Plans to grant permanent planning permission to a Traveller site on the former Park View Abattoir site in Newark have been approved unanimously by the Newark and Sherwood District Council’s planning committee.
The site, located on Tolney Lane, has been under temporary permissions since 2014, but now moves a step closer to permanence with a one-year approval covering the entire site—not just named individuals.
The land was historically used as an abattoir until the mid-1990s. Temporary planning consent was first granted in September 2014, allowing specific individuals to reside on the land until 2018.
This permission has been repeatedly extended, though previous attempts to obtain permanent status were rejected in 2017 and 2021 due to concerns over flood risk, according to Newark Advertiser.
In February 2025, Newark Town Council formally objected to the latest application, citing ongoing flood risks and their potential danger to life.
The Environment Agency also recommended refusal, echoing the flood-related concerns. Additionally, a district environmental health officer warned of possible contamination, given the land’s previous industrial use.
Despite the objections, district council officers recommended approval for a one-year period. At the council’s planning committee meeting on Thursday, June 5, members debated the implications.
Councillor Lynda Tift expressed her support for the Traveller community, stating, “The community living down there are not stupid people, in the event of an evacuation we have a sound procedure in place. It’s a great pity that we’re only doing it for a year but I will support it.”
Councillor Keith Melton questioned what would happen if the application was denied. Council officer Matt Lamb clarified that, absent an appeal, the council would need to initiate enforcement action.
Councillor Lynda Dales also supported the application, noting the lack of available sites: “There aren’t enough spaces as it is and I’m in favour of supporting the recommendation.”
Councillor Adrian Amer raised broader concerns about flood-prone development in Newark, saying more pressure should be placed on central government to address climate change and flooding issues.
Chairman Andy Freeman noted that the Traveller residents were “adept” at handling flood risks and would receive assistance in emergencies, but emphasized broader environmental concerns:
“I hope that in a year we will be in a better position, but climate change is getting worse and it’s not just there, it’s the whole of Newark.”
For outdoor hospitality professionals, particularly those operating caravan parks or glamping sites, this decision underscores the regulatory and environmental challenges that come with establishing or expanding sites on flood-prone land.
The ongoing negotiations between local planning bodies and national agencies demonstrate the importance of proactive site risk assessments and long-term planning.
Operators should consider flood resilience measures, engage early with environmental health and planning officials, and monitor evolving regulatory responses to climate-related issues, especially when dealing with redevelopment of previously industrial sites.