Ice Centre (NIC) has been looking to put up a series of stalls in at the front of the arena main entrance, on Bolero Square, off Bellar Gate, for the sale of food and drink during events.
Nottingham City Council approved the plans for a total of three fast food outlets and a container bar outside the arena on January 11.
Separate permission has also been granted to keep a temporary merchandise unit in Bolero Square for a further 12 months.
“It is noted that a mobile merchandise unit has previously been located in a similar position,” an assessment from the council says.
“It is therefore considered that the size and location of the proposed unit would not significantly impact upon the visual amenity of the square or area.”
Two of the food stalls have already been set up on the site, prior to planning approval being granted.
A spokeswoman for the National Ice Centre and Motorpoint Arena confirmed there had been an agreement in principle to operate some stalls before approval was given.
She said: “Our application was submitted for this in 2023 and it’s been a lengthy process.
“During this complex, multi-agency negotiation we had an agreement in principle to operate until some of the more specialist manufacturing specification details could be finalised and mutually agreed.
“Negotiations have now concluded, and this has resulted in our applications being approved with all parties agreeing on the specification of how Bolero Square will operate.”
Concerning the food stalls, the documents add: “The proposed units are individually small in size and would be aligned on the approach to the main entrance of the NIC.
“Whilst there is the potential for units of this type to be viewed as clutter within the square there is a contrary view that, similar to the Market Square, the provision of activity within the square will enhance the vibrancy of this space.
“On balance it is therefore considered that the size and location of the proposed unit would not significantly impact upon the visual amenity of the square or area.”
Some concerns were raised by Nottinghamshire Police and Environmental Health.
The police force says the proposed development will be situated within a “higher-than-average area for crime and disorder”, and portable buildings
are notoriously difficult to secure.
In response it suggested the applicant look at additional security measures.
Environmental Health says it has concerns about the potential for noise affecting nearby residents, particularly in the evenings.
A number of conditions were suggested, including not playing music from speakers outside the stalls, and that they should not open beyond the finishing time of the events at the arena.
Planning documents continue: “In cooperation with Nottinghamshire Police and the Highways Authority, the applicant has also introduced further bollard protection measures at the edge of the square and highway adjacent to Bellar Gate.
“Being sited on the highway, the bollards would not require planning permission.
“The installation of those bollards are to be welcomed in the context of the anticipated increased public use of the square, also noting that entrance scanners and barriers are indicated to be employed on event days.”