'We have to protect the town centre' says borough council
All town centre businesses are being protected by Northampton Borough Council's commitment to carefully consider out-of-town retail, the council leader has said.
Saints chairman Keith Barwell said he believed a major obstacle to the council giving its backing to a new Asda on the club's car park was it wanted to protect the shops in the extended Grosvenor Centre.
But Councillor Hoare said its planning policy was good for all town centre retail.
He said: "One of the things citizens in the town always say is the importance they place on the town centre and its vibrancy.
"That is captured in our planning policies and will always be taken into account whatever size of development is proposed, no matter whether it is in Wellingborough Road or Weedon Road.
"Asda wants to come to this town and our planning department will always work with any development coming into town.
"That development, of a substantial nature, in an out-of-town location, would have a significant impact on our town centre. There are existing businesses and existing jobs in the town centre that have to be considered."
Councillor Hoare also stressed he did not believe the new Grosvenor Centre would affect decisions on whether to approve new shops.
He said: "Each application will be considered on its merits for business and employment in the town centre.
"The Saints want this development to happen quickly and, although we have made great progress, the Grosvenor Centre development is some years away.
"The planning policy about protection in the town centre is about businesses in the centre now. The Grosvenor Centre is not an impediment to the Asda development."
However, the council leader, who will not personally take part in the local authority's future talks with the Saints, hinted the Asda route to a new Franklin's Gardens stand currently looks unlikely.
He said: "Looking at the size of the footprint being suggested for a new Asda, it would seem to indicate a significant store."
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