Yorke Drive regeneration plans submitted

A joint application between Newark and Sherwood District Council and its development partner, Lovell Partnerships Ltd, has been submitted for the demolition and redevelopment of the first phase of new homes on the site along with the delivery of a new sports pavilion and a substantial upgrade to the existing playing pitch provision. Lovell Partnerships will be delivering the regeneration scheme through its joint venture company, Compendium Living.

This submission marks a key milestone for the project following some delays as architects and engineers worked to address noise constraints, changes in national policy and the move to low carbon homes, all of which have now been addressed within the new plans.

Subject to planning permission being granted, a new access road will open up the estate from Lincoln Road with a centrally located sports pavilion and play area, right in the heart of the community. The development will deliver a total of 289 new homes across affordable, shared ownership and market sale properties and the estate will benefit from environmental improvement works and traffic control measures.

Councillor David Lloyd, Leader of Newark and Sherwood Council, said: “The District Council has been committed to the regeneration of Yorke Drive since day one and I am delighted to see this planning application brought forward. The scheme proposed addresses all of the key drivers for regenerating the area and will transform the estate, raising the profile of Lincoln Road and the whole Bridge Ward.

“I appreciate it may be difficult for residents living through this first challenging part of the regeneration however I know councillors have been pushing hard to see improvements on the estate both now, during this early phase, and for the future.”

Residents were consulted on the amended design earlier in the year with the majority of responses recognising that the scheme would not only improve Yorke Drive but also the wider area.

Resident feedback also highlighted concern for the loss of green space and trees in order to deliver the necessary transformation. The proposals aim to address the concerns from residents and wider stakeholders with a commitment to replace any lost trees on a two for one basis on-site. In addition, the current playing fields, which are underutilised, will be levelled and re-seeded delivering a surface that will meet the Football Association’s Grade ‘Good’. Unlike the existing field and pitches, the new provision will be a focal point for the community and will be open and overlooked, creating a safer and more inviting space for sports and recreational activity.

Diane Ledger, Chair of the Yorke Drive Resident Panel, commented: “As a resident, I'm pleased to see the project finally moving forward. A number of residents have been concerned that the regeneration would not go ahead and the submission of this planning application is the first step in showing us that NSDC are committed to delivering the project despite the challenges faced.”

If planning permission is granted, it is anticipated that a start on-site will begin in Spring 2023. Early enabling works, including the demolition of the first houses, has already been completed following grant funding secured from the Department of Levelling Up Homes and Communities.