Pool may make way for homes

The hydrotherapy pool on the former Balderton Hospital site looks set to be demolished to make way for homes in Fernwood.

An application has been made by Nottinghamshire Health Care NHS Trust to demolish the pool and build up to three detached houses.

The matter was discussed by Newark and Sherwood District Council planning committee on Tuesday. It agreed to defer making a decision because of concerns about the proposed layout of the homes.

Campaigners had pressed for the pool to remain when the hospital site was sold to develop a new village but it became the target of vandals and frequently had to be closed.

The district director of growth, Mr Colin Walker, told the committee the pool had not been used for five years. He said it suffered from leakage and structural problems that meant it needed a complete rebuild, which was felt to be uneconomical because of the cost and location.

The pool has been on the market for about 18 months but the only interest stopped when the full extent of the structural condition became apparent.

Mr Walker said it was now felt the building was not viable for reuse as a hydrotherapy pool and that service was offered elsewhere.

Mr Dennis Jones said before they decided the application they should ask the NHS to demonstrate there was no requirement for the facility in the district.

Mr Roger Blaney said the fact the pool had not been used for such a long time indicated there was no chance of it being reopened however regrettable that might be.

His concern was about the layout of the development for the three homes.

Fernwood Parish Council objected to the application and said the pool had initially been identified as a facility that could be redeveloped for the community. They said they had not been given the opportunity to do something with the site, such as turn it into a community library.