By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
An application to cut down 30 trees in order to build a car park for a GP surgery is likely to be rejected next week.
Newark & Sherwood District Council says the loss would have a “significant character impact” on the area, and recommends they are turned down.
Barnby Gate GP surgery plans to move into the site of the former Newark Day Centre residential home on Walker Close, which shut in 2018.
The planning application includes the demolition of storage buildings and the removal of the trees in order to create a 59-space car park.
The building is currently surrounded by shrubbery and mature trees on all sides, which are reportedly home to bats and foxes.
The application proposes removing the majority of the trees and planting 37 replacement trees elsewhere.
A resident of nearby Walker Close submitted an objection saying: “I am really concerned about the application for the removal of the trees. We need to safeguard the wildlife and bats that reside there – another green space that will be disappearing.”
Another local resident said: “A wide range of wildlife has made this site their home over the last few years and I can confirm there is a family of foxes living there.”
There was concern about the GP surgery causing parking problems with or without the application, with one submitted comment warning: “The increased traffic will make an already difficult access to Hatton Ggardens and Walkers Close worse.”
Newark Town Council had supported the application, saying: “The improved local medical facilities are required, and repurposing an existing building rather than building new is advantageous.”
The plans have been brought forward by Assura Aspire Limited.
The creation of a GP surgery itself does not need planning permission, and the planning committee report says it will likely still go ahead without the car park.
Members of the planning committee will visit the site in person before making a decision at the meeting on Thursday, January 18.
