Plans to demolish an Arnold pub and replace it with a retirement living block have been approved by the borough council- despite one resident calling it an “ugly, bland, modern building”.
Applicant McCarthy Stone, a developer and manager of retirement communities, is behind the plans to build the 51-apartment retirement complex on the site of the Friar Tuck pub, Arnold.
The plans were approved by Gedling Borough Council’s planning committee on Wednesday (February 12).
The pub was originally opened in 1958 by local Daybrook brewery the Home Brewery Company but was run by pub giant Greene King until its closure last year.
The new three-storey block will be available for those over 60.
It will be L-shaped, featuring 36 one-bed and 15 two-bed flats, 22 off-street parking spaces, including two disabled spaces, a communal lounge and a garden.
Speaking during the council committee meeting, Nigel Bryan, Planning Manager at the council, said the pub is currently boarded up.
He also said the development will not have a “significant overlooking or overbearing impact given its on a corner plot and its relationship with neighbouring properties”.
Nearby resident Carol Ball objected to the plans over the pub’s historical importance and safety.
She said: “It should not be demolished, it is part of Arnold’s history despite only being built in the last century.
“This was a brilliant friendly family pub when I visited weekly and felt safe visiting alone or with family and friends.
“There’s not many pubs in Arnold I would feel that safe- in fact there’s no other pub I would feel safe going to on my own.
“I think the proposed building is too high at three storeys- it will just be another ugly, bland, modern building.”
Matthew Serginson, Development Director at McCarthy Stone, said the design of the building “respects the local character of the area”.
He said: “The site offers excellent access to local amenities within the vicinity, which is a key consideration when assessing sites.
“If consented, we expect the future residents of this site will add to the vibrancy of the local area.”
He added the new block is “Supporting needs, opportunities for right-sized, modern, energy efficient homes and freeing up family housing.”
Councillor Sam Smith (Con), questioned where visitors could park with a seemingly lower number of available parking spaces.
He said: “Something of this type of build which will attract more elderly people who won’t have cars, so you would have 0.5 [spaces] per apartment rather than one.
“That equates to about 25.5 [spaces] and it only comes with 22 [spaces]- fine, let’s not fall out over a few spaces.
“But could you just explain where visitors are supposed to park or are they going to use the public car park where the playpark is round the corner?”
Mr Bryan responded visitors could make sure of any free spaces in the development but they would have to use the public car park in close proximity as an alternative.
As part of the approved plans, the developer will contribute £70,000 to improve facilities in the area.
Since 2010, McCarthy Stone has opened 500 retirement developments nationwide, supporting more than 22,500 older people to date.
