Published: 02/09/2010 07:30 -
Updated: 01/09/2010 16:22
A residents’ association in Towcester is urging South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) to reconsider its plans to relocate to Moat Lane.
Plans for a modern town centre with office facilities, a library, registry office, hotel, restaurant, cafes, bars, improved parking and additional shops were approved by the council and the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation earlier this year.
Towcester Residents Unite (TRU) is gathering support among residents who are trying to persuade SNC to reconsider its plans.
The pressure group claim that the plans are going ahead despite concerns from other authorities such as Northamptonshire County Council, the local Highways Authority and the Environment Agency. A spokesperson for the TRU said: “TRU fully support the redevelopment of Moat Lane but believe strongly that a revised scheme with a lower density and smaller buildings would be more in keeping with Towcester’s historic centre.
“By relocating their own offices on to the site SNC is denying the opportunity to bring new employment into the town.
“TRU feel that SNC has ignored the concerns of local residents and failed to consult them over the decision to move.
“SNC should consider a more phased approach to the Moat Lane development and not rush in to too close a relationship with just one developer. It seems to TRU that Moat Lane is falling foul to a particular developer’s short term needs rather than to Towcester’s longer term benefit.”
Moat Lane
Towcester Residents Unite (TRU) is gathering support among residents who are trying to persuade SNC to reconsider its plans.
The pressure group claim that the plans are going ahead despite concerns from other authorities such as Northamptonshire County Council, the local Highways Authority and the Environment Agency. A spokesperson for the TRU said: “TRU fully support the redevelopment of Moat Lane but believe strongly that a revised scheme with a lower density and smaller buildings would be more in keeping with Towcester’s historic centre.
“By relocating their own offices on to the site SNC is denying the opportunity to bring new employment into the town.
“TRU feel that SNC has ignored the concerns of local residents and failed to consult them over the decision to move.
“SNC should consider a more phased approach to the Moat Lane development and not rush in to too close a relationship with just one developer. It seems to TRU that Moat Lane is falling foul to a particular developer’s short term needs rather than to Towcester’s longer term benefit.”
