Ambitious plans to create 41 flats with a huge extension to a derelict Art Deco bingo hall have been refused.
Stamford Properties Development applied to South Holland District Council to transform the site of the former Regent Bingo building.
The proposals included retaining the landmark facade but building a large extension to the rear to accommodate flats over six floors.
But a report from a planning officer said the development was too dominant.
“By reason of its height, scale and bulk, would dominate and overwhelm the retained Art Deco frontage, harming the architectural and historic significance of the former cinema,” the decision notice says.
It added that the development would be ‘an overbearing backdrop’ to the Grade II* listed Constitutional Club and would harm the character and appearance of the conservation area.
The report also says there had been insufficient information provided on the potential for noise issues for residents of the planned flats above the commercial accommodation earmarked for the ground floor.
The application attracted objections from Anglian Water and South Holland District Council historic environment officer. There were 12 objections in total, including concerns over parking, the bulk of the building and the number of apartments proposed. The redevelopment would also see the loss of a town centre leisure and community facility.
“The proposed residential and commercial uses are acceptable in principle in this town centre location,” says the report, which added that no terms had been agreed for affordable housing or financial contributions to health and education.
