Art school use at 14 Market Place, Newark-on-Trent

What was proposed

The application sought a mixed E and F use for an art school on the ground floor and basement, without physical building changes.

“The building sits within Flood Zone 1 according to the Environment Agency Flood Maps meaning it is at low risk of flooding from rivers and is also at very low risk of surface water flooding. Relevant Planning History 2.1. 05/00096/ADV - Illuminated fascia signs and retractable awnings at front and rear over shop windows (retrospective) – Refused 09.03.2005.”

“This change of use would be on ground floor level and basement only and would house an art school. The opening hours for the art school would be 08:30 – 18:00hrs Monday to Saturday and 09:00 - 13:00hrs on Sundays and Bank Holidays. The proposal only refers to a change of use and no physical changes or alterations to the building are proposed.”

Officer report

The site and its surroundings

The three-storey building is in Newark Town Centre and the Conservation Area, near listed buildings, with a vacant commercial unit and apartment above.

“The Site 1.1 The application site relates to a 3 storey building located within the defined Newark Town Centre and its Market Place as defined within the Allocations and Development Management DPD. The site is within the Newark Conservation Area and historic core of the market town and is adjacent to 12 and 12A Market Place (Toni and Guy), Grade II listed building.”

“The commercial unit has been vacant since 2022 and its last use was for a Café (Use Class E). The site sits within the primary shopping frontage/area as defined by the Proposals Map within the Allocated and Development Management DPD. Within the Emerging Amended Allocations and Development Management DPD, the policies map removes the primary shopping frontages description on the maps, but the site is still allocated as a primary shopping area and the Town Centre.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval because the proposal would support town-centre activity and would not harm heritage, residential amenity or highway safety.

“In addition, it is considered that the proposal would enhance an existing retail unit in the centre thereby consolidating the composition of the town centre through an appropriate use and optimising the vitality and viability of the town centre. 7.12.”

“Furthermore, given that the proposal is for a learning and commercial use, the proposal would be appropriate in this town centre location and would not operate at a scale that would result in overbearing, overshadowing or loss of light impact and is not considered to result in increased noise in the area. It is noted that above ground floor the uses are residential, although currently vacant.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Newark Town Council and Newark Business Club supported the proposal, while Historic England and conservation provided no bespoke or technical comments.

“National Planning Policy Framework 2024 (amended 2025) Planning Practice Guidance Nottinghamshire County Council Highways Design Guide 6.0 Consultations and Representations Please Note: Comments below are provided in summary - for comments in full please see the online planning file. Statutory Consultations 6.1. Historic England – No bespoke comments provided. Town/Parish Council 6.2. Newark Town Council –– No objections (support). Representations/Non-Statutory Consultation…”

“NSDC Conservation 6.4. No technical comments provided by conservation. Newark Business Club…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard a presentation from the Principal Planning Officer, including photographs and plans of the proposal.

Members’ view

Members considered the application acceptable.

“Members considered the presentation from the Principal Planning Officer, which included photographs and plans of the proposed development.”

“Members considered the application acceptable.”

Minutes

The vote

Members unanimously agreed to approve planning permission subject to the report’s conditions.

“AGREED (unanimously) that Planning Permission be approved, subject to the conditions contained within the report.”

Minutes

Permission conditions

The permission includes a three-year commencement limit, approved plans and opening hours limited to specified times.

“The development hereby permitted shall not begin later than three years from the date of this permission.”

“Reason: To ensure that the development takes the agreed form envisaged by the Local Planning Authority when determining the application. 03 The premises hereby approved shall only operate between the following hours: - 08:30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday - 09:00am to 1pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays Reason: In the interests of residential amenity. Informatives 01 The application as submitted is acceptable.”

Officer report