Trying again for takeaways

A revised application for two takeaway units on a multi-million pound Newark development has been submitted.

A similar application for the site at Malt Park, Maltkiln Lane, Newark, was refused by Newark and Sherwood District Council earlier this year.

The new application said the three grounds for objection had been addressed by identifying a pedestrian route to the site along Maltkiln Lane, additional landscaping, and pre-submission archaeological investigations that revealed limited archaeological potential on the whole site.

Newark Town Council objected to the previous plans after residents raised concerns that the proposed units could attract rats and cause late-night disruption.

Mr Steve Hampson, a partner in Harlaxton Estates Partnership, Long Bennington Business Park, previously said he hoped that a family restaurant, such as Frankie and Benny’s, would open on the former British Diamalt site, next to Northgate Retail Park.

Mr Hampson understood residents’ concerns but said there was a misconception about the type of restaurant they were trying to attract.

He said they wanted to attract a family-style restaurant similar to that at Giltbrook Retail Park, Nottingham, which allows customers to eat in or drive up, buy food and drinks and drive away.

Mr Hampson said there had been interest from family-style restaurant operators and from other mixed-use operators for one of the other units.

A veterinary practice has already agreed to move on to the site.

Separate plans for Leo’s Play Centre in unit three, Malt Park, have been submitted by Tracy Benson, of Hazel Road, Boughton.

The application is for the change of use of a vacant building to a children’s soft play centre, café and catering.

The main play area would be suitable for babies, toddlers, and children up to 12.

The aim is to have multi-levels packed with climbing walls, slides, swings, spinning panels, wobble floors, ball pools, interactive games.

There would be a separate stimulating play area for babies and toddlers.

It is expected that four full-time staff and four part-time staff and cleaners would be employed initially.

The application said the play centre would generate local employment and promote health and well-being for children.

It said there was only one other indoor playcentre in the Newark area and the use would complement the nearby retail and commercial park.

The application includes 20 parking spaces, including one for disabled use.