ONE of Wombwell’s most historic buildings which once hosted Def Leppard is set to be converted into a retail unit with seven flats.
The Nu-Well Shopping Mall, on Hough Lane, has had a tumultuous history since its opening in 1992, with units changing hands as owner Arthur Coward tried to keep the project alive.
Formerly the Wombwell Reform Club, the building has quite a history, with band Def Leppard playing there back in 1979 and a World War One memorial plaque hanging inside.
The plaque has since been moved following the sale of the building but plans, submitted to the council last year, have now been approved.
The existing retail space at the centre will be consolidated to create three retail units while a new storey will be added to the site where seven apartments will be created.
A report states: “The site is situated on the corner of Hough Lane and Summer Lane.
“The building has been vacant for many years and is annotated as ‘Nu-Well Shopping Mall’.
“The building is separated into different units and arranged over two floors due to the level changes.
“The original building faces Hough Lane which was used as a working men’s club, with later additions of various design and heights extended in a piecemeal way, developing into the shopping centre in the early 1990s.
“The proposal is to convert and extend the existing buildings to create a more cohesive building with three retail units at ground floor level and to create an upper level for seven residential flats.
“One of the flats will have two bedrooms and the rest will be one-bedroomed.
“All of the flats will have a small balcony/patio area.”
During the consultation phase of the project, some concerns were raised regarding highway safety.
But these issues have been alleviated and the plans were approved earlier this week.
The report added: “The proposal caused some concern with regards to the potential impact on highways safety along with the existing subservient vehicular access at the rear of the property.
“The council’s highway officer stated that the original parking proposal was not acceptable.
“A highways transport note has been submitted in order to address the points raised by the council’s highways officer.
“The amended scheme will provide 15 staff only car parking spaces to the rear of the development.
“In view of the above, it is considered that the proposals would not result in an unacceptable impact on highway safety, nor would the residual cumulative impact on the road network be severe.”
Wombwell councillors James Higginbottom, Brenda Eastwood and Robert Frost have all praised the application’s approval.
They told the Chronicle: “It is welcome to hear that planning permission has been granted for the redevelopment of the former Reform Club on Hough Lane, which has been vacant for many years.
“These plans will see a mix of good quality residential and retail opportunities and retain the building’s distinctive exterior.
“We are looking forward to seeing these plans now take shape.”
