Independents for Newark oppose housing development in Balderton
Independents for Newark (IfN) is objecting to a 151 housing development off Lowfield Lane - proposed by Newark and Sherwood District Council’s in-house developer, Arkwood Developments - due to concerns about the ongoing burden on local infrastructure and health care and social services.
The proposed housing development in Balderton has raised concerns among residents already feeling the pressures of overwhelmed services, including large waiting lists for doctor and dentist appointments, large classroom sizes, and no local 24-hour urgent care at Newark Hospital.
IfN believes that the council's housing development plan will only exacerbate existing issues without new funding to build and invest in the current infrastructure.
"The council's decision to push for more housing developments is unacceptable. The health and well-being of our community should always come first. We are already at the wrong end of the accessibility table,” says retired medical doctor, Neil Ross, an independent standing for Newark and Sherwood District Council (Devon) and Town Council (Devon).
“Patients have reported waiting times of over one month for primary care appointments at Balderton Primary Care Centre. This is far longer than the national average. Building more houses in this location will place more demand on an already overloaded healthcare system.”
“We believe that further development should only be approved after consultation with healthcare providers and an assessment of supportability. It is important to seek evidence to back up planning assumptions that the development is sustainable by the current infrastructure.”
IfN is also concerned about increased traffic, air pollution and congestion on London Road - which will be worsened by the new development.
With the local target for house building already exceeded in Newark, IfN is questioning the real reasoning of the proposal. Furthermore, CPRE’s latest report on brownfield sites [1] in England has found that this previously developed land could accommodate over 1.3 million new homes instead of destroying the countryside, amidst the climate and ecological crises.
"This is my main driver for standing as an independent in the local District elections for Balderton North and Coddington Ward,” says Emma Oldham. “So many of our villages have become unrecognisable from the relentless development. We’re stuck waiting weeks for crucial healthcare services and losing greenspaces valuable to our exercise, well-being and wildlife.”
“The general public is tired of being ignored by the council. The proposed housing development in Balderton is yet another example of the council's disregard for the well-being of Newark and Balderton residents. We need better planning and funding for essential services before we can even consider adding more demand."
An ecological assessment of Lowfield Lane has shown a significant level of important wildlife, with a further survey recommended for various protected species.
Residents living close by have reported seeing owls, kestrels, green woodpeckers, and a rare species of fungi known as the Earth star. The report also highlights significant lines of hedgerows on the site holding archaeological and ecological significance, whilst providing vital roosting and foraging opportunities for birds.
“Everyone has had enough. If Arkwood gets its way, the new site will form part of an almost continuous development zone across the south side of Newark. Nobody wants this,” says Jean Hall, standing for NSDC Balderton South Ward. “We need to value our greenspaces and protect them for the benefit of our communities. As independent candidates, we work with residents to ensure their concerns are heard and addressed.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITOR:
If you want to stand, support or vote for Independents in the May 2023 elections, visit www.independentsfornewark.co.uk
For images, visit Dropbox here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/wdpb4tir47th1e7/AABJIVDEtqJkO4NMg4eD6TBza?dl=0
[1] https://www.cpre.org.uk/news/new-research-shows-recycled-brownfield-land-being-ignored/
About Independents for Newark (IfN)
Independents for Newark (IfN) is a community group based in Newark, Nottinghamshire. Founded in 2022, IfN is dedicated to providing a voice for those who are not represented by mainstream political parties. IfN is committed to creating a bright and prosperous future for the local community, through positive change in policy and decision-making, without the interference of party politics.
