Upbeat residents have spoken about the need for more homes in a Nottingham suburb after plans were put forward for the transformation of a "rundown" street corner. A hairdressers, nutrition shop and florist all currently occupy a space in Woodborough Road, Mapperley, but plans were recently issued to convert the stores into 14 flats and a new retail store.
The florist is currently unoccupied, but the other two stores continue to operate. While these stores may no longer be able to operate if indeed plans are granted by Nottingham City Council, local shoppers believe Mapperley could do with more homes being built.
Residents also insist the area has "a lot of potential" and that the influx of bars and restaurants to the high street could be attracting more people to the suburb.
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David Gregory, 65 and retired, said: "Well we definitely need more houses but there are lots of open spaces like down near the Aldi. There's a huge space there.
"I don't know how many years ago it was but we got a letter through our door about planning permission for that big area [near Aldi] but that was some time ago now and it's still sitting there. We didn't hear back.
"Hopefully this isn't like that and we get these new flats. It's a bit of a shame for the businesses that are still running.
"You'd hope they'd be able to relocate if it comes to that. You never want to lose businesses in the area.
"I volunteer at the food bank in St Ann's and there were some developments around that area. There used to be a launderette, a supermarket and some other shops along there, but they're all empty now.
"That sort of thing doesn't make sense. Hopefully, these are some nice new flats for Mapperley."
Caitlyn Maddison, 45, lives in Mapperley. She said: "That corner does seem a bit run-down. I reckon some development would be a nice fit.
"If the flats are nice looking then that's good. At least do something with it.
"There is a lot of potential in the area for new homes and I'm sure it's a place people would want to live now. It's a lot more modern than it was a few years ago.
"Lots of bars and decent shops - I think more people visit nowadays."
Lewis Marrow, 56, said: "There might be other areas that seem to me more appealing for house-building, but I get why it could be done. There are a few developments going on in Mapperley at the moment, so I'm not sure we need more but if there's demand for it then that can only be a good thing."
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