Local residents and business owners have reacted to the news that a West Bridgford shop could be turned into flats. The site is currently used as two separate two-storey retail spaces but is expected to be extended and altered to make way for new flats.
The West Bridgford unit, on the corner of Bridgford Road and Stratford Road, leading to the Co-Op car park, is currently used by Castle Beauty and the Black Pearl bar. Local residents have a mixed reaction to the plans with some concerned about the look of the development as well as traffic problems.
Angus Lyon, who was visiting family, said: "I am really shocked. It does not seem in keeping with the area. It is that balance between getting homes and what is good for the area with it being opposite the park and near the library. It is important it is in keeping with the area." His seven year old daughter Eliana Lyon added: "It would have a very good view of the park."
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One resident, who wished not to be named, said: “The car park is one of the busiest down here and that building is on a busy corner with the bus stop and constant stream of cars. It could definitely cause problems.” Another resident, who said they lived nearby, added: “It’s a busy street with all the shops, cafés, buses and cars. If they do build on the corner here, hopefully it won’t be in the way too much.”
The planning documents state that the ground floor of the units will be maintained as retail space, with residential flats being built above. The proposals detail seven apartments on the upper floor consisting of one-bed and two-bed flats, with 2,915 square feet of retail space split between two units on the ground floor.
A West Bridgford resident said: "I do not mind at all. This is an area which has a lot of bars. I think it will be an asset. People want to live here. It will be more affordable." Emma Liddington from West Bridgford said: "Properties are needed. It is a good place to live if you do not mind the noise from the bars."
A shopper visiting West Bridgford added: "All I can say is we need more accommodation. Where we build them is up to the people. You need a city with a bit of character."
A spokeswoman from the Black Pearl said they had not been made aware of any building plans being made for the surrounding building. She did however confirm that the company had just signed a new five year lease on the property and did not think any new plans would affect them.
Expressing concern over possible building noise that it could cause, the staff member added that renovation work had recently begun on the flat above the Black Pearl and work was being carried out to repair the roof.
