Plans could see new apartments built in Northamptonshire

Applicant Ketan Patel has submitted plans to demolish the existing shop, club and and garage buildings at 16, Cambridge Street, Wellingborough, and to the rear of the site and erect three new buildings comprising of 20 private residential units with associated communal gardens and one retail unit.

The application originally submitted was for 25 units but this has been reduced to 20 units.

The existing shop front is Slots of Fun and the club for demolition is the old snooker club.

However, Cllr Graham Lawman has asked for the application to be considered by the the council’s planning committee because he has concerns over ‘massing, streetscene and parking.’

Nine objections have also been made by neighbours for reasons including loss of light, the height of the building, lack of parking, impact on Hoopers Passage, access and adverse impact on neighbouring properties.

The council’s conservation officer has commented on the plans in a report to be considered by councillors tonight (Wednesday), and said: “The development as proposed has both positive and negative implications for the conservation area.

“The most positive change would be the removal of a detrimental and obsolete shop front fronting onto Cambridge Street and its replacement with a new shop front.

“The most negative change would be the introduction of a new block that would be visible from most directions.

“Overall the introduction of the new apartment block would be the most significant aspect of the development.

“Subject to conditions of materials the flats and 16-16a would be neutral or positive to the conservation area while the apartment block would have a negative and harmful impact to the conservation area.”

Officers have recommended that a decision on the application is delegated to the head of planning and local development to approve subject to a range of conditions and following the completion of a Section 106 planning agreement.

Councillors were due to have a site viewing yesterday before the plans are discussed by Wellingborough Council’s planning committee at its meeting starting at 7pm tonight at Swanspool House.