Posted on 10th Sep
Newark and Sherwood District Council has announced plans to invest in the development of five large family-sized, level-access bungalows in Newark.
The land identified for the initiative, located off Bowbridge Road, was originally purchased in May 2022 and partially developed into a car park, serving the nearby hospital.
The council said with the car park now complete and operational, the remaining two-thirds of the site made the perfect location for several homes to be built.
Following full support from the Strategic Housing Group, a thorough feasibility study was conducted. In 2024, planning approval was granted for the construction of five spacious, accessible three and four-bedroom bungalows, in response to local social housing need that cannot be addressed through existing provision.
Coun Lee Brazier, portfolio holder for housing, said: “Not only in Newark and Sherwood, but across the country, there is an increasing demand for housing, particularly adapted homes. Like many councils, we have an extensive list of residents waiting for housing and these homes will be ideal for families and those who need level-access.
“This is a perfect example of where we’ve best utilised our land to make a positive impact in the community.
Land is in very short supply in the area, so it’s good to show that where we do own land, we make the best use of it to support those most in need.”
The council said the scheme would help address its current caseload of complex housing needs and adapted property requirements.
It forms part of the sixth phase of the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) new build development programme, previously approved by cabinet in October 2023, and will contribute to the overall target of 50 new properties for the district by autumn 2026.
With the contractor already in place, construction is scheduled to start on site before Christmas 2025. Completion is anticipated by spring 2026, pending approval of the land transfer.
