Agenda

In accordance with Rule No. 3.3.2 the following questions have been submitted to the Council from a member of the public, Laurence Goff:

Empty Properties – Why did it take so long?

“For many years Newark and Sherwood has had empty buildings not being protected, empty properties, often commercial buildings.

Work is set to take place to transform the historic 300-year-old Ollerton Hall that has stood vacant for 50 years. It now has planning permission to turn them into apartments. The Robin Hood Hotel in Newark, a landmark building, stood derelict for over two decades after its closure in 1999 before being transformed into a Travelodge hotel.

The Lilley and Stone School, Newark has stood empty for 9 years; Woods Court former care home is empty; the Oaks and Little Oaks Care Home, 172 London Road, Balderton, Newark is also standing empty. The Corner Exchange, Newark stood empty for years which is now a night club, located in the town Centre.

The question is why they did not have someone to live in to safeguard the properties in the first place? It would be good to setup a Guardianship to safeguard our properties across the District.

An empty property guardianship offers the best solution where an individual lives in and protects vacant properties, at a lower cost than traditional renting, while the property owner benefits from security and reduced risks. Guardians secure the property, preventing issues like squatters, anti-social behaviour and vandalism, and often enjoy more affordable, flexible living arrangements. Not only do property owners benefit from having their vacant buildings protected, but guardians pay lower rent than market rates in exchange for maintaining the property and ensuring its security.”

In accordance with Rule No. 3.3.3 the following question has been submitted to the Council from Councillor Peter Harris:

“The Leader is our representative to the East Midlands Combined Authority Mayor. What influence does the East Midlands Mayor have at the Government for improving rail services in our area?”

In accordance with Rule No. 3.3.3 the following question has been submitted to the Council from Councillor Johno Lee:

“During the last election, the Independents for Newark & District set out a number of manifesto commitments.  Residents reasonably expect clarity on whether those commitments are being delivered within the current term.

For example:

1.       Housing and Green Space – The Council’s Housing Allocation Scheme consultation (Sept 2024) confirmed that demand for homes continues to outstrip supply. In addition, 142 homes were approved on Lowfield Lane, Balderton, land that residents had previously understood would be protected. ([Newark Advertiser, 2024]).

2.       Climate Change – The Council has reported a 26% reduction in carbon emissions from its own buildings and operations ([Newark Advertiser, Sept 2025]), but there is no published timetable showing how the wider district will move towards the pledged 2035 net zero target.

3.       Health and Wellbeing – While community events have been delivered, there is no published evidence demonstrating improvements in life expectancy or reduced health inequalities.

4.       Crime and Anti-Social  ...  view the full agenda text for item 7.

In accordance with the Rule No. 3.4.3, the following motions are to be considered:

Motion 1 - Consideration of the introduction of Article 4 Directions within urban areas of Newark and Sherwood (Under the Town & Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015)
Motion 2 – Marie Curie Campaign for a Council Tax Exemption for Terminally Ill

To consider resolving that, under section 100A (4) of the Local Government

Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following items

of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt

information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act.

None