Neighbours have spoken of their uncertainty over a 'bonkers' plan to convert an empty church into flats. Plans to convert Netherfield Methodist Church on Victoria Road into 13 one-bed apartments for people who qualify for Supported Living accommodation have been recommended for approval at Gedling Borough Council's planning committee on October 12.
The plans would see the old church split to form 13 single-bedroom flats, two communal rooms and a staff office. Six car parking spaces would be laid out in the open area fronting onto Victoria Road, along with a bin storage area and communal space.
Some locals were not keen on the building, which was last used as a community centre, being changed into flats and claimed it was part of a wider problem. John Dixon, 66, from Colwick, said: "I think the problem is that they stick stuff like this in the town centre. It is bonkers to create all these flats and it puts pressure on local services.
"I would rather it was put back into community use than made into more flats. I don't really see how people would have any good outdoor space there, it is like people are crammed in like rats now."
Roger Hawley, 77, who lives in Arnold but regularly visits Netherfield, said: "It's a big problem, seeing all these large buildings being split up into flats, it has happened a lot here. I have friends here and I've heard about it happening to other buildings, I don't think it is popular.
"They're cramming a lot of people into small areas which is a bad idea. I don't think it works in Netherfield because it is a very close knit and caring community."
Planning documents state the building became unaffordable for the previous owners due to high maintenance costs. It added that despite a long marketing period by local estate agents, there was no demand from potential buyers to buy and maintain as a church or community centre due to the cost to maintain and upgrade the property.
The conversion of the buildings will require the insertion of a new floor in the former church and church hall but no structural changes to the existing windows, though new glazing will be inserted to meet modern thermal and residential standards. The six proposed car parking spaces would be for the use of staff and any other operational car parking requirements that may be needed for contractors.
Rick Monty, 69, from Netherfield, added: "13 [flats] seems like a lot for that one space. It has been closed for a long time but it is a very prominent space in the town so I'm not sure whether it would work.
"We do have a few churches a bit further down the road though. I'm not sure about 13 flats, but is a good idea to set up more housing, especially for people who need extra help."
Despite concerns about the scale of the conversion, a council planning officer commented the "design, scale and layout of the built form is considered to be of a good quality design". Nine neighbours objected to the plans due to worries about a lack of privacy, concerns over security and noise and over predicted problems with parking and traffic.
A Gedling Borough Council planning officer, in a committee report, said: "The principle of development is supported in that the site falls within the main urban of the Borough, has good access to services and is currently a vacant site. The design, scale and layout of the built form is considered to be of a good quality design, respect the character of the area and be an enhancement on the existing; nor is considered that residential amenity would be compromised through a dominating or overlooking impact. Furthermore, highway safety would not be compromised and parking provision would be acceptable."
Developers Hockley Developments Ltd, who submitted the plans, in a planning document said: "The proposals will provide much needed dwelling units for local residents, requiring and waiting for Supported Living accommodation.
"The application proposals do not adversely affect residential amenity either for the proposed residents or in the local neighbourhood, are in keeping with the local area, and will not create any highway or parking issues. The proposals will provide a new use for buildings which are of local importance to Netherfield whilst keeping the appearance of the buildings."
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