New homes lead to boundary change

Boundary changes for land south of Newark have been approved by district councillors meaning the new Middlebeck development will be in Newark Town Council’s catchment.

Newark and Sherwood district councillors voted 19 to 16 in favour of moving the north-south boundary line between Newark and Balderton, from Bowbridge Lane.

It will now follow the line of the Sustrans track south of London Road.

The boundary review was requested by Newark Town Council. Clerk Mr Alan Mellor said the layout of the development south of Newark, known as Middlebeck, was different to what had been anticipated when the last review was carried out four years ago.

As a result, the boundary was cutting through the new development. Some homes were straddling it with parts falling into Newark and others into Balderton.

He said the existing boundary line would result in a split of service provision, which would be confusing and could result in a disparity between council tax liabilities.

“The town council feels that from a community cohesion perspective a revised boundary line would ensure that all the new housing development planned south of Newark will be in one parish council area, and ensure that local services, such as parks and open spaces, playing fields and playgrounds, are undertaken by one organisation — Newark Town Council,” he said.

There were 18 objections to the change, including Balderton Parish Council, who said they felt Bowbridge Lane should remain the boundary line.

Mrs Lydia Hurst, who represents Balderton, objected to the change.

She said the land should remain in Balderton parish and said people living on Middlebeck would use the village’s facilities more readily than those in Newark because it was closer.

Mrs Abbie Truswell said they should be listening to those who objected to the proposals.

“It is important we listen to the people we are all representing,” she said.

Mr Max Cope said the map clearly showed the current boundary went through Middlebeck and would split the community.

The council chairman, Mr Keith Walker, who represents Balderton, said he was opposed to the proposal.

“Balderton has such a lot to offer — a lakeside, excellent schools, a beautiful cemetery, playing fields, a bowling green and three churches,” he said.

Mr Roger Blaney said their task was to consider community cohesion.

“We are talking about a large new community. They should be united from day one,” he said.

The district council also looked at the boundary between the two parishes on London Road.

Newark Town Council said the new housing development proposed for the Highfields School site would cut across the boundary resulting in houses falling into two parish council areas.

It was agreed the site should be in the Balderton Parish Council area.