Factory could make way for assisted living flats

A former lace factory in Nottingham that has been empty for 18 months could be demolished.

Applicants Allan Joyce Architects and Philip Collins want to build a block of 20 supported-living homes in place of the former factory in Alpine Street, Old Basford.

The four-storey building would cover the majority of the site between Alpine Street and Church Street, next to the former White Swan pub.

Officers at Nottingham City Council have said despite issues the scheme should be approved ahead of a planning committee meeting on Wednesday.

Consultee Nottingham Civic Society has argued that as the factory is next to the locally listed pub site and the proposed studios are "too tall" compared to it, the building should instead be retained and converted rather than pulled down.

Officers said as the site has the buffer of the pub's former car park, the proposed building would not be "visually detrimental".

If approved, the new block would be made up of 20 one-bed studios which planning officers note would be smaller than national guidelines call for.

The applicant said this is due to "funding constraints".

Officers have recommended approval despite this, due to the layout of the homes providing natural light and the inclusion of a shared day room for residents.

They added a condition should be added for the homes if built to only be used as supported-living, and not end up as "substandard" flats.

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