There are mixed views among village residents and planning consultants about bold new proposals to modernise a former convenience store on High Street – which is in Ruddington’s historic conservation area.
If given planning permission, the existing shop (below) looks set to be substantially redeveloped by the new owner – with the removal of the current pitched and flat roofs to enable another floor upstairs plus a new shop front and entrance gates. But it’s Welham Architects‘ striking, contemporary design – which includes proposed grey zinc cladding on the new first floor – which has been raising some eyebrows.
Rushcliffe County Council Conservation Officer James Bate comments: “The building would introduce a very different building into the courtyard space at the rear as well as introducing new materials not seen within that area, an area which at present is highly consistent and provides a discrete and intimate setting from the grade II listed framework knitters workshop building. I would conclude that the proposal would be harmful to the setting of a grade II listed building and that as such it would fail to ‘preserve’ the element of significance which that building gains from the context of its setting.” Ruddington Parish Council adds: “The Parish Council would welcome the building being developed and modernised but in a way that is more sympathetic to the conservation area.”
However, so far, most village residents and traders have actually come out in favour of the plans. Marcus Hill says: “I am supportive of the overdue redevelopment of this unit, as the current appearance lets the village High Street down.” John Benskin comments: “I feel this project would enhance the look of the High Street which in my opinion looks a bit dreary, dated and run down at this present time. Any improvement in the appearance of the area would be most welcome.” Shane Ginty of Ruddington Butchers thinks it “…sounds like a good plan which needs supporting.” Ruddington design guru Rob Mascari – who is behind the successful plans to redevelop the former Bostock’s DIY site in contemporary style – comments this will be a “…very worthy addition to the slightly tired looking High Street. Great use of materials and cleverly aligned eaves/windows.”
You can view all the planning documents for the remodelled building – and make your own comments to Rushcliffe planners supporting or objecting to the development – by the Tuesday 2nd January deadline >>HERE<<.
