Regeneration of ‘forgotten estate’ takes ‘first step’
APPLICATION FOR 289 HOMES ALLEVIATES RESIDENTS’ FEARS
PLANS have been submitted for the regeneration of a “forgotten estate” in Newark.
Residents had previously been upset over the lack of progress on the boarded up neighbourhood, but now a joint application between Newark and Sherwood District Council and its development partner, Lovell Partnerships Ltd, has been submitted for the demolition and redevelopment of the first phase of new homes on the site of the Yorke Drive Estate, in Lincoln Road, Newark.
A new sports pavilion and a substantial upgrade to the existing playing pitch provision have also been proposed. Lovell Partnerships will be delivering the regeneration scheme through its joint venture company, Compendium Living.
Subject to planning permission being granted, a new access road will open up the estate from Lincoln Road with a centrally located sports pavilion and play area in the heart of the community. The development will deliver a total of 289 new homes across affordable, shared ownership and market sale properties.
Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood Council, said: “The District Council has been committed to the regeneration of Yorke Drive since day one and I am delighted to see this planning application brought forward. The scheme proposed addresses all of the key drivers for regenerating the area and will transform the estate, raising the profile of Lincoln Road and the whole Bridge Ward.
“I appreciate it may be difficult for residents living through this first challenging part of the regeneration, however, I know councillors have been pushing hard to see improvements on the estate both now, during this early phase, and for the future.”
The council has said that residents were consulted on the amended design earlier in the year with the majority of responses recognising the scheme would not only improve Yorke Drive but also the wider area.
Diane Ledger, Chair of the Yorke Drive Resident Panel, commented: “As a resident, I’m pleased to see the project finally moving forward. A number of residents have been concerned that the regeneration would not go ahead and the submission of this planning application is the first step in showing us NSDC are committed to delivering the project despite the challenges faced.”
If planning permission is granted, it is anticipated a start on-site will begin in
spring 2023. Early enabling works, including the demolition of the first houses, has already been completed following grant funding secured from the Department of Levelling Up Homes and Communities.
A number of residents have been concerned that the regeneration would not go ahead.
Diane Ledger