A row of new homes WILL be built at the heart of Ruddington’s conservation area after planning consent was granted by Rushcliffe Borough Council.
The application was submitted in January by architect Harry Sculthorp on behalf of Steve Tate-Bone to demolish the former Alfred Cooke Machinists‘ building on Parkyns Street and erect terraced housing in its place. It stated: “Besides the importance of providing additional homes, we feel passionately that the aesthetic value of the street and surrounding area will be greatly enhanced by the proposed development. The design approach taken has been developed in full recognition of the period character of existing buildings and the importance of a sensitive and considered solution to the client’s requirements.”
Now the green light’s been given for the construction of these four, terraced, three bedroomed homes, over three floors (see top image) – each with its own off-street parking for one car. However numerous conditions have been imposed for both the demolition and construction phases by Rushcliffe planners – including provision for the safe rehousing of bats thought to be living in the existing premises.
A lack of objections indicated that most residents did not feel passionately about keeping the old buildings (pictured above) which have been falling into a progressively worse state of disrepair over many years. However, like the recently approved plans for the former Barclay & Cook shop, the new homes are of rather a contemporary design for a village conservation area. They include: “Dark grey powder coated aluminium window frames, with slim mullions, which will maximise the surface area of glazing and achieve a modern finish to contrast the existing surrounding properties.”
Some residents nearby did comment that these new properties could exacerbate the village centre parking problem. Resident Abbie Whitehead said: “Parking is already a nightmare on the street so it will be even worse with more residents!” However Linda Cooke pointed out: “At its height of business, Alfred Cooke Machinists employed more than 40 people and all their associated commuting and business vehicles. There’s parking for 8 vehicles and it already has double yellows on that side of the road. It can only be beneficial to the look and feel of the village to pull this monstrosity down and replace it with housing. My husband’s family have been in Ruddington since 1880 and we’re pleased to see such a vibrant, growing village. That doesn’t mean we don’t think all development should be relevant, appropriate and carefully considered.” Craig Baum agreed with Linda: “Once these are built and the new pharmacy behind the library will improve the image – and both have off-street parking.”
You can view all the documents associated with this new development >>HERE<<.
{Top and bottom images courtesy of Harry Sculthorpe Architectural Design}
