The government has intervened in local planning matters, leading to the approval of a controversial development project in Beeston, Nottinghamshire. This comes after the Broxtowe Borough Council’s planning department was described as “obsolete” following the endorsement of plans to demolish the Beeston Car Centre on Broadgate and replace it with student flats.

The planning application, submitted in 2023, faced significant opposition from local residents who voiced their concerns regarding the increasing density of student accommodation in the area. Despite these objections, the applicant appealed the council’s initial refusal, prompting a review by the Planning Inspectorate, which ultimately granted approval for the new development.

Residents like Ian Cooper have expressed particular frustration with the approval process, stating, “One of my objections is that the density of HMOs (Homes in Multiple Occupation) is in excess of 20 per cent. I tried to talk them through my research, and they ignored me.” He further argued that the council’s failure to determine the HMO density in the area contributed to the inspectorate’s decision to approve the plans, which he believes undermines the role of the local planning committee.

Concerns about the impact of this development extend beyond just the demographic shift it may invoke. Cooper highlighted that “nine members of the public will lose their jobs” as a direct consequence of this planning decision, which he claims leaves the community surrounded by an overconcentration of student housing. His sentiments about the planning committee’s limitations were echoed throughout the community, focusing on the perceived inadequacies in addressing local concerns.

Councillor Steve Carr from Broxtowe Borough Council shared his disappointment, noting, “There’s been a well-loved, well-used business there for years, and now the owner wants to knock it down and build student accommodation.” Carr highlighted that the planning committee had initially recommended rejecting the proposal due to the existing high number of HMOs in the vicinity. He lamented, “People are very disappointed; not only have Beeston lost on family homes, they are now happy to lose out on local well-established businesses.”

Adding to this sentiment, Tamar Feast from the Beeston Civic Society commented on the shifting landscape of Beeston, stating, “It’s a shame. The business owner approached us after he had engaged in a campaign to save his business.” Feast reinforced the idea that while student accommodation is vital, there should be a balanced presence alongside families and businesses. She expressed disappointment in the local government’s ability to influence these decisions, suggesting that the community values the input of local authorities in maintaining proper housing equity and business viability.

Broxtowe Borough Council chose not to comment on the situation further. The developments in Beeston have raised critical questions about the balance between accommodating the student population and maintaining a diverse community infrastructure, signifying evolving dynamics within urban planning in Nottinghamshire.

Source: Noah Wire Services