‘Unattractive’ Coalville nursery could be demolished to make way for …
An “unattractive” Coalville nursery could be demolished to make way for new flats[1]. The plan has been touted for more than a year, but should it be approved it would not see the end of children’s nursery services in the area.
The proposal, for Forest Road in Coalville[2], would see the current Den Nursery flattened to make way for five first floor flats that would sit above a newly constructed nursery. The duplex flats would be a mix of one and two-bedroom apartments, with the whole building given a “fresh” and “distinctive” appearance.
Applicant Dr Tariq Gauhar believed retaining the nursery was key to meeting demand. He added that new developments in Forest Road – including 24 new single-storey homes[3] within walking distance of the proposal – would “likely increase” demand for nursery provisions.
Planning documents on behalf of Dr Gauhar reveal that the newly built flats will all boast an “open-plan living-dining–kitchen space” as well as bathroom, bedroom and storage space. The mix of bedrooms is one that the applicant believed would be an “appropriate addition” to the Forest Road area – one which Dr Gauhar said was at present “predominantly family homes”.
New parking provisions will also be provided, but the exact numbers are unclear. The replacement nursery will also come with a secure play area that will offer children space to “exercise, integrate, play and relax”.
The new nursery will have five flats built on top of it (Image: Whitebox Architecture + Design)
Whitebox Architecture + Design, on behalf of Dr Gauhar, said the proposal would result in the creation of a “high quality” development that replaces an “unattractive” building and “makes better use of the site”. They also hailed the plan as being in a “sustainable location”.
They believe the plan, which has now been submitted to North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC)[5], would also “enhance” the townscape of Coalville. Whitebox Architecture + Design added it would “improve activity and vitality to the street scene and the wider context”. A decision on the plan will be made by NWLDC at a later date.
References
- ^ could be demolished to make way for new flats (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Coalville (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ including 24 new single-storey homes (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ Council rejects Measham homes over fears they would get in the way of HS2 (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)
- ^ North West Leicestershire District Council (NWLDC) (www.leicestermercury.co.uk)