The long-vacant former Embassy Club building on Lawrence Street could soon be demolished and replaced with a block of 19 flats.
A detailed planning application has been submitted to Erewash Borough Council for the redevelopment of the site at 1–5 Lawrence Street, next to the town centre car park.
The building, which started life as a social club before being converted into offices, has been empty for some time and is described in planning documents as being in poor condition.
What’s being proposed?
The plans would see the existing structure knocked down and replaced with:
- 19 one-bedroom flats
- A three-storey frontage onto Lawrence Street
- A four-storey section at the rear, backing onto the public car park
- A small rear amenity area and bin store
All of the proposed homes are one-bedroom apartments.
No parking spaces planned
One detail likely to attract attention is that the development includes no off-street parking.
Planning documents state that the site is in a sustainable town-centre location, close to shops and bus routes, and therefore does not require dedicated parking.
However, if approved, the 19 new flats would rely on on-street parking or the nearby Lawrence Street public car park.
Parking pressures in parts of Long Eaton have already been a concern for some residents, particularly around busy town-centre streets.
Affordable housing question
Because the development exceeds 15 units, council policy would normally expect some level of affordable housing provision.
However, the applicant has submitted a viability report arguing that providing affordable housing may not be financially achievable on this site.
Erewash Borough Council will have to consider whether that argument is accepted as part of the planning process.
A brownfield site in the town centre
The applicant says the scheme represents the reuse of brownfield land within the built-up area of Long Eaton, close to services and public transport.
Previous attempts to redevelop the building for commercial use were unsuccessful.
If approved, the development would significantly change the appearance of this prominent corner of Lawrence Street.
What happens next?
The application is now open for public comment before a decision is made by Erewash Borough Council.
Residents can view the full plans and submit their views via the council’s planning portal.
Ilkeston News will continue to monitor its progress.
Copyright: Ilkeston News