Strabucks building in Northampton set to have day centre and garden added

Councillors will decide on Tuesday whether the application, which would be on top of the Starbucks cafe, is approved.

The application has been submitted by the Starbucks franchisee Nadim Choudary.

He said the day centre will be Care Quality Commission-registered and cater for people with learning disabilities, with the garden area used like an allotment.

It would be an arm of the Brookside Hall Community Centre in Lumbertubs, which Mr Choudary’s family already runs.

Mr Choudary said: “The aim of it is to help them to be less reliant on other people and to be able to work.

“Starbucks will help them with that.”

In the report to councillors, an officer has recommended that the proposal be accepted, saying neighbouring business would be unaffected, and may even be boosted.

He said: “The proposed development does not impact upon the use of the building on the lower floors and therefore there would not be a reduction in the level of activity at this level.

“As a consequence, the introduction of a day centre on the second floor is likely to attract a greater number of people into the Market Square, which would support the viability and vitality of this part of the town centre.”

Addressing the rooftop garden element, he said that the garden is out of sight from passersby and therefore does not alter the landscape.

He said: “Given that the roof garden comprises the only external alteration and this would not be visible from the any public viewpoint, the proposal would not have an impact upon the character and setting of the St Giles Conservation Area.”