Newark Town Council object to plans to turn former Arcade Framing Gallery into two flats

An application to change a premises in a historic shopping arcade to flats has faced objections from a council.

Newark Town Council considered the application, by Parkdale Estates Ltd, for the former Arcade Framing Gallery, at a planning committee meeting on May 28.

The plans proposed creating two one-bedroom flats in the former shop, with the first floor accessed through a new opening created to the rear, while the first floor apartment entrance will remain via the existing shop front through the Arcade gates.

The street scene was proposed to be maintained by giving the neighbouring shop access to the shop windows for their displays.

Councillors raised concerns about the change of use in the historic arcade, which was specifically designed for shopping.

Tom Collier said: “I’m all in favour of in-town residential development and change of use in principle — but in the Arcade seems a bit odd.”

Lyn Roulstone added: “I fully support new homes in town, but the Arcade is beautiful and should be filled with lovely shops.

“I’d much rather it remained a shop.”

Sophie Dickinson suggested the Arcade was something of an ‘icon’ in Newark, and should not lose it’s traditional purpose as a shopping arcade, while Mathew Skinner agreed he’d like to see at least the ground floor remain as retail premises.

He added: “They do look pretty good rooms [in the flats]. I don’t know where to go with this.”

The plans had the support of Laurence Goff, who suggested it would be an ideal living situation for people who don’t have a car and need to be in close proximity to shops and entertainment venues.

“We need more people in the town centre,” he added.

The current success of the Arcade was also highlighted, with councillors noting most retail units were filled.

Lisa Geary said: “I think we should be objecting on the grounds that it’s a shopping arcade, designed to be for shopping.

“It’s historically significant.

“We don’t want to see a flat on the ground floor, but we have no objections to a flat on the upper floor… it’s very important for the town to keep retail space.”

The objection was agreed.

A decision will be made on the application by Newark and Sherwood District Council at a later date.