Newark and Sherwood District Council cabinet reaffirms commitment to Yorke Drive regeneration, as new plans set for decision

A council aims to soon be building up ‘hope and houses’ for residents living on an aging estate — after years of delays.

Updated plans for the Yorke Drive regeneration project were submitted in October, for a smaller number of 207 units, with 133 market units and 74 affordable homes, as well as improved sports and leisure facilities and road access at the estate.

At a Newark and Sherwood District Council cabinet meeting on Tuesday, December 10, members agreed to reaffirmed the council’s commitment to delivering the transformational project, which was born out of the 2012 Bridge Ward Neighbourhood Study.

The application will be decided by the planning committee in the new year — with officers confirming they will do ‘everything they can’ to get it through in the next few months.

It is hoped, subject to this approval, that work will begin to transform the estate in 2025.

Lee Brazier, portfolio holder for housing, said: “This has been ongoing for far too long. It is fundamental that we get this over the line.”

The aging 1960s estate continues to suffer from issues which were identified in the 2012 study, and has in particular seen an increase in anti-social behaviour, which is exacerbated by the current layout of the estate with multiple alleyways and cut-throughs.

Paul Taylor said: “This is about time. There have been a whole range of issues on Yorke Drive, particularly anti-social behaviour, and I believe the neglect of the estate has contributed to this.”

Members also highlighted the great community which continues to exist on the estate, and reiterated it’s commitment to ensure anyone who wishes to remain living there is able to do so.

Jack Kellas added: “There’s an awful lot of pride in place among residents on Yorke Drive.

“We need to present this as an opportunity, rather than talk down the community because of how it is now.”

He also highlighted that the number of changes and delays to the plans had caused residents concern, and that he’d been told they would pull support if it didn’t go through this time.

Paul Peacock echoed this, and said that the community had been “promised a lot and given nothing”, and that it was a priority for him to see the project underway.

“I’m hoping this paper is a turning point,” he added.

“Hopefully we can start building hope again and building houses again in that area.”

Mr Brazier added: “I’m putting myself behind this, I want to give Yorke Drive residents my full commitment — for far too long it’s been going on, and on, and on.

“This has to be the make or break of this project now. The money is nothing compared to the hardship residents have faced in this project, thinking ‘am I saying, am I going?’

“There is only so far goodwill can go. People are tired and fed up.”

Members unanimously voted to support the scheme.