Public meeting date to discuss new plans for Hucknall’s Flying Bedstead pub

A second application has been submitted to Ashfield District Council on behalf of the Co-operative Group for a new convenience store at the site of the Flying Bedstead public house.

The original plans, which were submitted late last year, were withdrawn by the applicant after a number of objections were raised by residents.

In this latest application, which was submitted on 1st May 2014, adjustments and greater highway details have been included in an attempt to meet the concerns raised in previous objections.

But residents say this is not enough to allay their fears and claim the changes have led to additional road safety concerns.

“Parking is a major problem already along this section of Watnall Road in front of the Flying Bedstead,” said Ken Coatham, chairman of Hucknall Central Tenants and Residents’ Association. “These plans will only make the situation much worse.

“As for the highway amendments, it looks like the Co-op are planning to extend the pavement and reduce the width of the road further making a lay-by for parking.

“It is already difficult for pedestrians to cross in this section,” added Mr Coatham who was hit by a car himself in this spot recently but luckily escaped with minor injuries. “And the amount of traffic using Watnall Road will increase further when the inner relief road is built and the development on the Rolls Royce site gets underway.”

A public meeting has been organised for Tuesday 20th May at Watnall Road Community Centre, sited opposite the pub, at 7pm.

Representatives from the Co-op and Ashfield Council’s planning department will be present with residents able to ask questions about the development plans and the chance to express any concerns they may have.

Hucknall Central representative Coun Lachlan Morrison will also be at the meeting.

“I want to encourage as many people as possible to come along to the meeting so I can gauge residents’ opinions about the application,” said Coun Morrison. “My concerns are that the site has become an eyesore and it needs developing but is a convenience store right for this area?

“I want residents to express their support or objections at this meeting so I can represent their views if necessary.”

Formal objections to the application must be received in writing to Ashfield Council by 25th May 2014.

For more details about the plans visit:www.ashfield-dc.gov.uk.