Work set to begin on demolishing old Hucknall bakery site

Scaffolding has been erected all around the site of the old Co-op Bakery on West Street, which was last occupied by a packaging company, but has been empty for some time.

The plans will see the current buildings at the site demolished and nine new homes built with associated car parking and amenity space.

The plans were originally put forward by Need2View back in November 2018 but were rejected at the time by Ashfield District Council’s planning committee.

However, the applicant then successfully appealed the decision and a planning inspector ruled that the plans could go ahead in March 2020.

A council spokesman said: “This site was the subject of planning application which sought outline planning consent with all matters reserved for the demolition of the buildings and the construction of up to nine residential dwellings.

"Permission for this development was won on appeal and subsequently granted by the planning inspectorate.”

Work now appears set to start at the site and some on the Hucknall People’s Community Facebook page expressed sadness that the old building is going.

Sue Norman wrote: “Another era gone from Hucknall.”

Darren Riley wrote: “More history of the once great town being erased.”

And Nikki Hallam said: “I used to work there, it was such a beautiful open building inside, it’s a shame it couldn't be saved.”

But there were others pleased to see the empty building being put to use again.

Gary Ashley said: “It's about time that site was used for better things.”

And Jacqueline Bryon put: “Hopefully it will be all worth while.”