By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
The public toilets at the former home of poet Lord Byron are being modernised after becoming “no longer fit for purpose”.
The toilets at the historic Newstead Abbey have been assessed as being in a “poor condition”.
Plans submitted to Gedling Borough Council said the size of the toilets is also hindering bookings for larger events such as weddings.
“The existing toilets are no longer fit for purpose and out of date”, the plans stated.
Applicant Nottingham City Council manages the site.
Now, the plans to expand the toilets into the staff offices and make them more accessible for those using wheelchairs and pushchairs have been approved.
The council told the Local Democracy Reporting Service in June that the refurbishment would cost between £150,000 and £200,000.
Planning documents said: “The proposals seek to modernise the toilets for the visitors to the Abbey and as such there is great beneficial public interest to ensure visitors are well cared for and return again.
“It is considered the proposed works would result in no harm to the listed building and the minor harm that would result from some alterations are outweighed by the public benefit of modernising a facility for visitors to the Abbey, ensuring the continuous use of heritage asset.”
Newstead Abbey was first built as a monastic house in the late 12th Century but became home to the poet following its conversion to a domestic home upon the dissolution of monasteries.
Its gardens and parkland cover more than 300 acres.
Documents say protective measures will be put in place to ensure all trees are retained and buildings are not damaged during construction.
