A two-week consultattion has been launched on the latest plans for the historic Kimberley Brewery site — with opinions already divided on the proposals.

New plans have been submitted for planning permission to Broxtowe Borough Council by AMFAAH Investments and Metis Developments.

Previously the scheme at the landmark site off Hardy Street included provision for shops and businesses. But the new scheme is primarily residential with 130 houses and apartments planned.

However, already it has provoked concern from the Save Our Brewery Site (SOBS) group.

For the plans include the demolition of the Grade-II listed warehouse, brewhouse and second maltings building.

The group says it is in favour of the site being developed but feels the demolition plan would represent a ‘tragedy’ for the town’s heritage.

However the developers pointed out that one of the malthouses would be converted into 18 apartments and the iconic tower will be repaired and converted into two large duplex apartments.

The oasthouses and bridge link at the former Hardy and Hansons site is earmarked for important repair work and will be retained for future use.

Alistair Russell, from Metis Developments Ltd, said that most of the requested changes made after consultation with residents, SOBS, Broxtowe Council and groups such as English Heritage had been made and the project had evolved into a very exciting scheme.

He added: “New build apartments complement the existing historic buildings to create a dynamic residential environment.

“The focus on retaining and repairing as many of the historic brewery buildings remains the same.

“What we have to do is save as many of the buildings as we can, but saving the second maltings is impossible due to the floor-to-ceiling height and how close it is to the first maltings.

“To save one maltings we have to demolish the other.”

The developers said that they have chosen to retain the most important and iconic buildings, but it is not feasible for all of them,

English Heritage previously objected to the proposed demolition of the second maltings as it would constitute ‘substantial harm to the significance of the listed building’, and was also against the loss of the brewhouse as ‘no options are presented which explore possible alteration of the interior’.

The Victorian Society also raised concerns about the demolition of half of the historic brewery site.

SOBs member Joanna Cooke said: “Whilst we support the redevelopment of the site and many of the recent plans presented by the developers, we feel they have not fully explored the potential of converting these listed buildings to make good use of them and avoid demolition.

“Local people need to make a stand and send a clear message to planning committee members at Broxtowe Borough Council that the loss of the listed buildings is unnecessary and is a tragedy for Kimberley. “

A 14-day consultation on the application will end on Friday August 1.

The application can be seen on the council’s website at www.broxtowe.gov.uk or , at the council offices in Beeston or at Eastwood cash office on 15 Nottingham Road.

Alternatively, the plans can be viewed by prior arrangement with the clerk of Kimberley Town Council at the Parish Hall, Newdigate Street by calling 0115 9382733.