Progress in plans to turn Newark warehouse into luxury apartments
Proposals that seek to turn a disused warehouse into a unique residential development in Newark town centre are one step further towards coming into fruition.
Plans for the former sprawling warehouse on 10 Victoria Street would see the building transformed into 39 flats, complete with a co-working space, yoga studio and exercise area.
Members of the Newark Town Council planning committee met to discuss the application and voted to support it subject to several conditions.
The 2039 square metre site would include 26 one-bedroom apartments, 9 two-bedroom apartments and 4 bedsit studios, all of which have been allocated for market housing.
However, member David Lloyd noted that there only 10 parking spaces for the 39 flats, including two electric car charging points, and 40 spaces for bikes.
"It's one of those really difficult ones where you have to say such is life because there's no other way of providing those car parking spaces," he said.
Members also considered a comment from a resident on Edward Avenue, who said that she already struggles to park and that the Victoria Street apartments would make the situation worse.
Mr Lloyd pointed out that despite the provision of cycle storage, it is unclear as to whether it will be secure enough to prevent theft.
He said: "There is the outstanding query of whether that cycle storage is covered and secure because it doesn't look like it is on the plan."
The plans by applicant Ms Jingyi Yang include six communal bins to be used by all the residents, which Mr Lloyd said could cause further issues.
"The bit that bothers me most is waste, bizarrely," he said. "I welcome communal waste, but what isn't clear is the management and disposal of it."
The building is considered to be a non-designated heritage asset, with a report from a district council conservation offer stating that there are clear benefits to the proposal.
The report suggested that double glazed windows are used at the rear of the development, instead of the proposed pvc, which was again noted by the committee.
Other members agreed with the comments made by Mr Lloyd, including committee chairman Jenni Oliver who said that she would rather see the building used than not at all.
