Extra fitness centre parking backed

Plans for 56 extra parking spaces at Newark Sports and Fitness Centre were backed by town councillors.

The carpark at the centre, off Bowbridge Road, which is run by Active4Today, has 176 parking bays. However, the popularity of the site since it opened, in April 2016, has caused parking issues.

The planning application says: “Due to the centre being very popular, visitor levels are higher than anticipated including members of the public and local schools

“The centre is heavily used by schools for swimming classes; all of the pupils arrive and depart via car or bus under supervised conditions.

“This all leads to a very congested carpark area at least twice a day, which can often cause disruption to traffic accessing and exiting the car-park.”

At a meeting of the town council’s planning committee Mr Keith Girling said the fact the application was needed was good news.

It is expected the increased parking will complement Not-tinghamshire YMCA’s new sports and community village, which is under construction next to the centre.

The town council’s comments were sent to Newark and Sherwood District Council, which will decide the application.