Nottingham: Former city centre restaurant to become student flats

An artist's impression of the new development in Lower Parliament Street

A former restaurant is to be turned into student flats with a two-storey extension in Nottingham city centre.

The former Antibo restaurant, in Lower Parliament Street, has been derelict for some time and linked with anti-social behaviour and cannabis farming.

Nottingham City Council has granted planning permission for 49 student flats, and office and commercial space.

The approval comes shortly after a 169-bedroom student accommodation was given the go-ahead on a university campus.

The former Antibo restaurant has been derelict for some time

The 1940s building, originally built as a department store, was home to the Italian restaurant during the mid-1980s, and later Chez Coor's - a Jamaican buffet.

Since then, it has become a target of anti-social behaviour and illegal cannabis farming and is currently in "an unkempt state", according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

The planning application said the location was "perfectly positioned" for student housing and would "help revitalise" the area.

The application added: "Consideration has been given to the demolition of the existing building and the subsequent development of a new build block.

"Design work has moved away from this strategy as we are conscious that the existing building forms an iconic part of the street scene on Lower Parliament Street."

The LDRS had originally stated that developer Kexgill Ltd was behind the plans, but later clarified that the firm had been replaced by Man Mountain Estates Ltd.

The developer had originally thought of adding three extra floors, however it was scaled back to two following a consultation with residents, who said it would be "too invasive".

The top of the building will feature a green roof and the accommodation will come with cycle storage for residents.