Retirement flats could replace Arnold pub

The Friar Tuck, a Greene King pub on Gedling Road. Image Credit: Google.
By Lauren Monaghan, Junior Local Democracy Reporter

Plans have been revealed that would see an Arnold pub closed and knocked down so a retirement living development can be built in its place.

The plans submitted to Gedling Borough Council follow an agreement between pub company Greene King and a developer for the Friar Tuck, Gedling Road.

They include demolition of the building in favour of 51 apartments for people over the age of 60.

The applicant is McCarthy Stone, a developer and manager of retirement communities.

The pub is currently owned by Greene King and was originally opened in 1958 by the Home Brewery Company, a local Daybrook brewery.

The planning application also seeks the demolition of the pub.

The proposal includes the building of 15 two-bed and 36 one-bed
apartments in a three-storey ‘L’ shape development with a flat roof to allow for lower resident running costs through the use of solar panels.

The site would include a communal residents lounge, a mobility scooter store, a communal garden along with 22 available parking spaces.

The company’s planning application reads: “Retirement housing makes an enormous difference to the lives of older people across the country.

“The proposition helps residents stay happier and healthier for longer, enabling them to maintain their independence, find a community
and make new friendships- It also unlocks the housing market by releasing larger homes at the top of the ladder.

“McCarthy Stone have developed a new development concept exclusively to appeal to people over the age of 60 who reside in an average priced home between £150k-£250k, for whom traditional retirement living developments
are not a viable alternative.”

The council’s strategic housing plans have required that five of the apartments be shared ownership and for five to be affordable rent.

Since 2010 McCarthy Stone have opened 500 retirement developments nationwide, supporting more than 22,500 older people to date.

In each of their developments, they remain as the landlord and managing agent.

A Greene King spokesperson for the Friar Tuck said: “Our pub remains open and trading as normal for the foreseeable future, however, as we also consider the longer-term options for the building, we have reached an agreement in principle with McCarthy and Stone. Our Priority is keeping our team up to date and we will be updating them directly if any further details are confirmed.”

The plans are to be considered and decided by Gedling Borough Council at a later date.