Former social club set to be demolished

Plans to demolish a former working men's club in Long Eaton and replace it with a three-storey block of flats have been recommended for approval by council officials.

The Embassy labour club in Lawrence Street dates back to 1904, with extensions added in 1914 and 1958.

It most recently housed five retail and office units but has stood vacant "for some time".

Erewash Borough Council is due to make a final decision on whether to approve the planning application for the new tower block with 19 single-bedroom flats at a later date.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the council had received 35 letters of objection, with some citing concerns the lack of a car park would cause parking pressure on surrounding streets.

But in a report, borough council planners wrote: "The proposed development would result in the loss of the entire building and as such all historic and architectural value would be lost.

The proposed re-development of the site would impose an entirely new character of a different form to the surrounding period properties for which this area is notable.

"Creating an entirely new character is a tried and tested response to development in a heritage area where the replication of period features could result in a poor, pastiche representation of the surrounding character.

"Standing alone as it does the site of the existing building lends itself to this type of approach."

Curtis Howard, the authority's lead member for planning, said the new building should have commemorative plaques attached to it detailing the site's former historic use.

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