Developers
Studon Holdings produced artists' impressions of how the office block would
look
Plans have been approved for a new office block in Nottingham's
Lace Market that heritage campaigners have warned will ruin an iconic city
view.
The six-storey £12m development in High Pavement had been
criticised by the Civic Society because it would obstruct views of St Mary's
Church.
The project is due to create about 320 jobs when the new offices
open.
Planning committee chairman Chris Gibson said it would
"bring new life to a very difficult site".
He said the council had been considering applications for this
site for more than six years and had worked to get a design that "sits
comfortably in one of Nottingham's most historic and attractive areas".
"We believe these plans sit sympathetically alongside St
Mary's Church and the nearby buildings.
"People who are familiar with High Pavement and Short Hill
will realise there is a big space used as a car park that has been there since
the bombs dropped in the 1940s that eventually is going to be put back so it
looks like a proper street," Mr Gibson said.
But Hilary Silvester, of Nottingham Civic Society, said:
"We are disappointed with the decision as it will impact on the views of
the Lace Market and particularly St Mary's Church which is located in the oldest
part of the city."
'Block
the view'
She said the glass construction material being used on the
buildings would create "glare" and ruin the view.
Ms Silvester added: "The council in Lincoln would never
build something that would block the view of the [Lincoln] cathedral - would
they?"
The civic society said the view
from the south was one of the most important in the city
The city council's development control committee was told the
location was one of the most sensitive in the city centre with an iconic view
of Nottingham from the south.
Developers Studon Holdings will pay £38,675 towards improving
public transport in the area.
An archaeological survey will be carried out before work begins.
Archaeologists believe "significant pre-Norman
Conquest" items may be found on the site.
Nottingham
City Council proving themselves as ever as morons!
No comments:
Post a Comment