A Beeston based charity has created a petition to uphold Broxtowe Borough Council’s recent refusal of plans to build student-only flats.
The petition launched by Beeston Civic Society on January 24 has received over 600 signatures from locals in support of the refusal which is being appealed by Cassidy Group Ltd.
In July, 2022, the Borough Council refused the development of the eight-storey accommodation, claiming the size and design represent an unsatisfactory development.
Beeston Civic Society member, Gary Smerdon-White, 74, from Nottingham said: “As a society, we do believe that the council planning committee has made the right decision.
“I really think that the development idea is interesting from the green travel point of view that has been proposed, but when it comes to the use of the building after students go elsewhere, I think it’s a terrible waste of what could be a very good site for Beeston.”
He continued: “I feel like Beeston is really losing its feel as a town centre, and I don’t feel like student lodging in the middle of it is actually very useful.
“The one thing that I think is absolutely despicable is the terrible design of the building and the fact that it’s going to be so hard to manage, and a large number of people are supporting that idea.”
A spokesman from Cassidy Group said: “The council and its planners supported our student scheme and gave their full support to it with a ‘recommendation for approval’ – however it was councillors who went against their own planners, who said that the scheme would benefit Broxtowe and its economy.
“Cassidy Group is committed to developing the scheme, which we believe has so many benefits to students.
“Not only will students love living there, so close to the amenities they enjoy as well as their university campus, but we are bringing a derelict site in the centre of beautiful Beeston back to life.
“We held a series of public engagement events with members of the public who supported the scheme, as well as councillors and Civic Society members.
“We also spoke to students and university representatives who also supported the scheme.
“The design is far from ‘despicable.’
“The scale, massing and design of the proposed scheme largely reflects that of the residential scheme previously approved by the council.
“Aside for some minor changes, the building envelope has previously been considered acceptable by the council.
“The site is arguably the most sustainably located site in Beeston. It is immediately next to range of services and amenities and is located immediately next to the tram stop providing access to the wider city and region.
“For these reasons, the development will operate as car-free. There are six parking spaces on site to cater for peak move-in and move-out periods, where spaces will be allocated by appointment and carefully managed.
“By providing accommodating for over 400 students in the town centre, there will be significant economic benefits to nearby business through increased spending which does not currently existing whilst the site is derelict.”
Cassidy has received a large number of supporting signatures and testimonials for the scheme from Beeston residents and businesses – both via the council portal and directly.
For people wanting to register their support of the scheme, which Cassidy says will “bring economic benefit and breathe new life into the local streets,” they are encouraged to email: info@cartwrightcommunications.co.uk or cassidy@cartwrightcommunications.co.uk to lodge their support.
Lead Image: Cassidy Group