Newark and Sherwood District Council rejects plans for 87-home development on Lord Hawke Way and Bowbridge Road

A council has yet again rejected a planning application for 87 homes resubmitted by its own development company.

The plan, proposed by Arkwood for a site on Lord Hawke Way and Bowbridge Road, Newark, was said to still be a highways and parking concern, despite changes made since it was last refused.

Newark and Sherwood District Council’s planning committee was told only an extra three carparking spaces had been made available and members repeated criticism that, if the build went ahead, additional traffic would pose a serious highways risk.

The committee was told while many objections from the town and county councils had been overcome, some still remained.

Local ward member Matthew Skinner said he did not believe the objection of on-street parking had been resolved and moved for refusal.

“I’m disappointed the county removed their objections,” he said. “There is substantial impact on the local area with traffic.

“The path that comes from the back of the cemetery to Bowbridge Road is used by residents, young children and secondary school children. It is a promotion for people not to drive to the activity village.”

Another member, Michael Brown, echoed Mr Skinner’s comments and seconded refusal.

Linda Dales, committee member, called on members to revisit a traffic impact assessment and said: “Adding three extra carparking spaces does not really make any difference, I would like to see fewer properties and more parking ­— the congestion in Newark in undoubted.”

Fellow member Maureen Dobson said the county didn’t understand resident fears and said: “There are too many houses and not enough green space. If we are going to be a green authority, we need to encourage people to get off the road and walk.”

Although councillor Johno Lee’s comments on anti-social behaviour in the area and were inadmissible as reasons for refusal, he said: “As I said in the last application, I have major concerns about anti-social behaviour with the path being the only access to the Sustrans.

“During coronavirus, this is the only area we can stay two metres apart when going out for exercise.”

Penny Rainbow, committee member, said: “I only have one thing to say — Newark and Sherwood District Council needs these homes.”

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