Student block on medieval tanning site approved

Developers have reduced the height of the building after concerns were raised

Plans for a block of student flats near Nottingham's Lace Market cliff have been approved by the city council.

A temporary car park, off London Road, had been earmarked for the 81-bed complex on top of the historical tanning site.

Developers initially planned 90 flats, with the building rising up five storeys at its highest point.

But the proposals were revised after concerns had been raised that it would harm views of the skyline and the sandstone cliff itself.

The application for the smaller, four-storey building was unanimously passed by Nottingham City Council's planning committee on Wednesday.

Negotiations were held over the proposed height of the block

The site was historically a tanning yard, where animal hides were treated and turned into leather.

Archaeological investigations as part of the planning process for the flats found 5,000 animal bones in the ground, including cattle horns.

In a report, council planning officers said: "The site is overlooked by the dramatic cliff of the Lace Market with its numerous listed buildings, including the Grade I listed St Mary’s Church, visible on the skyline and forming landmarks within the Lace Market Conservation Area.

"The original scheme raised concerns in relation to its impact on the Lace Market cliff face and associated heritage assets, and also upon the residential amenity of neighbouring occupants of Cliff Road."

However they said the height of the building had subsequently been reduced by one floor following negotiations to try to protect the view.

In documents lodged with the council, developer BNM Finley House Limited said it had reviewed its designs based on feedback from the council and residents.

Additional reporting by Joe Locker.

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