By Matt Jarram, Local Democracy Reporter
Councillors criticised plans for a supported living complex for vulnerable people near Mansfield Road because they thought the garden was the size of ‘a car parking space’ with ‘Astro turf’ instead of grass.
Hockley Developments Ltd wants to create 13 supported living homes with two parking spaces, an outside area and cycle storage in Hall Street in Nottingham.
Substantial demolition of vacant industrial buildings will allow for the development to be built, which is two storeys high with accommodation also in the rooftop.
Each home would have one bedroom, shower, and a kitchen/living quarter.
Planning officers at Nottingham City Council had recommended that planning permission is granted, but councillors were reluctant to rubberstamp it on Wednesday, June 22.
Papers prepared for the meeting found many residents supported the principle of providing supported living accommodation on the site but objected over traffic problems.
There were also concerns raised about the size of the complex, with loss of light and privacy.
Planning officers stated: “There are significant local resident concerns regarding the limited number of off-street car parking spaces proposed to be provided and existing pressure for on-street car parking within the area.
“The two car parking spaces are proposed to be provided for support staff use. It is not expected that residents of the proposed development would be car owners.”
Officers also said it is recognised that the scale of the proposed development is greater than the existing buildings on the site but only “marginally.”
Councillors felt the application was not suitable in its current form and wanted more details from the applicant.
Cllr Sally Longford (Lab) said: “I am concerned there is 13 vulnerable people living here and that plan shows a tiny green space for the use by 13 people.
“Given what we know post-Covid about people’s need for availability of space outdoors, it seems meagre to say the least. It’s about the size of one car parking space.”
Cllr Kevin Clarke (Ind) said: “You don’t know the disabilities of these people – they are more likely to need cars than not have cars. It seems a token with two car parking spaces.”
Cllr Graham Chapman (Lab) added: “I have concerns about the outside space. It is Astro turf not even grass.”
Councillors went against officer’s recommendations to grant planning permission and deferred the application.
More information is sought including around the outside space and how the development fits into the wider street scene.
