60-year-old Lincoln pub to make way for student housing

A plan to demolish a 60-year-old Lincoln High Street pub in order to build new student housing looks set to be approved by city councillors.

The Golden Cross pub has been earmarked to be flattened to make way for 47 student flats, under plans submitted to City of Lincoln Council.

Lomas Architecture Design and Developments Ltd said there was a need for more housing in the city as the University of Lincoln continues to grow.

The council’s planning committee has been recommended to approve the plan at a meeting on April 24.

The pub was built in 1959 and was popular with Lincoln City fans on matchdays.

Queen Street at the junction with High Street in Lincoln, outside The Golden Cross pub.

Now, proposals for the site would see a three-storey student accommodation building built in its place.

47 en-suite rooms are planned with a common room and kitchen on each floor, as well as two laundry rooms for the first and second floors.

The developer said in its plan that the building would be a modern design and not affect the character of the area.

It said: “It is clear that the proposal would address the outstanding need for student accommodation within the city, without causing harm to either the conservation area or wider townscape.

Student housing plan for former Golden Cross pub, High Street.

“On the contrary, it has been demonstrated that the proposed building would be more sympathetic to established character of the wider area.”

The developer recognised that the pub had a “historic significance”, but added that its loss would “not be a detriment” to the area

But the plan has been met with objection from both local people and the Lincoln Civic Trust.

The trust said it recognised the need for housing, but added that the building was “unsuitable” for the area.

It said: “Whilst it is unfortunate to lose another public house on High Street, we do understand the economics of the situation and understand the reasons behind the application.

“However, the proposed structure is not in keeping with the local environment in that its massing and height are far too prominent and would disturb the street scene.”

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