By Andrew Topping, Local Democracy Reporter
Newark and Sherwood District Council is planning to bring two old sites back into use with new housing.
The Conservative-led authority will decide its own planning applications at a meeting on November 10.
The first application would see five new social housing flats created at 94 North Gate on the site of a property currently used as an eight-bedroom house in multiple occupation (HMO).
Documents reveal the existing building was once used as a guest house and currently neighbours a Halfords shop.
If approved, the proposed flats would be within walking distance of Newark North Gate Railway Station.
All flats would be one-bedroom, two-person accommodation, while seven parking spaces and a communal garden would be created for the properties.
The authority says there is an 11 per cent need for affordable one-bedroom flats in Newark, adding the application would “contribute to meeting an identified need” for the town.
In documents, the council said: “The proposed reuse would help conserve the building for future generations.
“It would make efficient use of an existing building whilst adding to the much-needed affordable housing stock in a form that would align with the local affordable housing need.
“There would be no undue harm to residential living conditions, ecology, flood risk or highway safety.”
The second application due for discussion is the creation of five new social housing bungalows at the site of the former Newark and Sherwood Council housing offices on Eton Avenue, Newark.
Three of the bungalows would be one-bedroom, two-people properties, while the remaining two bungalows would feature two bedrooms and have space for three occupants.
It would see 11 car parking spaces created between Eton Avenue and Devon Road, with seven spaces for the bungalows, two for their visitors and the remaining two for maintenance vehicles.
The former housing office would be demolished to make way for the bungalows, while kerbs would be dropped on Eton Avenue and sections of Devon Road to access the car parking.
The authority says the bungalows, which will be marketed as ‘affordable’, will be designed to “reflect the local character” of existing properties.
In documents, the authority said: “The principle of five new affordable dwellings in this urban, sustainable area is considered to be acceptable and welcomed, making efficient use of land whilst adding to much needed affordable housing stock.
“The design of these bungalows would not adversely impact the surrounding area and would cause no undue harm to residential living conditions or highway safety. No adverse impacts have been identified.”
Both applications have been recommended for approval by the planning committee at its meeting next week.
