By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
A supported living block on a residential street in Sherwood has been given the green light by Nottingham councillors despite 60 objections from neighbours.
Hockley Developments submitted plans to demolish a former beauty salon in Hucknall Road to make way for a two-storey assisted living block for 11 residents and staff.
However the Nottingham-based developer, which is also behind the Sherwood Library scheme, faced 60 objections from people living in the area.
Residents in Hucknall Road, Teesdale Road and Weardale Road were notified of the plans in October last year, and issues ranging from parking, anti-social behaviour and the scheme’s overbearing presence were raised.
Cllr Michael Edwards (Lab), the chairman of the committee, said: “So the questions are, is there sufficient parking and what are the risks to the neighbourhood of anti-social behaviour?”
Planning officer Martin Hall replied: “Essentially the parking is largely for people providing support for residents in this unit.
“In our assessment it is unlikely residents themselves will have cars.
“We cannot rule out the possibility they will, but it is unlikely the majority of residents will have access to cars.”
The complex will be delivered to vulnerable adults with 24-hour support, with staff based on-site, planning officers said.
Mr Hall added: “Obviously these are people who have been identified as needing various degrees of support, but they are able to live in the community with that support.
“So in terms of concerns around anti-social behaviour, as I say, the building is targeted to residents who are able to live in the community.
“Obviously we cannot be specific on the issues or concerns that an individual’s presence may have, but the intention of the scheme is to provide the accommodation with the appropriate support.”
The current building, a former beauty salon, was described as an “eye-sore” in its current form and the design of the scheme was generally praised.
A tree on the pavement, which the developers had initially planned to fell, will now be retained following complaints.
After concerns had been addressed, councillors unanimously voted the plans through at a Nottingham City Council planning committee meeting on Wednesday, March 22.
