Apartment plan for ex-hotel and restaurant site gets go-ahead

Matthew Montague Architects has expressed its delight after plans to demolish a former hotel and restaurant and build apartments in its place were finally given the go-ahead.

Following an appeal, planning permission has been granted to pull down the former La Gondola Hotel & Restaurant, in Osmaston Road, and build 42 apartments in its place.

La Gondola first opened in 1969 and was a popular restaurant and hotel for decades.

However, the business declined and eventually went into liquidation in 2009.

The building stood empty for 14 years prior to being purchased by EB Property Solutions, which is part of the Elgie Group, in 2021.

Towards the end of that year, plans were submitted for demolition and redevelopment of the site, but the application was refused.

Matthew Montague Architects redesigned the site and submitted a revised planning application in April last year.

But despite being recommended for approval by planning officers, that application was also turned down.

Following this decision, JMI Planning was instructed, and an appeal was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.

Now, after a successful review, the planning inspector has given the go-ahead and the scheme has been approved.

The approved development comprises 42 apartments over two four-storey blocks: 34 being two-bedroomed and eight one-bedroomed.

Matthew Montague said: “This is good news. The approved scheme doesn’t dominant the street scene and addresses the scale of the former hotel.

“The building has been in a state of disrepair for many years, so it is great that it will now be regenerated.”

Sam Elgie, from the Elgie Group, said: “We are delighted to have received permission for the scheme. It’s been a very long process, but we can now move forwards.”