Long-standing karate club's old HQ could be turned into flats -- all the latest Mansfield plans
A building in Mansfield town centre that was once home to a long-standing martial arts school could soon be converted into flats.
A change-of-use planning application has been submitted to Mansfield District Council for the premises on West Hill Drive, near Clumber Street and Leeming Street.
It was the former headquarters of the 58-year-old Mansfield Karate Club, where martial arts enthusiasts of all ages were invited to “learn karate in a safe, controlled environment with expert teaching from 7th dan black belt David Allsop”.
The applicant, who is listed as Mr Cupit, from Rainworth, wants to turn the two-storey building into a couple of self-contained, one-bedroomed residential flats.
Mr Cupit’s agent is Steve Iberle, of the Rainworth-based architectural services company, SJI Designs Ltd.
To accompany the application, Steve has compiled a planning statement, which says the “modest and sustainable” proposal would “bring a currently under-utilised, commercial premises into active residential use”.
He promises “a sensitive conversion”, with minimal external changes to the building.
There would be one flat on each floor, both having "functional and efficient” open-plan living and sleeping areas, a kitchenette and an en suite bathroom.
Access to the ground-floor flat would be via the existing front door, and to the first-floor flat via a new and secure internal side stairway, “enhancing privacy and occupancy”.
The statement goes on: “Each flat would meet all relevant building regulation standards in relation to thermal insulation and acoustic separation.
“The town-centre location supports a car-free development. Given the proximity to public transport and essential services, no on-site vehicle parking is required or proposed.
"Future tenants would be informed of this, and the flats would be let on that basis. Secure cycle storage and bin facilities would be provided in a side building.”
Meanwhile, Mansfield Karate Club, which was formed way back in 1967, continues to thrive at different premises, with remarkable veteran instructor, 78-year-old David Allsop, at the helm.
He explained: “Sadly, the landlord of the West Hill Drive building died and his family asked me to move out so they could sell it.
“I agreed and the club is now based at The Old Meeting House on Stockwell Gate for adults and at the 5th Mansfield Sea Scouts headquarters on Devon Drive for children.”
The council’s planning officers are now considering the West Hill Drive scheme and have set a deadline date of Monday, September 22 for a decision or recommendation.
Other planning applications received by Mansfield Council in recent days include these:
Ashfield, 13 The Park, Mansfield – work to one tree within conservation area.
5 New Park Lane, Mansfield – work to four trees within conservation area.
2 Shearsby Drive, Forest Town – small front porch extension and flat-roof single-storey rear extension.
Maun View, 261 Chesterfield Road South, Mansfield – proposed two-storey front extension.
Black Scotch Lane, Mansfield – work to two trees covered by preservation order.
White Rose Cottage, 24 Eastlands Lane, Warsop – removal of one tree within conservation area.
145 Berry Hill Road, Mansfield – single-storey side extension, existing garage conversion and two-storey rear extension with loft conversion and structural alterations to create a second floor to include a side dormer extension, Velux windows, a balcony at the side and rear and alterations at the front.
Moorfield Farm House, Bishops Walk, Warsop – work to two trees covered by preservation order.
Squires Lodge, Nettleworth Manor, Leeming Lane North, Mansfield Woodhouse – single-storey rear extension, front porch and elevation alterations.
The Mill House, Church Road, Warsop – removal of two trees and work to two others, all within conservation area.
8 Ransom Road, Rainworth – two-storey side extension, front porch and single-storey rear extension, and partial application of render at front and rear.
181 Sherwood Street, Warsop – proposed two-storey extensions at front and rear, including new pitched roof, part single-storey extension above ground floor and new flat roof above existing garage.
58 Bramble Lane, Mansfield – application for lawful development certificate for single-storey side extension.
Broomfield, 21 The Park, Mansfield – work to one tree within conservation area.
St Peter and St Paul’s Church, Bishops Walk, Warsop – work to three trees covered by preservation order.
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/