Part 1: NPEL’s Position on the Planning Application
Dear Residents of Nottingham Park Estate,
We want to keep you informed about an important matter that directly impacts our community: a planning application currently under consideration in relation to a proposed development within The Park Estate, ‘Dominion House, Castle Boulevard.
Meeting with the Developer
Earlier in the process, we requested a pre-application meeting with the developer where we raised several concerns about the proposed development. Despite submitting our concerns in writing, we regret to inform you that there has been no further engagement from the developer. Our concerns, unfortunately, have not been reflected in the development proposal that has now materialised.
The Impact on Our Estate
After careful review of the proposals, we strongly believe that this development, which is significantly different from previous PBSA (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation) applications in the locality, being located within the boundaries of The Park Estate itself, will have a detrimental impact on the amenity value of both residents and those who enjoy the unique character of The Park Estate.
What do we mean by ‘amenity value’?
In simple terms, amenity value in relation to planning in the UK refers to the quality of life and enjoyment that a space, property, or area provides to the people who live or work there. It includes factors like:
- Access to green spaces (parks, gardens)
- Views and openness (not being blocked by buildings or other structures)
- Quietness and privacy (not disturbed by excessive noise or overlooking)
- General attractiveness (well-maintained, pleasant surroundings)
We see no public value or benefit that would outweigh the harm caused by this development.
The Importance of The Park Estate Conservation Area
In 2019, the Nottingham Park Estate Limited and the Nottingham Park Conservation Trust jointly commissioned and funded a Conservation Area Appraisal & Management Plan (CAAMP) for the City, which the council subsequently adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPD). This designation affirms the Park as Nottingham City’s most prestigious Conservation Area, acknowledging its national significance as a Conservation Area of the highest grade. The Park Estate, renowned for its historical and architectural value, has been meticulously preserved through substantial effort and investment. This commitment is reflected in the creation of the SPD, designed to safeguard the estate’s integrity, and we remain dedicated to upholding these protections.
Part 2: What’s Next and What We’re Doing
We want to reassure you that we are acting on your behalf and have been actively engaged in addressing the planning application. Reflecting our concerns, we have commissioned an expert heritage review report. This report will play a key role in supporting our concerns and is being finalised this week. It will be formally submitted alongside our objection.
We believe transparency is key, and we want to keep you informed every step of the way. While comments and objections to planning applications can be submitted to the council as part of the planning process, we are aware that these are not always published in a timely manner (or at all!). As such, we plan to follow up this communication with a summary of our objections and expert report’s key findings, to ensure you’re fully informed. This may also be used to support any individual comments that residents may wish to make in response to the planning application.
We appreciate that timelines are pressed – the Neighbour Consultation Expiry Date is Monday 24th February.
Your Feedback Matters
Regardless of the outcome of the planning application, we welcome your feedback, ideas, and concerns regarding how we can best support the management of The Park Estate. We remain committed to listening to the views of residents and ensuring that our collective interests are at the forefront of all decisions concerning the estate.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. We are committed to working with you to preserve the unique character of The Park Estate for future generations.
The Park Estate 