A row of new homes could be built at the heart of Ruddington’s conservation area if a planning application is given the green light by Rushcliffe Borough Council.
A proposal has been submitted 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 states: “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…”
The plans are for four, terraced, three bedroomed homes, over three floors (see image above), each with its own off-street parking for one car – although “with the potential to have two parking spaces back to back”. Existing double yellow lines along the proposed frontage are likely to remain.
In response to conservation concerns about removing the former brick and timber Cooke’s machining workshop, the applicants say: “It is our opinion that the existing building is incongruous both to its surroundings and to its location, and does not sit harmoniously with either the properties opposite, the terraced housing to the east and certainly not with the Grade II listed applicant property to the south. The existing building appears out-of-place with the character of the locality in its typology, construction and materiality which conflicts with the vernacular materiality of predominant red brick housing. It has little architectural merit and is clearly and obviously different from its surroundings.”
Indeed, it is unlikely that many residents will feel passionately about keeping the old building (pictured above) which has been falling into a progressively worse state of disrepair over many years. However the jury’s out as to whether planners and public will like the contemporary design of what’s proposed there instead, including: “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.”
It’s also feared any new properties could exacerbate the village centre parking problem. Resident Abbie Whitehead comments: “Parking is already a nightmare on the street so it will be even worse with more residents!” However Linda Cooke points 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 agrees with Linda: “Once these are built and the new pharmacy behind the library will improve the image – and both have off-street parking.”
If you wish to see the full plans, and/or make a comment on this application, you should do so >>HERE<< or you can comment by post to:
Rushcliffe Borough Council
Rushcliffe Arena
Rugby Road
West Bridgford
NOTTINGHAM
NG2 7YG
by Tuesday 27th February quoting planning reference 17/02939/FUL.
{Top image courtesy of Harry Sculthorpe Architectural Design}
