Disputed planning application to build affordable housing development on former Cedar Avenue playing fields in Newark withdrawn by Nottingham Community Housing Association
A controversial planning application to build an affordable housing development on a former playing field has been withdrawn.
The original £4.6m scheme proposed to build 32 Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) homes on the green open space on Cedar Avenue, Newark.
This number reduced during the application process after persistent concerns were voiced from residents in the area, who said they wanted it to remain as open space for the benefit of local people.
Neighbours also criticised the development was against Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Green Space Strategy.
In 2017, the 0.9 hectare site was offered for sale by informal tender by its owners, the Gilstrap Trust Charity.
The site was then put on the district council’s housing allocation list after being put forward by the charity.
NCHA then, in December 2018, requested planning permission to build 24 houses, six flats for supported housing and two shared houses.
Since then, the proposed number of homes to be built was reduced, with the developer taking into account resident views on the matter.
In an effort to compromise with the area’s neighbours, the application was amended in July 2019, reducing it to 16 two-bed houses, six one-bed flats for supported housing and a shared house over two plots.
A multi-use games area was added to the application to try to combat resident concern over the lack of open space in the area for children to play.
However, amendments to the application were made even after this following further criticism from Newark Town Council, that reduced the build to ten two-bed houses, six one-bed flats, a shared house over two plots and the additional games area.
The application was formerly withdrawn on December 3 through a letter sent to the council.
Lisa Raine, project manager at NCHA, said: “After listening to the views of the local community, we have taken the decision to withdraw the planning application for this potential development in Newark.
“We will continue with our mission to build over 350 affordable homes across the East Midlands, for those who need them most.”
The Winthorpe Residents’ group — which protested the NCHA development as well as others in Newark — welcomed the withdrawal.
A spokesman said: “The withdrawal of the planning application is fantastic news for the residents and like minded people who have fought tirelessly alongside district and town councillors — but it’s not the end.”
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