By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Details have been revealed on what the first homes in a 1800-home development near Newark could look like.
Persimmon Homes has submitted plans for 430 properties to the south of Fernwood village.
The overall project received planning permission in February, promising to eventually deliver a primary school and shopping areas for thousands of new residents.
The total area stretches across nine fields near Shire Lane.
This first stage, representing just under a quarter of the total homes, will cover two fields on the northern edge.
It promises open space with adult football and rugby pitches, two junior football pitches, and changing facilities.
The western homes will be located right next to the primary school, which will come forward in a future application.
Two new junctions would be created on Shire Lane, with a looped road around the estate.
Fifty-six of the homes will be marketed as ‘affordable’, either for renting or purchase as first homes.
Nearly 2,000 local homes were consulted on the project, and the only response expressed concerns about the traffic impact on the nearby A1.
“The A1 is already at a standstill several times a week, and nearly always on a Friday,” the resident wrote.
“The road into Newark requires crossing over the A1, a route which becomes a rabbit run when the A1 is at a standstill, preventing residents being able to exit from Fernwood Central.”
Persimmon Homes says that if planning permission is granted, it will fund improvements to the main London Road and the A1 once the first 100 homes are built.
Planning applications say: “Significant social benefits would be derived from the infrastructure provided as part of [this phase].
“This includes substantial public open space provision and sporting facilities, including adult football, rugby pitches, junior, mini football pitches, changing facilities with parking, children’s play area and land for allotments.”
The application is now open for comments on Newark & Sherwood District Council’s website and will be determined by the planning committee at a later date.
