A popular and long-established dance school in Ashfield will be forced to move if a plan for new flats is given the go-ahead.

The Julie Shacklock School Of Dancing, which has 1,100 followers on Facebook, is based at Thomas House on Portland Square in Sutton.

Describing itself as “a one-stop shop for all your dancing needs”, it is hugely respected for offering classes and training in a variety of styles for people of all ages and abilities, including children and total beginners.

Many of the school’s students have won prestigious competitions, as well as awards and certificates for their achievements.

The Julie Shacklock School Of Dancing in Sutton is extremely popular.

placeholder image — The Julie Shacklock School Of Dancing in Sutton is extremely popular.

Julie herself was last year honoured with life membership of the International Dance Teachers’ Association (IDTA) in recognition of 40 years’ continuous service as a fully qualified teacher.

However, the dance studio’s future is now up in the air after Ashfield District Council received a planning application to convert the first and second floors of Thomas House into four self-contained, one-bedroom flats (internal works only).

The change-of-use application has been submitted by Narinder Mahal, the 74-year-old secretary of the Nottingham-based family business, Mahal Investments Ltd, which is described as a real-estate agency.

According to Companies House, Narinder is one of seven members of the Mahal family to hold active directorships with the company.

The rear of Thomas House on Portland Square, Sutton, where the dance studio is currently based. (PHOTO BY: Google Maps)

Very few concrete details have been released about the plan. But Mahal Investments has hired Jonathan Banner, 52-year-old director of another Nottingham firm, JSBC Ltd, as its agent for the scheme.

When Julie was approached by the Chad about the potential upheaval for the dance school, she confirmed it would have to move if the council rubberstamps the flats plan. But she was unsure where to.

The council’s planning officers are currently considering the proposal and hope to make a decision or recommendation before their deadline date of Thursday, June 11.

Anyone interested in commenting on the application can do so by posting their views in the planning section of the council’s website.

The certificate that honours Julie Shacklock for 40 continuous years as a qualified dance teacher.

THE details of many planning applications can be found in public notices advertised by local and regional newspapers. To catch up on all the latest public notices, go to https://publicnoticeportal.uk/