Newark Sports Association reveal green space deficit of 41 football pitches in Newark

Developments on green space in Newark could create a deficit the size of 41 full-sized football pitches, according to Newark Sports Association (NSA).

Planning applications for the Yorke Drive and Lincoln Road Playing Field development and the Chestnut Avenue/Cedar Avenue playing field development have been submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council.

Research from the NSA found there was already a shortage of 210,700 square metres, equivalent to 32.4 football pitches.

NSA secretary Paul Baggaley said: “The population of the Bridge Ward has increased by 79% over ten years.

“The loss of Cedar Avenue and Lincoln Road Playing Fields will mean that the deficit will grow to an area the size of 41 football pitches, and there are no plans for additional provision.

“For the health and well-being of the local community, the regeneration of Yorke Drive must go ahead, but Newark and Sherwood must think again about building on Cedar Avenue and Lincoln Road Playing Fields.”

Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Green Space Improvement Plans, published in 2010, reported deficiencies in green space to serve the local population, defining green space as amenity green space, provision for children and young people, other sports facilities, parks and gardens, allotments and cemeteries.

If the planning applications were to be implemented in their current form, the shortfall would increase to 41 football pitches (270,200 square metres), the NSA claims.

Lincoln Road Playing Fields accounts for nearly 60% of the green space in Bridge Ward, covering 70,900 square metres out of a total of 120,700.

The Chestnut Avenue Playing Fields account for 9,300 square metres of the available 31,100 square metres of green space provision for children