A former Hucknall pub that closed its doors for the last time in February because of the effect of the Covid pandemic is on the brink of becoming flats.

This is despite a councillor previously raising concerns about the provision of parking and potential highway safety issues.

The former Yew Tree pub in Nottingham Road called last orders for the final time suddenly earlier this year.

Council papers say the closure came after the business reportedly struggled throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

It led to new plans for the building to be converted into nine flats split across three floors of the former public house, including eight one-bedroom apartments and a single two-bedroom flat with all of them self-contained with kitchens and bathrooms.

However, concerns have previously been raised about the development and the impact it could have on parking and road safety.

The development does not propose any off-street parking for the nine flats, with council consultees viewing that the building's close proximity to public transport means parking is not necessary.

But Councillor Lee Waters (Ash Ind), who represents Hucknall North on Ashfield District Council, has previously voiced his fears about the impact this could have.

He said: "There is limited off-street parking available, due to the operation of a local business already established in the area.

"A petition for a residents-only parking scheme has already been conducted in the area, which is still in consideration with Nottinghamshire County Council.

"This shows the strength of feeling in the area due to the current lack of on-street parking provision.

"These nine flats would further exasperate the problem.

"Furthermore, yellow lines have been budgeted for by Nottinghamshire County Council, in front of Warburton Court on Beardall Street.

"Therefore, the proposed nine flats would, in my view, further increase parking issues alongside Beardall Street and up to Henry Street."

Separate concerns have been raised through three letters of objection, with the letters questioning existing parking arrangements in nearby Beardall Street.

The objectors also raised fears about the area already being used for school pick-ups and drop-offs, for accessing local shops and takeaways, and because the proposed 10 bedrooms could bring 10 potential cars.

However, Nottinghamshire County Council, the local highways authority, raised no objections to the proposals.

The authority said the site "benefits from easy access to bus, train and tram services", with a lack of parking "not a sustainable reason for refusal".

It added the site is protected through parking restrictions and praised the application for cycle parking provision.

And Ashfield District Council's planning department is in favour of progressing with the development, recommending councillors should give it their approval.

Council papers said: "It is considered that the proposed development … would not detrimentally harm the living conditions or amenities of residents living in the vicinity.

"Although no off-street parking is provided in this instance, this is considered not to be a sustainable reason for refusal, given the ease of access to other sustainable means of transport.

"It is considered that the proposal is unlikely to have any detrimental effect on highways safety."

The building currently houses the former pub on the ground floor and a three-bedroom flat above.

Changes to the building would include new windows to facilitate rooms within its roof, as well as new windows lower down and the removal of some existing doors and windows.

The plans will be assessed by the district council's planning committee on Wednesday, October 26.