Newark Road pub to undergo housing transformation

— Update: The application for the transformation was approved by councillors at the City on Lincoln Council Planning Committee on December 14.

A planning application to see an empty pub on Newark Road turned into a three-storey housing complex is facing several objections from the local community.

Tennyson Homes LTD is planning to turn the site on which the Waggon and Horses pub currently sits, on the corner of Newark Road and Rookery Lane, into six three-storey homes, two two-storey homes, six apartments and car parking.

The old pub, which was put on the market for sale 18 months ago, will be demolished.

Residents on Newark Road, Rookery Lane and surrounding streets objected to the proposals, for reason such as affecting wildlife to the back of the development, noise from traffic, and the flats overlooking the neighbouring bungalows.

However, planning officers visited the site to study the impact on traffic and imposing the nearby housing, and feel that the proposal has been amended enough to satisfy the City Council Planning Committee.

Artist impression of the 14 new homes proposed

The building will be curved — like the shop complex opposite — around Rookery Lane onto Newark Road, which will improve visibility from the road and move pedestrians away from the busy junction.

Due to the shape of the building and the distance from the houses at the rear, new residents will not be easily able to see into the bungalows.

According to the proposal document, “the location of the single storey bungalows to the immediate north of the site have meant that the creation of a continuous frontage to Newark Road has not been possible and whilst the new buildings are likely to have more of an effect on the bungalows than does the existing building, it is considered that effect is not sufficient to justify a refusal of the proposals”.

The building is also the same height as properties on the other side of Newark road.

Tennyson Homes will have to be aware of potential archaeology findings during demolition and development, due to Newark road being on the Roman Fosse Way.

The planning report concluded: “The application proposals have been the subject of extensive discussions and negotiations and the resultant scheme is a development which will significantly enhance the site, provide additional well designed housing, improve the highway safety of the junction and reinforce this gateway into the city.”

The building development will be put in front on the Planning Committee on December 14, where it will be decided if the build can go ahead.