Parking puts brake on pub flats plan

Plans to transform an empty town centre pub into apartments have been opposed because of a lack of parking.

Newark Town Council planning committee voted three to two against the plans for six apartments at the former Wing Tavern in Bridge Street, Newark.

Mr David Lloyd said: “Six premises with no parking is not acceptable.”

Mr Tony Roberts supported the plans. “This would be an excellent use of a redundant building,” he said.

“Either you leave the building to rot or do something with it. This would create six pleasant apartments in a historic building.”

Newark and Sherwood District Council will decide the plans.

The application said the pub had been closed for years and was now derelict and in a state of disrepair.

It said: “The proposals would inject much-needed investment into the building and create modest town centre living.

“The residential units would be highly desirable as they are close to the town centre and all its amenities.

“However, this is a quiet and discreet location which will create a high standard of residential environment.

“The conversion will bring forward much-needed small sized residential accommodation and be within the financial ability of many people to either rent or buy.”

The application said the building was not listed for protection and a conversion would improve its appearance.

It said: “The location is a highly sustainable one with all facilities being within walking distance.

“There will be no requirement for residents to have access to private transport and no carparking is proposed on the site.

“The site is level and highly accessible, making it suitable for occupation by persons with limited mobility.”

The application said al- though there would be no parking provided emergency services could easily access the site if necessary.

The pub, next to the parish church, was built in 1871.

It was sold at auction in December for £126,000.

The Victorian chimney in the corner of the beer garden was not part of the sale.