A garage owner was left fuming after being told he must relocate his business as the unit will be demolished and replaced by student flats. It comes as plans have been approved to demolish a commercial building in Lenton and erect a 169-bed student development.
Nadeem Butt, owner of HS motors on Triumph Road, said the decision could not come at a worse time as he is trying to revive his business after lockdown. Cllr Sally Longford (Lab) was the only councillor on Nottingham City Council’s planning committee to reject the proposal on May 18.
Mr Butt, a dad of six, said he is now desperately looking for a new site to relocate to. The 54-year-old said: "I have been looking for weeks now.
"It is very difficult to find a place that would accept a motor trade type of business. It is really sad."
He has been running his HS Motors garage on Triumph Road since 2017. There are currently six employees working at the garage led by Mr Butt and his wife.
"I have six people and they are relying on me. They need this job, they need the money", he added.
He estimates that it will take a "long time" to find a new place for his garage. In the meantime, he expects a "huge loss" to his business.
Mr Butt added: "Can you imagine what would happen if I did not pay my employees because I simply did not have the money? They would leave. It is not like they will wait for me to find a place. I am expecting a huge loss to my business.
"It is a very difficult time. I am disappointed and sad. It really is a hard time for our business."
The building is sub-divided into two units. One is occupied by a yoga studio and cafe and the other is a car dealership.
Mr Butt added: "I spoke to the owner of the yoga studio and she is absolutely heartbroken. We were both hit by the pandemic and now our businesses will be demolished. It is devastating.
"Even if I start all over again, it is difficult to go through the same process. The customers knew where to find me, and I have a loyal clientele.
"We are one of the best in town. I have customers from all over the city, and also people coming from Leicester, Derby and Sheffield. It will be a huge loss. We just do not know what we are going to do."
Planning officers said the application would be granted planning permission subject to The Environment Agency withdrawing their objection upon provision of a Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) and Surface Water Drainage Strategy. Councillors granted planning permission, with only Cllr Longford voting against the application.
