People in Lenton hope a new social housing development will 'bring more community' to the area - but concerns remain over parking. Up to 36 new homes are proposed for a cleared, rectangular plot of land situated between Harley Street, Willoughby Street and Mettham Street, north of Prospect Place.
The site was cleared around 10 years ago and now covered in vegetation - and the new houses would be constructed for Nottingham Housing Association, if the application is approved. During the planning process, local councillors and members of the public said the development could add to the existing parking issues in the suburb.
But other people in the area were hopeful the development could 'bring more community' back, with Lenton known for its dense student population and traditional family houses having been converted into houses in multiple occupation for students attending the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University.
Read more: Worries 'family homes' will be snapped up by landlords bringing more students to Lenton
Tiggz Dat Author, 35, said: "Having the houses will bring more community. The past few years we’ve lost the community. If they build houses, more families, more community - if they put more houses for families and not for the students.
"We want the community of Lenton to be how it used to be. It used to be a community, it used to be loved. People used to come together, families. We need to bring some colour and brightness back into the community.”
Planning documents say the new properties would be available for affordable rent and 10 for shared ownership. The land was previously used for industrial and commercial use.
Nottingham City Council planning officers have recommended approval over the plans which will be discussed at the authority's planning committee next week and voted on by councillors. However, agenda papers published ahead of the meeting provide a backdrop to local parking issues.
Members of the public who provided feedback during the planning process said there was already 'insufficient parking for existing residents', and the situation had got worse because of other recent housing development.
"I am concerned about the number of plots and impact on volume of moving traffic and parking in the area. The proposal will result in a loss of approximately 50 percent of on-street car parking on Willoughby and Harley Streets," said one person.
In a statement in the agenda papers, Councillor David Trimble, who represents Lenton and Wollaton East for Labour on the city council, said: "Whilst I’m aware that the application is for social housing by a registered social landlord, I am also aware that, due to the nature of the area, we have a serious parking issue in the vicinity.
"I’m also aware that The Lenton Centre, which is a much-needed social enterprise leisure centre, has submitted a petition with regard to the proposed loss of on street parking spaces on both Prospect Place and Willoughby Street, which they rely on to sustain their valued facility.
"In terms of the local housing position this is dominated by houses in multiple occupation run by student landlords, creating a very high density per property and a substantial number of right-to-buy social housing. I’m aware that other local residents are concerned that this proposed development would also end up with high numbers of right-to-buy properties, adding even more to the current substantial over density."
A separate planning application for 22 family houses at the site was rejected in 2004, it's said. Other residents and business owners had their say on the latest plans.
Qaisar Raja, who is 37 and the owner of Marhaba Supermarket which neighbours the site in Willoughby Street, said: “It [the social housing development] would be good for the area. Lenton has predominantly students in the area.
"There’s a really good school in the area, good for families. Sometimes students come and just park their cars here. A lot of people just come here and leave their cars for two days. It’s not appealing to locals."
He added: “It’s good for the business, we’re here having such a big place, having students is a seasonal thing. It’s a positive sign to have families. It’s a ghost town when the students leave. It’s good to have houses here.”
A central private road would provide access and parking for a number of the new properties. Local resident Chris Foster, 59, added: "It’s good, family homes. This area is well populated with students, it’s a good idea. There’s a school round the corner."
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