Derelict former Hucknall pub to be turned into flats

The Yew Tree pub, in Nottingham Road, called last orders for the final time in February this year after reportedly struggling following the Covid pandemic.

It led to new plans being put forward earlier this summer to convert the derelict building into nine self-contained flats spread across three floors.

The building currently has the former pub on the ground floor and a self-contained, three-bedroom flat with living spaces on the first floor.

It also has storage space on the second floor, an external outbuilding to the rear and a basement underneath – which would be closed off under new plans.

The application, put forward by Edward Hall, asked to turn the building into eight one-bedroom and a single two-bedroom flats – all including their own kitchens, living spaces and bathrooms.

Ashfield District Council’s planning department recommended councillors should green-light the plans during a planning committee meeting on October 26.

This came despite initial concerns being raised over the lack of parking spaces for the nine flats.

An objection letter was read out by Coun Lee Waters (Ash Ind), who represents Hucknall North, suggesting the application would ‘exacerbate the problem’ of parking in Hucknall.

However, Nottinghamshire County Council, the local highways authority, did not object to the plans on these grounds, making it difficult for councillors to refuse the application.

It led to members asking whether any form of parking could be explored at the site, even if it just included one electric vehicle bay behind the property in the place of the existing outbuilding.

Council officers will now explore this option and work with the applicant to see if this can be achieved.

They will also discuss potential parking restrictions on the pavement outside the building and the applicant has been asked to provide a construction management plan.

The application was approved with six votes for and one against.

Speaking in the meeting, Mr Hall said: “This is not a house in multiple occupancy (HMO) or a sub-standard accommodation.

“The development comprises entirely of self-contained apartments which would see a vast investment.

“It is located in close proximity to all the contributions of the town centre, parks and transport links.

“Our passion is converting dilapidated buildings such as this and, since its closure, it has continued to be broken into and has fallen into disrepair.

“We feel there is no alternative to offer the building other than the residential conversion of its entirety.

“This development will add to the aesthetics, bring a dilapidated building back to life whilst adding to the regeneration of the town.”

Members of the committee agreed with the principle of the development but questioned whether any car parking could be added.

Christine Sarris, senior planning officer at the authority, said: “We’re trying to look at a meaningful use for this building to give it purpose.

“I’m quite happy to go with the idea of trying to manage the external highway to get no parking (on the pavement) and, once I’ve got clarity, we can go with one parking space.”

The committee’s chairman and vice-chairman will now be given delegated authority to approve any further plans for the development.