Newark Castle revamp plan approved despite opposition

The ramp to the gatehouse will stand alongside enhanced garden areas

A scheme to redesign parts of a Nottinghamshire castle attraction has been approved - despite concerns over its impact.

Newark Castle is situated on the River Trent, while its largely-demolished interior hosts a park and garden.

Council plans to reopen its gatehouse with an accessible ramp, and changes to the gardens, have been approved.

But some councillors said the work risked spoiling the historic look of the castle.

A new ramp will be created to allow visitors to enter through the gatehouse in Beastmarket Hill, along with creating a "meadow" area to encourage biodiversity.

The work is part of a multi-million pound project, which also includes new galleries and viewing areas inside the remaining structure.

It is backed with £3m of grants and capital funding, with a £1.3m lottery bid expected to be decided in the coming months.

The gatehouse is currently blocked by a fence, which stands over a large drop to the gardens below

While the latest stage was overwhelmingly backed by Newark and Sherwood District Council's planning committee, some voices were raised in opposition, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Conservative councillor Johno Lee said: "The modern elements go too far. They're not in keeping with anything that's there now.

"If anybody but us brought this forward, I don't believe it would be approved. We need to protect the historic building."

But independent councillor David Moore said: "It's an absolute must for the town. It brings people back and keeps people investing in the town.

"We have to trust the architects and specialists at Historic England who believe it's the right thing for the castle."

Following the decision Rowan Cozens, deputy leader of the council, said: "I think this is completely transformative because it goes from something you look at, to something you can be inside and experience.

"Not only that, but I think it is going to be a phenomenal visitor attraction.

"Newark is something of a 'best kept secret' - much loved by the people who live here - but this is going to attract people from much further afield."