Sport England have concerns over an application to build more than 300 homes in Balderton.

Sport England has expressed concerns over plans to create a new residential area in Balderton.

The site of machinery company Flowserve, on Hawton Lane, is the latest housing development to go before Newark Town Council’s planning committee.

The application by Newark and Sherwood District Council hopes to see more than 300 homes built.

Despite a positive reaction from the majority of the council, who are a consultee on the application, Mr James Baggaley said the concerns of Sport England — who oversee the protection of playing fields through its role as a statutory consultee on planning applications — should not be brushed aside.

Mr Baggaley said: “Sport England has raised a concern about the planning access regarding getting to the playing fields.

“The scale of the building should be properly presented to the town council and just by the basis that Sport England is raising concerns, we should be considering that as an issue.”

Sport England said carparking issues were their main concern and it was unable to support the application.

“Carparking is to be provided on site, but we remain concerned that overspill carparking may take place on the new residential streets and this should be carefully considered to ensure that sports activity at the site (Newark Flowserve Football Club) is not affected,” said Steve Beard, planning manager.”