Neighbours have said they are 'not happy' about plans to tear down a church to build new apartments. Proposals have been put forward for a purpose-built apartment block, providing nine apartments, to replace the former New Jerusalem Church on Grove Street in Beeston.
The one-storey former church has been vacant for over three years. The new three-storey apartment block would comprise of single and two-bedroom apartments and would result in the demolition of the church building.
Locals have said that the plans could congest the "narrow" roads nearby and impact parking for current residents. June Cobley, 69, who lives in Beeston and is retired, said: “We’re not happy about it. We have solar panels on the our roof, and we’ve realised that the third floor of the apartments are going to shade those.
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“There’ll be eight spaces for nine flats, and some will have more than one car. It’s a very narrow road already, so I think I’ll get congested quite quickly.”
Developers have said that the apartments will be affordable for the local community and that the site will "sustain local employment during construction". They also argued that the new residents would contribute to local retail outlets and shopping facilities.
Dan Webb, 48, an environmental consultant who lives in Beeston said: "Well I think parking around that area is already an issue, being quite narrow and busy. So I don’t necessarily agree with that plan.”
“Next thing they’ll be saying you need parking permits and making money off you that way, when really they’re creating the situation themselves with these developments. Even if you object, they don’t listen. The councillor can object and they won’t listen to them either.”
However some residents did not understand the opposition to the plans for new housing to replace the closed church. Steve Holland, 65, who lives in Beeston and is a semi-retired dog walker, added: “I don’t see what the arguments are against it really, but I know some residents are quite protective of this area.”
In a planning document, Paul Gaughan Building Consultants on behalf of applicant Tom Hooper, said: "The developer has taken into consideration several key factors within the design.
"The building materials although not individually specified will be traditional in their appearance to reflect the local character. The layout of both the new apartments has been produced considering the scale and size of other dwellings in the surrounding area. Consideration has also been given into protecting the amenity of the neighbouring dwellings and to provide an active domestic frontage to all highways that abuts the development."
The application, submitted by Tom Hooper, is currently pending consideration by Broxtowe Borough Council.
