Application for external flue on Newark Travelodge development approved by Newark and Sherwood District Council

Plans have been approved for an external modification to a town centre hotel for a nearby business.

Newark and Sherwood District Council's planning committee reviewed an application for an externally-mounted flue at the site of the old Robin Hood Hotel on 1-3 Lombard Street, Newark.

The site on the Beaumond Cross junction with Lombard Street is now occupied by Travelodge and the externally-mounted flue would be for a coffee roaster at Stokes Tea and Coffee in one of the adjoining shop units.

Although the site comprises three grade-II listed town houses, the flue would sit on the modern extension of the hotel and would therefore not require listed building consent.

Characteristics of the flue would see it reach a height of eight metres, exceeding the height of the building by approximately 0.6metres, with a diameter of 0.2metres.

There was some concern as to the finish of the flue, but committee members were reassured that the flue would be finished in the same slate grey colour as the existing window fixtures and building accents.

The site is within Newark town centre as well as the designated conservation area and historic core of the town.

The council's conservation officer said that the flue would result in some impact to the Newark conservation area, but that it would be relatively minor and falls within the lowest end of any potential harm.

It is also thought that any potential conservation harm is outweighed by the socio-economic benefits of the plans being approved.

The application was unanimously approved by the planning commitee.