By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to turn a historic Nottingham city centre building into an ‘elegant’ student block have been approved by councillors.
The empty neo-classical building in Hockley will be transformed into a six-storey block housing 100 students.
Developer Clarendon Nottingham Ltd will convert the existing three-storey building at 38-46 Goose Gate, with an extension including further floors.
Nottingham City Councillors praised the plans and approved them unanimously at a meeting on August 17 – but some suggested that solar panels should be included.
Councillor Graham Chapman, vice chair of the committee (Lab) said that the design of the building was “really elegant”.
But the chair of the Nottingham Civic Society, which objected to the plans said she was “disappointed” to hear the plans had been approved.
The ground floor of the building was last used as a bar and restaurant.
Chair of the committee councillor Michael Edwards (Lab) said during the meeting: “The building will be retained in a handsome manner and I think people are pleased about that.
“It is particularly good to have students in the city because they are so keen to sustain the local economy there.
“I am pleased with how the proposal has developed.”
But he added: “There’s a real concern that things are not strong enough in terms of green technologies. The building doesn’t show any solar panels on the roof.”
The application states that the plans include 48 cycle spaces, heat recovery systems, low energy lighting and air source heat pumps.
The council officer said he would raise the issue of solar panels with the developer.
Hilary Silvester, Chair of the Nottingham Civic Society, told Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We are very disappointed about it.
“It is too high and it looms over the existing historic streetscape.
“We think other solutions could’ve been found for their need to create more student housing.
“We continue to feel that sites further outside of the city centre would be more appropriate for student housing.”
Councillor Sally Longford (Lab) added: “I think this is a really good building and I am pleased they are preserving the frontage on Goose Gate.
“I welcome the development on Woolpack Lane because it has always been an eyesore.
“I think the entrance could still do with a bit more sparkle.
“I do think it is begging for panels on the south-facing roof, it would be daft not to. It’s a no-brainer for the developers.”
Some of the building will be demolished to make way for development on Woolpack Lane, which would be six storeys high, stepping down to five storeys at Hockley House.
A restaurant, cafe or shop is proposed for the ground floor and the existing entrance, which has ‘heritage value’, would be retained and upgraded.
Originally, the council asked for £296,000 in Section 106 funding, which goes towards the costs of community infrastructure – but the developer has agreed to pay £170,000.
The applicant said a student management plan would be in place and restrictions on occupants keeping private vehicles.
One neighbouring resident commented on the plans, saying it would be “a crime” to build on the current historic structure, and others raised concerns over noise, loss of light, privacy and parking.
