Three planning applications submitted affecting town-centre retail and local firms
Three separate planning proposals that would change the look and use of parts of Mansfield have been submitted to the planning authority. They include a covered outdoor trading area at the large Asda store in Forest Town, the conversion of first-floor space above an estate agent on Stockwell Gate into a one‑bed flat, and an upgrade to the headquarters of long‑established local construction firm Cash And Carry Windows on Hermitage Lane.
- Asda wants a seasonal canopy built on hard standing beside the main entrance to display outdoor goods.
- A one‑bed flat is proposed above Ask estate agents with a separate rear entrance.
- Cash And Carry Windows seeks improvement work at its showroom and office site at Bridge House.
The Asda proposal relates to the large Forest Town supermarket on Old Mill Lane. Planning papers say the supermarket intends to erect what it describes as an outdoor trading shelter or seasonal canopy on a hard‑standing area currently used as a trolley bay to the right of the main entrance.
“The canopy would operate within the opening hours of the store. It is part of our continual commitment to improve services and facilities requested by customers.”
The company states the covered area would be used for the display of seasonal outdoor goods, giving examples such as charcoal, compost, outdoor furniture and accessories, and Christmas trees. The canopy would only be in operation during the store’s normal opening hours, according to the planning submission.
In Mansfield town centre, an application has been submitted for the first floor above Ask estate agents on Stockwell Gate to change use to residential. The applicant, Kelly Statham of Ask Property, has lodged a prior notification for the conversion and emphasises that the estate agency on the ground floor would continue to trade as normal.
The plan describes a modern, high‑quality one‑bed flat with living area, kitchen and bathroom, designed to create a bright, comfortable and healthy living environment. Access to the proposed flat would be via a separate external entrance from the rear car park, the papers say.
Although the building is not listed, several neighbouring properties at 53, 55 and 57 Stockwell Gate are listed. The applicant describes the project as a sensitive re‑use of the upper floor, asserting the conversion would be carefully designed to preserve the character of the street and nearby heritage assets.
The third application involves Cash And Carry Windows, which operates from a warehouse building at Bridge House, 45 Hermitage Lane. The business supplies and installs windows, doors and conservatories and also runs a showroom and offices from the site. The company is seeking permission for upgrades to its premises to support its continued operations.
| Proposal | Location | Main change |
|---|---|---|
| Asda seasonal canopy | Old Mill Lane, Forest Town | Covered outdoor trading shelter for seasonal goods |
| One‑bed flat conversion | First floor, Ask estate agents, Stockwell Gate | Change of use to residential with separate rear access |
| Cash And Carry Windows upgrade | Bridge House, 45 Hermitage Lane | Premises improvements to showroom and offices |
Each application touches on familiar planning themes for Mansfield: balancing retail activity and customer convenience, bringing upper floors in town‑centre buildings back into productive residential use, and supporting local businesses with improved facilities. If granted, the Asda canopy could alter the way shoppers move around the store frontage during busy seasonal periods, while the Stockwell Gate conversion would add a small, town‑centre home to the housing mix.
Local residents and businesses typically have the opportunity to comment on such proposals through the council’s planning portal. Decisions will be taken by planning officers or councillors in line with local and national planning policies and any heritage considerations arising from nearby listed buildings.
Further details and the full planning submissions are available from Mansfield District Council’s planning service for anyone wishing to view documents or register comments.
