Newark and Sherwood District Council submits planning application to build houses on Elm Avenue playing field
A council has submitted a planning application to build nine houses on a playing field.
Newark and Sherwood District Council has submitted the application to build on the Elm Avenue playing field, Newark.
The application is for seven five-bedroom properties and two four-bedroom homes.
It requires a private road and other external works.
The playing field site, which is also known as The Stadium, was previously used for football and has one full-size football pitch and a pavilion.
Matt Lamb, director of growth and regeneration at the council, said: “We can confirm a planning application has been received and we are currently considering and assessing it as the local planning authority.
“A decision is likely in June and this will be made in public by the planning committee.
“The disposal of the land will lead to enhancements to open space elsewhere in Newark.”
The Newark Sports Association (NSA) a charity community benefit society that aims to protect sports facilities in Newark, has called for the district council to place an embargo on the building upon green spaces in Newark.
It has undertaken research, which found there was a lack of green space in Newark equivalent to the size of 75 football pitches.
The chairman of the NSA, Mr Tony Colton, said: “Newark is by far the largest parish in the district, yet according to the council’s own analysis, Newark is the most under-provided in terms of open space and outdoor sports’ facilities.
“If the district council’s public and official figures are to be believed, then Newark and Sherwood Dictrict Council should not build on any green space in Newark until a robust and up to date green space strategy is in place.”
The council has said that there have been a number of positive projects and new facilities to encourage sport and leisure.
This includes Newark Sports and Fitness Centre, the YMCA Community and Activity Village on Bowbridge Road and Newark R&M Cricket Club expansion
It follows a campaign to protect green space in Newark.
A petition was handed in to the district council in their last full council meeting, asking for reconsideration on the felling of trees for new carparking spaces behind the former registrar’s office on Baldertongate
Planning applications to build on green space on Lincoln Road playing field and Cedar Avenue playing field are also being considered by the district council.
