Agenda item

Agenda item

Review of Newark Lorry Park

Minutes:

The Committee considered the report presented by the Business Manager Environmental Health & Licensing, which sought Members consideration regarding the challenges and opportunities for the future development and potential expansion to the Newark Lorry Park.

 

The report informed Members of the background information regarding the lorry parking and that the scheme to extend the lorry park was approved by the Economic Development Committee at the 29 March 2017 meeting.

 

The report detailed the work undertaken regarding a planning application and provided information on the Capital Programme.  Additional security on the site was also noted due to regular reports of criminal activity taking place on the lorry park. 

 

The report also provided details regarding the Refuelling Centre and the possible expansion of that by a national company that installed and operated refuelling operations for heavy goods vehicles.  The Café and Welfare Facilities were also detailed. 

 

The report provided an options appraisal and proposals, staff resources, equalities implications, and impact on the budget/policy framework.

 

A Member sought clarification as to whether a sign would be erected informing the public that the lorry park was a Newark & Sherwood District Council facility.  The Business Manager confirmed that discussions were taking place regarding developing a brand for the lorry park and advertising that the park was run by the District Council and was a brand offering a top class facility.

 

Some Members commented that there was a contentious history to the lorry park and there were reservations as to whether this was the best use of the land.  It was felt that the decisions that had previously been made should be reviewed and that the land should be valued to ensure that the best possible return for that land was being achieved.  It was suggested that the lorry park could be re-sited closer to the A1 which would elevate congestion from HGV’s entering Newark and also release a valuable piece of land.

 

The Business Manager commented that the HGV drivers supported the local economy as they parked their vehicles and walked into Newark and used local amenities, which would not be achieved if they were on a site close to the A1.

 

A Member also commented that the lorry park provided a good service for Newark and prevented lorries being parked outside of resident’s properties.

 

Members raised concern regarding the proposed refuelling bunker and commented that this should be thought through very carefully as that service, whilst, would bring in income for the café and local economy, it would also increase the HGV’s entering Newark and congestion within the town was already high.

 

One Member suggested that a valuation of the site be undertaken and that other alternatives uses such as housing or commercial development be considered.  The Deputy Chief Executive and Director of Resources responded that a valuation on the land could be undertaken for this site, however Members needed to indicate what the potential uses were for the land i.e. industrial, commercial, residential development etc. as the land value would have a different value for each.  Members were also asked to be mindful that the land did flood and may not be suitable for residential development.  After further consideration, it was decided that a valuation of the land was not necessary.

 

Members questioned the projected income for the lorry park and indicated that the finances and formula used did not appear to be accurate.

 

The Business Manager confirmed that the fuel bunker would take up to six lorry parking bays, however another review would be undertaken to try and maximise the space available.

 

A Member commented on the cost of overnight parking on the site appeared cheap and should be reviewed to increase income.

 

AGREED      (with 7 votes for and 3 votes against) that:

 

(a)          the revised scheme for the Newark Lorry Park extension project be approved;

 

(b)          the required additional capital and revenue budgets for the project be approved; and

 

(c)          the siting of a fuel bunker on the lorry park subject to legal agreements be approved.

 

Supporting documents: