The owner of a popular snooker hall faces a "very uncertain" future after plans to develop the old leather works factory building it occupies into student accommodation. Developers have been given permission to convert what remains of the building off Denman Street East in Radford and construct two blocks as part of a new student complex, which would house 73 studio flats.
The site is currently occupied by the Hidden Spot Lounge snooker hall which opened in 2013. Owner Tarajmeer Kakar, from Beeston, said: "I did not even know it had even been approved until now. To be honest, things are very uncertain, I do not know what to do.
"I have been here for ten years, making a business from the beginning, from scratch, from nothing. And then it vanishes based off one decision.
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"For the around 800 members it is a meeting place for local people to come together. We would lose customers if we moved obviously, if we are not in the same place as we have been.
"We have people coming in on the bus from Beeston and Long Eaton to get here, the location was very important with the bus routes. What if the students after Covid start coming here in smaller numbers and stay at home and we have turned all these buildings into flats.
"How many sets of flats can people in Nottingham take? And how many local business will have to go."
The 43-year-old said he felt local businesses could not survive against the 'big boy' development companies that buy up property in the city.
"The time for opposition is now gone they have the approval and that is disheartening," he added. "It is hard to find words to describe how I feel about it.
"I am looking for a similar property but unfortunately there are not many around. It is hard to balance trying to find somewhere to go with rising prices for my business.
"It feels like my business has been moved out by the big boys of the student companies. Local businesses will always lose against them without support."
The exact construction date of the original factory building is not known but the majority of it has been demolished and replaced with more recent warehouse buildings.
The businessman has previously explained he took out a 20-year lease on the property but a condition in the agreement meant "after five years they [the landlord] can serve a notice to finish the lease".
"The five years has gone now, the landlord has the right to serve me a notice at any time," he said.
The amended application was submitted by Sandy Kay Ltd, on December 20. A planning statement, included within the application, read: "Denman Street is an exciting project which aims to provide new student accommodation close to Nottingham city centre.
"The proposals will restore and conserve the existing leather works factory and will develop the rest of the site into a sought after location for students to live." The planning application was given to the applicant by Nottingham City Council on March 25.
