A new plan will add to the 'younger feel' being brought to a Nottinghamshire high street, according to shoppers. The latest change to Arnold's town centre, a planned conversion of an unused Front Street storage building into new apartments, was granted planning permission at Gedling Borough Council's planning committee on February 22.
The upper floor extension and conversion of the empty storage behind the ReGenerate pawnshop will create two ground floor one-bed apartments, one first floor two-bed apartment and one second floor apartment. Local residents thought the project added to the raft of changes being made to the market town, including the new Arnold Market Place, plans for the vacant Byron House offices to be turned into flats, and another Front Street revamp that would see the popular Blue Circles chippy demolished.
Sarah Robert, 49, from Arnold, said: “It’s making Arnold feel younger. I love the high street but sometimes it feels run down. I love it here so I do want to see it being pushed forwards and effort being made to make it a bit more modern.
"I don’t think any crazy changes need to be done because it will lose its charm then. But there’s no harm in what’s being changed so far. There’s definitely things that could be shut down or changed that I wouldn’t want, but if we’re turning some of the empty shop space into something useful I really don’t see any harm.”
Jenny Gray, 42, a store manager, said: “When I first started hearing about things changing I wasn’t a fan, but that’s because I’ve been living in Arnold for over 20 years and I like the way things are. But I’ve come around to the new market and the idea of new places opening, I don’t think flats is a bad idea at all.
Lisa Bailey, 67, a retired woman from Arnold, added: “I like my high street, the little independents and cafes, I don’t think any of that needs to change. But some of these buildings are worse for wear and could do with revamping I think. If that brings some new stores or flats that’s fine but I want to see my favourite shops still here."
A report submitted by a Gedling Borough Council planning officer, which recommended councillors give approval to the project, said: "The layout, design and appearance of the proposed extension is considered acceptable. This together with the proposed use of the building as residential units would not be considered to be detrimental to vitality or viability of the Shopping Area, the amenity of neighbouring buildings, future occupiers of the building nor to parking or highway safety."
Gedling Borough Council's environmental health team raised concern over the closeness of bars on Front Street to the planned apartments during the planning process. The Council's property department did not object to the plans but noted parking was tight and that the builder would not be able to use the council’s car park during construction.
In a planning document, planning agent Indigo Architecture Limited on behalf of applicant Godfrey, said: "The proposed development provides four low-cost residential apartments within a desirable location. The proposal seeks to use a redundant part of the building for residential development, providing an inherently sustainable solution to housing provision."
Read next:
- New traders in as unique shop bounces back from liquidation
- Part of the city centre where a number of shops have closed
- Gym demolition in restoration of railway station with rich history
- Life in the Nottinghamshire village that is 'so unique' it attracts shoppers from across county
- 'Mid-range hotel' among calls for city's former Debenhams building
