By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
Ambitious plans for a green space in Newark have been unveiled after the land was saved from controversial plans to turn it into a car park.
Newark and Sherwood District Council had agreed to turn land in London Road into a car park and fell four trees in the process.
But the authority made a last-minute U-turn after campaigners fought to save the trees from being felled in November 2021.
Now, the council has revealed plans to make the land a “community space in the heart of Newark”.
It comes after an external report found that the council had spent £500,000 on the saga.
The report added that the authority “did not always conform to good governance principles expected in local government nor clearly demonstrate value for money”.
The Chief Executive of the council later admitted that he hoped that the “deeply troubling” events are never repeated.
The new plans, unveiled on July 14, are for a garden space with wildflowers, more trees and a pebbled rainwater garden feature.
There would also be a hard standing area to the back of the space which would be accessible for a range of local disability gardening groups.
A path would also lead visitors to a ‘container-like-pavilion’ which would house equipment for local gardening groups and for a District Council park ranger.
There would also be an area of decking so that the park ranger and District Council’s environmental team can run talks, workshops and activities with local community groups and school children.
A rowan tree and two birch trees would also be planted, with some areas being allowed to grow naturally for insects and other wildlife.
The original plans for the car park came about after Newark and Sherwood District Council (NSDC) entered an agreement with Datch Properties Limited (DPL) in 2019.
The agreement committed the council to building the car park and to pay DPL £30,000 per year in rent for 25 years, after an initial two-year, rent-free period.
After the saga gained national interest from campaigners and politicians, the council agreed to buy back the land for £450k and not to build the car park extension, ensuring the trees escaped being felled.
Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We are keen to move forward into a new era in relation to this site where children, families, community groups, in fact all residents, can enjoy this space. We have been meeting with the Friends of the Library Garden regularly and have taken their thoughts on board as part of producing proposed plans for the site.
“It is hoped that the carefully planned features will make it a hub for biodiversity and education right in the heart of the town centre. We met with the Friends group earlier this week to get their views on our proposed plans and now we are really keen to get feedback from other local residents and businesses, to ensure that we deliver something that meets local needs moving forward.”
Cllr Lloyd also added that the area will be gated and locked to prevent anti-social behaviour.
The council said it has met with representatives from the Friends of the Library Garden and Newark Civic Trust to seek their views on the new plans, which they say were “well received”
The council is asking for comments on the plans it has put forward here: www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/gardenplan.
