By Joe Locker, Local Democracy Reporter
Two student blocks housing almost 1,000 students are likely to be approved.
Hyson Green Developments Limited is looking to build a seven-storey tower featuring 587 bed spaces across 116 apartments on part of the former John Player factory in Radford.
John Player was a registered tobacconist in the late 19th Century. His Radford factories remained open until 1974 and 1976, before operations transferred to Lenton at the Horizon site.
The development, which has been recommended for approval by Nottingham City Council planners, will be situated on the north side of Norton Street.
It will become one of a number of student blocks in the area if approved, alongside Radford House to the west, Adam House and Burton House to the north which is nearing completion, and Carlton House which is currently being converted.
“445 neighbouring properties were notified by letter, a site notice posted and
press notice published,” planning documents say.
“One representation from a neighbouring resident has been received which
raises objection to the construction of a seven storey high building as it would
make Players Court enclosed and the whole area around Brook Court congested.
“Nottingham Civic Society has some reservations about the layout and
massing of the proposed student development at Norton Street.”
The developer must provide a minimum financial contribution of £274,040 towards affordable housing, £167,960 towards the provision or enhancement of off-site open space and a student management plan and restriction on occupants keeping private vehicles within the city.
The second block which has been recommended for approval is at the junction of Wilford Road and Traffic Street.
Harriet Nind, on behalf of Jensco (Wilford Road) Limited, has submitted plans for a part seven, part 12 and part 17-storey building.
It will feature a total 396 bed spaces, following a number of revisions.
“The site has historically been used for industrial and commercial purposes since the 1880s,” documents say.
“The site was latterly occupied by a relatively low rise building known as Sentinel House, used by Boots as offices and a laboratory.
“This was demolished and the site cleared in 2008. The site is currently hoarded and in use as a construction compound and parking area associated with the development of adjoining sites on Traffic Street.”
Eight objections from neighbouring properties have been received, and the Old Meadows Tenants and Residents Association “have expressed their strong objection to the development”.
The group says the Meadows community “feels shut off from the city”.
Similarly Nottingham Civic Society says it strongly objects to the development because it would detrimentally affect the setting of Nottingham Castle “by challenging its pre-eminence in the landscape of Nottingham city and its wider setting, while also adversely affecting the setting of the Castle Conservation Area”.
If approved, the developer must provide a financial contribution of £860,532 towards the provision of affordable housing, £520,471 toward the provision or enhancement of off-site public open space and a local employment and training contribution of £122,207.
Both schemes have been recommended for approval at a council planning committee meeting on Wednesday, June 19.
