By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
The redevelopment of Mansfield’s historic former Metal Box site has been approved, with councillors calling it a ‘great opportunity’ for the area.
The derelict site now has permission to become a 77-unit retirement complex, incorporating the iconic clocktower.
The Metal Box factory on the Rock Valley brownfield site was demolished in 2011 after closing the previous year.
On Monday (October 24) Mansfield District Council’s planning committee said they were pleased to see it brought back into use as they passed the application, which had been submitted by Jackson Design Associates.
Councillor Nigel Moxon (Con) said: “I’ve lost count of how many years it’s been like that, a blight on landscape from the ringroad. Anything to improve that area is a bonus.
“I’m gobsmacked by how good it will look. The clocktower was the thing most people were afraid would disappear or wouldn’t look as good.
“It’s ticking all the boxes, and is a great opportunity. This area been derelict for so long that getting it rejuvenated is compensation.”
Councillor June Stendall (Ind) agreed, saying: “I’m shocked how good this design is at incorporating the clocktower. It’s far better than imagined it would be.”
The finished development will provide 47 apartments in two separate blocks, along with 27 bungalows.
There was some concern from committee members that the developer wouldn’t be asked to provide financial contributions to local infrastructure due to the cost of the development.
Hower, Chair Councillor Andy Wetton (Labour) said: “Because of all the problems with the site, it’s effectively been abandoned. The benefits of it being redeveloped far outweigh the loss of the Section 106 contributions that we would have expected from a development of this size.”
There were also hopes the new housing would meet the need for bungalows and boost the town centre footfall.
Plans had previously stalled due to the Environment Agency’s objections, as they wanted to use to site to reduce flood risk from the nearby River Maun.
The layout has now been changed to satisfy their concerns.
The council’s planning committee approved the application unanimously, save for ward Councillor John Metcalfe, who abstained due to a declared conflict of interest.
