Petition launched to oppose snooker hall demolition

Cuetopia (formerly Spot On) is located on Montagu Street in Kettering town centre

More than 1,000 locals have signed a petition to stop the conversion of a snooker hall into flats.

Developers have applied to knock down Cuetopia, in Kettering, to redevelop the building into a three-floor apartment block.

Residents have now lodged complaints with North Northamptonshire Council, with one saying: "Removing yet another local business in favour of housing will only accelerate [Kettering's] decline."

The petition says the venue is a "historic local business" and is "very well attended."

A before and after sketch showing how the street could look if demolition plans go ahead

Blueprints illustrate plans for the first two floors to be made up of 20 one-bedroom apartments.

The third floor and roof will contain 10 two-bedroom flats with additional office space.

Kettering Town Council said Cuetopia is a “well used and important community and leisure asset.”

It went on to say that the development does not match the existing street scene and “overshadows” adjacent buildings leading to a loss of light.

It also highlighted the absence of purpose-built parking spaces for the apartments.

'Further nail in the coffin'

One local said the snooker club is "well loved" and losing it would be a "further nail in the coffin for a dying town centre".

Another added: "This will give the people of Kettering even more reason to travel to others towns such as Corby who have significantly more retail and entertainment.”

North Northamptonshire Council will decide on whether to approve the apartments, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Property developers Certain Security Limited said the building is “clearly of its time” and should be knocked down.

A target decision date for the beginning of May has been submitted by the authority.