Plans have been submitted to transform part of a building which houses a Sainsbury's store in Nottingham city centre. Six residential flats are proposed for the floors above the supermarket outlet in Carlton Street, Hockley, which would not be affected by the plans.
The upper floors of the four-storey building were comprised of nine office units but have been vacant since September. Bildurn Properties Limited, which has submitted the plans, said the first to third floors would all be converted into flats.
In planning documents, the company says "some level of noise is to be expected" from the city centre surroundings, but it would not be a significant issue. "Overall it is considered that the building’s use as residential accommodation is entirely compatible with the surrounding mixed-use, city centre setting," it said.
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"It is noted that there is already a considerable residential use presence within proximity to the site, which as such confirms it is an appropriate location for such a use. Accordingly, it is not considered that the impact of noise would be a significant issue in considering a permitted change."
Steve Measham, 62, who was in the city centre, said the plans were a "good idea". He said: "I think it's good if they're [the floors] empty as they are.
"I just hope they won't be too expensive." Catherine Berry, 47, agreed, saying: "It's much better than them being left unused. I don't see why not, if they're affordable that would be ideal but as long as they're making use of the space."
