Residents fear the “further studentification” of a Nottingham suburb if plans for a shisha bar are approved.
An applicant applied to Nottingham City Council to turn a vacant bank in Derby Road, Lenton, into a restaurant with an outdoor shisha area.
They have also applied to extend the building for a restaurant seating area.
The application was first submitted in 2021 but then withdrawn due to concerns relating to the impact on the independent living block Palmer Court and other neighbouring residents.
The plans have now been resubmitted with revisions relating to the extension and the outdoor seating area.
Planning officers recommend that the application is approved despite objections from residents.
A petition by residents at the Palmer Court independent living complex, signed by 42 people, said the plans would cause disturbance to neighbours.
Nottingham City Homes objected to the development, which they said would have “a detrimental impact on residents’ ability to peacefully enjoy their homes”.
Residents in Lenton also said the proposal would encourage anti-social behaviour and the “further studentification in an area that already struggles with ASB [anti-social-behaviour] issues”.
They said it would also “give more emphasis that this area is for students and not for families”.
They added: “This plan goes in the opposite direction and will disappoint many residents seeing yet more evidence that their neighbourhood is being turned over to students.
“Whilst this proposal is not directly adding to the student overload; to
provide further drinking venues that are open into the night is only going to increase the late night (early morning) ‘street noise’ that has been driving long term residents out of the community.”
They disagreed with the idea of a shisha bar on health grounds and said it would “add nothing beneficial the local area or its council-tax paying
community”.
Concerns were also raised over parking.
Nottingham Civic Society also objected to the alterations proposed to the former bank building.
The application by Umar Asghar will be discussed by councillors due to the “significant public interest” contrary to the officer’s recommendation to approve the plans.
Councillors will vote on the application at the authority’s planning committee on March 23.
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