NatWest had said customers were ‘using digital banking more than ever before’
The Natwest bank closed in May 2025 despite a petition calling for it to remain open(Image: Google)
A new plan to transform a former NatWest bank which hundreds wanted saving from closure has emerged.
Last year, city councillor Stephen Fowke said around 1,500 people got behind a petition calling for the NatWest branch in Allenton’s shopping precinct to stay open.
It came after the bank’s bosses announced its intention to close the Osmaston Road branch and dozens more across the country.
It was feared that elderly Allenton residents “would be hit hard” by the closure and may face more expensive travel costs to get to the next nearest branch – in the city centre.
Charity Age UK also cited concerns over “the continuing avalanche of bank branch closures”.
But despite the petition, the bank closed its doors in May 2025.
In response to the petition NatWest said its customers were “using digital banking more than ever before”.
Bosses told the Local Democracy Reporting Service it was “responding to the industry-wide shift towards digital services by investing to broaden what customers can do themselves and to offer them greater personalisation”.
Now, more than a year after its closure, new plans have come to light for the former bank building which has stood vacant ever since.
A planning application has been submitted to Derby City Council calling for several changes to bring the building back to public use.
Planning documents state applicant Abbas Mena wants to transform the building into two separate retail units. One will be a barber’s shop and the other a takeaway.
If plans are approved, work would include internal alterations to create customer areas, barber stations, takeaway kitchen, and staff facilities.
There are also plans to convert the first floor of the property into a flat as well as the installation of an extraction flue.
A planning statement said: “The building currently contributes little to the vitality of the area. The proposed development will deliver economic activity, local employment, and a new home, supporting wider regeneration objectives.
“The site is well-served by public transport and nearby public parking. The proposal does not significantly increase traffic generation.
“Servicing for the takeaway will be managed during appropriate hours to avoid conflict with neighbouring uses.”
The statement adds the residential flat above “would not be adversely affected by the commercial uses below due to proposed noise insulation measures”.
The consultation period for the planning application concludes on Thursday, September 10.
Derby City Council could make a decision on the proposal later this year.