By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Filming is to be made easier at Newark Castle and other historic sites in the town as part of a plan to boost tourism.
Large film or TV productions currently require a form of planning permission to use certain locations, and there are added restrictions for heritage or listed buildings.
Newark and Sherwood District council says the rules have “slowed down and effectively made unviable many projects” at locations it runs.
The authority has proposed a Local Development Order covering the castle, the Palace Theatre and the National Civil War Centre in the town.
This would enable them to grant filming permission faster and more easily, making projects possible that were once “impractical”.
Planning documents say this would raise the profile of the historic buildings and generate income for the council.
There would be restrictions on the hours filming can take place and to prevent filmmakers from attaching anything to historic structures.
Historic England has supported the plans, given that they don’t impact the buildings.
Newark Castle was first built in the 11th century before undergoing expansion and later playing an important part in the English Civil War in the 17th century.
It is classed as Scheduled Ancient Monument due to its national historical importance.
Newark Palace Theatre and the National Civil War Centre, both on Appleton Gate, aren’t listed but are considered sites of cultural interest.
The Art Deco theatre was opened in 1920 by local businesswoman Emily Blagg, and has been drawing crowds for over a century.
The Local Development Orders are recommended for approval by the council’s Planning Committee on Thursday, May 9.
The committee previously backed the initial idea to make filming easier in 2022.
Revenue from filming will be put back into cultural sites, planning documents say.
TV or films productions with small crews which don’t block access to sites will continue to be allowed without needing special permission.
