Planning Application submitted for critical new roundabout for Newark

Newark and Sherwood District Council, in partnership with National Highways, Nottinghamshire County Council and developer, Urban&Civic, are committed to the delivery of the long-awaited Newark SLR and this application is another important milestone in the project.

The SLR will be critical to unlock the potential growth in Newark’s economy. Plans involve the creation of the new roundabout on the A46 near to Hawton Lane which will then further connect the A46 at Farndon to the A1 at Balderton.  The road will help to avoid traffic congestion at the roundabout and will be able to accommodate the future growth which is predicted in the area.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council said, “The submission of this planning application marks a significant step at easing the congestion around Newark which I know, when delivered, will be welcomed by many residents.  In addition, it will help Newark position itself to make significant local, regional and national contributions to the economy.  This in turn will attract new skills and create new jobs to further help with the town’s regeneration.  It will offer more opportunities to our residents and businesses and this is an exciting development post pandemic.”

The development of the SLR is a part of a much larger, long-term project, encompassing over 3000 new homes and creating up to 5,000 new jobs, whilst also playing an important role in the wider ambitions set out by Newark and Sherwood District Council and Newark Town’s Fund Board.

Phase 1 of the SLR is complete and the District Council’s successful bid to Round 1 of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, securing a £20 million contribution towards delivery of the new road, has accelerated the delivery programme.  National Highways is contributing towards the scheme by paying for the developer to enhance the previously approved roundabout at the A46, providing increased capacity in this area of the network which will be instrumental in the future predicted growth. The proposed enhancements will support improved operation of this new junction at peak times and well into the future, accommodating increases in vehicle movements north and south along the A46 corridor and from the new homes and businesses within Newark that are facilitated by the SLR.

National Highways has led a collaborative design process, involving the other stakeholders who are supporting this scheme, seeking a cost-effective design solution that optimises the efficiency of the new junction, whilst working within the parameters of the land that is available to use. The result is a scheme that will deliver a roundabout with dedicated filter lanes to support a continuous flow of vehicles travelling northbound on the A46 and coming from the SLR, travelling southbound on the A46.

Urban and Civic said “We remain committed to delivering the Southern Link Road (SLR) for Newark, working with the District Council, National Highways and Nottinghamshire County Council to make this happen. Finally unlocking the SLR will allow us to continue to grow the Middlebeck community, alongside new homes, employment opportunities, parks, and sporting facilities.”

Subject to planning approval, construction work on the SLR will commence in early 2023 and is scheduled to be operational before the end of 2024.