A “proper local pub” in South London is to be redeveloped and rebuilt with 14 private flats built on top of it.
Nolan’s Public House, which is located at 33 Wilcox Road in Nine Elms, will be demolished and re-provided as part of a brand new six-storey development.
Lambeth Council’s Planning Applications Committee unanimously approved the plans during a meeting on Tuesday evening (April 14).
Nolan’s on Wilcox Road is to be demolished and rebuilt with 14 new flats on top of it Credit: Google Street View
A CGI drawing showing how the new development plans to look Credit: Lambeth Council planning documents
During the meeting, the committee heard from the applicant, Nolan Group Limited, a family run business which has been in the hospitality trade for the last 40 years.
Shaun Nolan from the Nolan Group said: “Our family and our pub [have been] firmly rooted in the local community over many years.
“Nolan’s Freehouse has been a place where local people meet, socialise and play on one of our many dart and pool teams – we’ve constantly supported local charities such as the Evelina Children’s Hospital, Trinity Hospice and several others.”
Mr Nolan said the current pub building “no longer reflects the needs of a modern pub or our customers” and went on to say the redevelopment would ensure the pub remains viable and attractive for the future.
He added: “We strongly believe that redevelopment is the best long-term option for the site, our proposal ensures the retention of the public house which we believe has clear social value to the local community.
“Alongside this, the proposed new homes allow the site to make a positive contribution towards meeting local housing needs. The Nolan family is fully committed to delivering this project and to continuing operating the pub for many years to come.”
According to council documents, the Victorian pub can be seen in historical maps as early as 1867. The building is not listed and is not located in a conservation area.
Under the plans, the three-storey pub building will be demolished to make way for a part-2, part-5 and part-6 storey building to re-provide the pub, pub manager’s accommodation and 14 new flats.
All 14 homes are private, so the applicant’s Section 106 offer includes a carbon offset estimated payment of £17,325 and a £940.40 contribution towards the provision of a child play space at Vauxhall Park.
Other Section 106 contributions include the provision of 31 short stay cycle parking spaces and money towards disabled parking bays.
The plans received one supporting comment and no objections. The supporter called it a “sensible and aesthetically pleasing development” and said the pub was in need of an upgrade.
Lambeth Council planning officers noted: “-the redevelopment of this site, incorporating the re-provision of the public house alongside 14 residential units, is acceptable in planning terms.
“Housing delivery remains a priority need within the borough, and the scheme appropriately seeks to maximise the development potential of this small site.”
Cllr Joanne Simpson, Chair of the Planning Applications Committee, said: “-when it first came to my inbox I was a bit sad about the loss of the building just because it’s a very traditional looking pub, but the fact Nolan’s will be returning has been excellent news because it is a proper local pub and a real anchor of the community.”
When it came to the vote, councillors unanimously approved of the plans, meaning planning permission was granted.