Plans for conversion of former Newark Advertiser offices on Magnus Street and Appltongate, Newark, into flats put forward
New plans could lead to a town centre office building being redeveloped into prime residential flats.
The former Newark Advertiser offices, which front Magnus Street and part of Appletongate, are subject to a new planning application by Dancap Appleton Ltd.
The developer is seeking prior approval to convert the three-storey office building in 15 flats.
There would be five single-bedroom flats on both the ground and first floors, with four single-bedroom flats and one double-bedroom flat on the second floor.
As well as bedrooms, the flats will all be equipped with kitchenette living spaces, cupboard storage, and a mix of bathrooms, shower rooms and en-suites.
The office building was sold by the Newark Advertiser in 2016, before the newspaper moved its operations to a new premises on the Fernwood Business Park, and was later acquired by the Illife Media Group.
The building was last occupied by Primarysite Ltd, and falls within the Newark Conservation Area.
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When consulted on the plans, Newark Town Council expressed support for the change of use and welcomed residential conversion within the town centre.
Barbara Corrigan said: “I’d be glad to support the plans and encourage more people to live in town.
“We all know that with the increase in working from home that there is less of a need for offices and this seems like an appropriate use.
“My only caveat is that we want good quality homes, and now to see a HMO landlord cram as many flats into a space as possible.”
Lisa Geary added that it was a prime location, within walking distance of Newark Northgate Station, the town centre and Newark College.
The committee did, however, ask that the planning officer ensure sufficient bicycle and bin storage is provided.
Conservation officers also raised no objection as the application states that the “existing building character” is to be retained, including “all existing features and architectural details.”
No alterations will take place to the building’s exterior, and therefore the plans would have no adverse affect on the character and appearance of the Newark Conservation area.
