Developer Bildurn has submitted a new planning application to Newark and Sherwood District Council regarding former Lilley and Stone School on London Road, Newark
Plans have been submitted to demolish three ‘unsafe buildings’ at a former Newark school.
The planning application, regarding the former Lilley and Stone School site on London Road, was submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council earlier this week by Bildurn.
The Nottingham-based urban development specialists have confirmed the site’s heritage buildings will remain untouched.
The application focuses on structures, all built in the 1960s, that are not historically protected and have attracted significant anti-social behaviour since the school closed in 2016.
The plans propose retaining the two heritage buildings at the front of the site and the former Girls Grammar School building.
It seeks to remove the other buildings, which are more modern and have become a focal point for problems and a safety concern.
Sean Akins, managing director of Bildurn, said: “This application follows months of discussions with officers at Newark and Sherwood District Council. After our planning application was refused last year, we have been considering options for the site’s future.
“This work continues, but we recognise that in the meantime, something needs to be done about the other buildings on the site, which have limited historical and architectural value.
“These buildings have been a consistent target for anti-social behaviour for several years, causing problems for both local residents and the emergency services.
“The lightweight construction of these buildings also means they are difficult to fully secure, which poses a safety risk.
“The heritage buildings onsite are not affected by these works and will remain central to any future plans for the site.
“These demolition works will help to secure the site and thereby protect the long-term future of the heritage buildings.”
A year ago, councillors at the Newark and Sherwood District Council rejected the developer's plans for the demolition of existing buildings, the conversion of three retained heritage buildings to provide 32 apartments and the erection of 35 new houses, including access, parking and landscaping.
Within the same application, the district council also refused an outline planning permission for the erection of up to 67 houses with the creation of a car park on the former school site.
Newark and Sherwood District Council are to decide on the new planning application in the coming months.
