Concerns were raised after plans were announced
A housebuilder has received the go-ahead to construct 23 residences on a former pub location in The Meadows.
MyPad can now proceed with the housing scheme at the western section of Bathley Street, which lies within the Old Meadows Conservation Area, after Nottingham City Council’s planning committee gave its approval.
The Toll Bridge Inn, which stood on the site, was torn down in approximately 2011.
The local authority disposed of the land adjacent to Wilford Toll Bridge, which inspired the pub’s name, to MyPad in 2022.
Documents indicate the scheme will comprise a combination of detached, semi-detached and terraced properties, together with an apartment building.
Councillor Mike Edwards from the Labour party addressed the committee to represent his division, following objections from dozens of local residents.
He flagged worries about parking provision, the elevation of perimeter walls, the dimensions of the junction, and the project’s reliance on gas rather than more environmentally friendly alternatives.
He expressed the view that the development does not sufficiently demonstrate environmental credentials, suggesting that incorporating gas infrastructure at a time when the country is transitioning to air source heat pump technology represents an error, as gas costs are likely to rise.
Councillor Shuguftah Quddoos from the Green party, who sits on the committee, voiced comparable objections.
She pointed out that the boundary wall, which in certain sections would extend to 2.1 metres in height, would establish an isolated enclave within The Meadows and would not encourage community integration.
Committee members were assured that the development would not become a gated estate, with entry remaining open to all at all times.
Following the publiciation of the proposals, some of the submitted representations suggested the location would become excessively developed with insufficient spacing, while the apartment building could overwhelm the surrounding conservation area.
In its assessment of the original blueprint, the Nottingham Civic Society stated that it harboured significant doubts about the layout, density and scale of the residential development put forward within The Meadows Conservation Area adjacent to Victoria Embankment.
The civic society believed the scheme did not adequately acknowledge the character of the conservation area in terms of either its size or architectural approach.
During the committee session, every member except Councillor Quddoos voted in favour of the scheme.
Councillor Gul Khan from the Labour party observed that while he respected the opinions of the local ward member Councillor Edwards, he found the scheme appealing and intended to back it, noting that these 23 dwellings would address a shortfall as Nottingham faces a housing shortage.