Agenda item

The report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth is attached

It was RESOLVED thatthe Rushcliffe Borough Council (67-69 Loughborough Road and 2A Patrick Road, West Bridgford) Article 4(1) Direction 20 May 2025 be confirmed, giving it ongoing effect in revoking permitted development rights for demolition under Schedule 2, Part 11, Class B of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) until such time as it be withdrawn.

The Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Planning and Housing, Councillor Upton, presented the report of the Director – Development and Economic Growth, which detailed a proposal to confirm the Rushcliffe (67-69 Loughborough Road and 2A Patrick Road, West Bridgford) Article 4(1) Direction.

Councillor Upton stated that the report detailed the three properties in question, all of which were located on a significant gateway to the western side of West Bridgford. Councillor Upton confirmed that the Council had made this temporary Direction in May 2025 for six months, to allow for a public consultation, ahead of a decision whether or not to make it permanent. He advised that the report set out in detail the planning history of the buildings in section 4 and advised that the Council had identified Welbeck House and Grafton House as Non-Designated Heritage Assets, and that this had not been disputed by the owners.  The consultation produced 90 responses of those 83 supported the Article 4 (1) Direction, with one against. Councillor Upton advised that no new development could currently be undertaken, as no scheme had planning permission, with a previous scheme being refused, which was now subject to an appeal. He referred to paragraph 217 of the National Planning Policy Framework, which made it clear that local planning authorities should not permit the loss of a heritage asset, which included non-designated assets, without taking reasonable steps to ensure any new development would proceed after the loss. Councillor Upton referred to the main risks of confirming the Article 4 (1) Direction, which were detailed in paragraphs 7.1 and 7.2 of the report.            

In seconding the recommendation, Councillor Inglis felt that this procedure was a well defined planning tool to protect any unnecessary loss of character and heritage, especially when no future vision was in place. Councillor Inglis agreed with the many residents who felt that it would be devastating to see such fine buildings demolished, especially without any future development being considered.

Councillor J Wheeler felt that there was plenty of evidence in the report to support the recommendation and was very concerned about the potential loss of such iconic buildings, especially without any plans in place. He applauded officers for taking proactive action in May and stated that it was clear from online comments that local residents valued the buildings and he hoped that the applicants would respect that and work with the Council and local community going forward.

Councillor Brennan reiterated comments made and stated that the buildings were synonymous with the style and heritage of West Bridgford and it would be a travesty to demolish them, particularly when no future plans were in place and thanked officers for being vigilante.

The Leader echoed comments made by other Cabinet members.

It was RESOLVED thatthe Rushcliffe Borough Council (67-69 Loughborough Road and 2A Patrick Road, West Bridgford) Article 4(1) Direction 20 May 2025 be confirmed, giving it ongoing effect in revoking permitted development rights for demolition under Schedule 2, Part 11, Class B of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) until such time as it be withdrawn.