Plans for 130 homes at former Nottinghamshire school

A former Nottinghamshire school site could be transformed into 130 homes by Nottingham-based developer Bildurn.

It plans to redevelop the abandoned Lilley and Stone School site located off London Road in Newark which has been unused since 2016.

The vacant school premises has faced challenges including anti-social behaviour and vandalism, and there was a fire last May.

The plans underwent a public consultation in 2022, receiving feedback from over 300 residents, and have now been formally submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council.

In response to the priorities and concerns raised, several modifications were made including access to alleviate traffic on Harewood Avenue, an expanded public open space, and the incorporation of bungalows.

Bildurn also aims to establish a car park for Newark Tennis Club as part of the development and under section 106 the developer plans to utilise the profits generated from the project to contribute to education funding for individuals under 25 in the Newark and Balderton areas.

Sean Akins, managing director at Bildurn, said: “We have spent recent months working with the council and taking on board the feedback from the local community. This is an important site, and we were keen to ensure that the plans we submitted were shaped by the community’s feedback wherever possible.

“I would like to thank everyone who got involved in the consultation. We have worked hard to secure the site and deal with anti-social behaviour, but the present state of affairs is not a long-term solution. These plans will deliver the homes and public open space that Newark needs whilst breathing new life into several historic heritage buildings.”

The council is expected to decide on the plans later this year.