The Springfields/Green Lane site will be developed for residential use, after the demolition of the Council’s current offices to provide 87 homes, including some affordable housing.

Phase one of the programme will begin shortly and will involve the construction of the new community building and the necessary infrastructure to enable the future phases of the Moat Lane development. This will include some demolition work, expected to begin shortly, which will be publicised before work commences to help keep any disruption down to a minimum.

Councillor Rupert Fordham, SNC’s portfolio holder with responsibility for the Moat Lane redevelopment, said: “We are delighted that permission has been granted which will help Towcester prepare for its expansion and give the community a wonderful space to work, live and take part in a variety of activities – something to be really proud of.

“This will be a welcome addition to the previous investment to improve this area which includes the Bury Mount and the Watermeadows both of which are proving immensely popular with local residents and visitors to the town.”

Andrew Savege, Head of Regeneration at Morgan Sindall Investments, said “This is a significant milestone in the regeneration of the Moat Lane site and we are delighted that it has been achieved”.

Councillor Heather Smith, Northamptonshire County Council cabinet member for customer and community services said: “This is an important step forward for the Moat Lane scheme which is set to provide a new home for both Towcester library and the town’s register office, as well as some adult learning, all combined into an exciting new Library Plus.

“The development will achieve real benefits for the local community by bringing together key services and organisations under one roof whilst at the same time help to breathe new life into this cultural part of the town centre.”

Peter Mawson, Chief Executive of West Northamptonshire Development Corporation said: “There are few parts of the country with economic prospects as strong as Towcester’s. By investing in the Moat Lane scheme, we’re aiming to ensure it can capitalise on these strengths and boast a town centre that is fit for the future. Crucially, with Bury Mount and the Watermeadows at the heart of the development, Towcester’s rich heritage will be celebrated and respected.”
Details of the application can be found at http://snc.planning-register.co.uk/plandisp.aspx?recno=68220

Details of the scheme can be found at www.southnorthants.gov.uk or www.moatlane.org

The scheme includes a range of small shops and cafes, business premises, quality homes and historic open public space.  A new community building will house a modern library, registrar, adult learning opportunities, SNC offices and space for community use for exhibitions, events and meetings.  There will be some affordable housing at the residential development at Springfields/Green Lane.

The applications follow a wide-spread public consultation which saw over 1000 local residents and business owners visit the exhibition, and a total of 375 valid feedback forms returned.

Community feedback has shown support for the regeneration and the provision of cultural events and art exhibitions in the new community building.  There were numerous suggestions on other uses such as public meetings, evening courses, youth groups, theatrical performances, residents’ meetings and mother and children events.

This feedback has now been incorporated into the final planning applications which also address some of the concerns:

• provision for affordable housing
• statement of importance of SNC’s office move to the viability of the whole project and the cost effectiveness of such a move
• improved traffic flow as a result of Government funding to help tackle the bottleneck at the A43/A5 roundabout.

In addition the Council and its partner are currently working to secure extra parking spaces within the town.

Councillor Rupert Fordham, portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration, said:  “I would like to thank all those people that took the time to let us hear their views on the plans. We were extremely encouraged by the amount of feedback we received which demonstrated that the local community quite rightly wanted to have a say in what happens in their town centre.”

“I am positive the regeneration of this run down part of Towcester will be a welcome addition to the town and will be the catalyst in securing its future.  Visitors, businesses and residents will be left in no doubt that Towcester is preparing to embrace change and the planned expansion of the town.”

The final decision by SNC’s Planning Committee is anticipated in late January 2013.

The planning submission, together with the consultation summary, can be viewed within the next few days at www.southnorthants.gov.uk or viewed in person by calling in at the council offices at Springfields, Towcester.

Councillor Rupert Fordham, SNC’s portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration, said: “We have been extremely encouraged by the amount of feedback we have received on the plans.  This demonstrates that the local community quite rightly wants to have a say in what happens in their town centre.

“What the findings of the report tell us is that residents are supportive of the regeneration.  It also highlights some areas of concern and we will of course continue to look at ways to address these.

“We want to thank everyone who took the time to give their feedback on the plans.  This is an exciting time for the district and we are confident that we will deliver a development that enhances Towcester now and caters for its growing population.”

“The full analysis will be published by Morgan Sindall later this month when they lodge the planning application.”

Councillor Andrew Wilby, ward member for Towcester Mill, said:

“The lodging of the Moat Lane regeneration planning application has been re-scheduled for later this month.

“The complexity of the Moat Lane Regeneration Project is considerable and further time is required to finalise the detail in a number of areas. Morgan Sindall Investment Ltd are working closely with South Northamptonshire Council’s Planning Officers to conclude these matters and the application is now expected be concluded by the end of the month at the latest.

“This delay in submission should not affect the start and end date of the project and should improve the progress of the application through the planning process.”

Feedback on the plans, which include retail and commercial units as well as housing and a new community building, is now being reviewed before a planning application is submitted at the end of the month.

Councillor Rupert Fordham SNCs portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration said:  “We have been greatly encouraged by the number of people who turned up to view the plans and speak to those involved in the regeneration project. 

“Initial feedback indicates that residents are behind the scheme and keen to see work begin.  But, we do recognise that there are some areas of concern such as car parking, and we are looking at action we can take to address these concerns.

“There also appears to be a real appetite to see cultural events and performances hosted in the community building.  Whilst suggestions for use of the outdoor space include farmers markets, activities for youngsters and events that bring the community together, such as carol services.”

 Those people who were unable to attend the exhibition still have an opportunity to view the plans online and to make their views known.  The information can be viewed at www.southnorthants.gov.uk and the deadline for feedback is Friday 14 September.

Plans can also be viewed at the Council’s office in Springfields until Friday 14 September between 2pm and 4pm.

South Northamptonshire Council will publish a report on the feedback at the end of September.

The plans have been developed to address some of the concerns raised that Towcester, although viable and vital, is not achieving its full potential.  They have taken into consideration the need for new homes for the district’s growing population, the creation of new jobs for local people, and the provision of business premises and retail units that will help Towcester compete more favourably with neighbouring towns. 

The plans include a new community building that SNC will share with Northamptonshire County Council and other public service providers from summer 2014, bringing modern new facilities to the district.  The building will be made available for a variety of community purposes and provide a flexible venue for the hosting of events and meetings. 

Importantly, the move to the new community building will help SNC to achieve annual savings in the region of £200,000.  This will be made possible through a combination of reduced costs and additional income, thus representing greater value for money than currently being achieved.

And whilst there is much new within the development, the regeneration will embrace Towcester’s heritage – and enhance its historic offerings, encouraging tourism, specifically around Bury Mount and the Watermeadows.

Cllr Rupert Fordham, portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration at SNC said:  “At a time when investment is on hold in many places across the UK, this development signifies a real vote of confidence in the district and the start of something that the community as a whole can be proud of.

“It acknowledges the positives we have in the district and identifies how we can support and strengthen these whilst at the same time ensuring that our funds will be invested wisely.”

The Moat Lane Regeneration public exhibition and consultation is taking place between 5-8 September at The Mill, Chantry Lane, Towcester. Members of the public can visit during 10am-8pm on 5/6 September and 10am-4pm on 7/8 September.

Representatives of those involved in this redevelopment programme will be on hand to talk through the proposals and attendees will be invited to make their views known ahead of a planning application being submitted at the end of the month.

South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) in association with development partner Morgan Sindall Investments Ltd will host a four-day public exhibition and consultation event between 5 and 8 September at The Mill in Towcester.

Representatives from SNC, Morgan Sindall, Northamptonshire County Council and West Northamptonshire Development Corporation will showcase the plans and be on hand to talk through aspects of the project.  Visitors will also be encouraged to give their feedback in advance of a planning application being submitted at the end of September.

The mixed-use development will combine a range of new retail units and business premises, quality homes and open public space.  At the centre of the scheme will be a multi-functional community building, for use by residents and visitors to the town. 

A number of public service providers will co-locate within the building, including SNC, Northamptonshire Police and Northamptonshire County Council, who will provide both Registrars and Library Services and possibly other services, depending upon review and consultation.

Councillor Andrew Wilby, Chairman of South Northamptonshire Council and ward member for Towcester Mill said: “This regeneration project will benefit the whole of the local community and I am delighted that we are able to share the vision with them.  We are now in the pre-planning application stage and it is possible for people to influence these plans, but only if they make their views known.”

Fellow Towcester Mill ward member, Councillor Andrew Grant also commented: “I am confident that the proposals for this regeneration will transform what has been a run-down and under-used part of the town.  It will also bring with it new jobs, new homes and more accessible services that will benefit everyone in the community.”

The public exhibition will take place from 10am-8pm on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 September and from 10am to 4pm on Friday 7 and Saturday 8 September 2012.  Free car parking is available adjacent to The Mill.                                                            

Those who cannot attend the event, but want to be involved in the consultation can view the information at www.southnorthants.gov.uk feedback is invited before 14 September.

The event is your chance to learn about the plans, ask any questions and have your say about the scheme.

Venue

The Mill, Chantry Lane, Towcester,  NN12 6YY

Opening times

• Wednesday 5 Sept: 10am-8pm
• Thursday 6 Sept: 10am-8pm
• Friday 7 Sept: 10am – 4pm
• Saturday 8 Sept: 10am – 4pm

For more information please visit the South Northamptonshire Council’s website

As part of the regeneration of the Moat Lane site in Towcester, archaeological and environmental impact assessment (EIA) surveys have begun on site this week. It is anticipated that the surveys, which are normal procedure for developments of this kind, will take around three weeks to complete.

The archaeological dig will identify any significant finds and recommend any necessary mitigating measures. The EIA will provide information on the environmental affects and identify any action that may need to be undertaken.

Councillor Rebecca Breese, portfolio holder for planning and environment, said:

“This is a really exciting stage in the regeneration of the site and one which we will follow with great interest. Once both surveys are complete and any necessary actions undertaken, then work can begin on the demolition of the buildings which we expect to begin this summer.”

Details on the scheme can be found on display in the SNC Moat Lane Project Office at Springfields, Towcester.

The second section of the recently restored Watermeadows in Towcester was officially opened today (2 April 2012) by Cllr Sally Townsend, Chairman of South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) and Cllr John Townsend, Chair of the Watermeadows Management Group (WMG), in time for the public to enjoy this beautiful area over the Easter holidays.

The Watermeadows are part of the Grade 1 listed Easton Neston Park and formerly part of the Easton Neston Estate.  The first section of Watermeadows was opened in April 2010 following extensive restoration work which included putting up fences and gates and removing dead wood and trees. And, this new section almost doubles the area available for use by the public, creating almost 60 acres of scenic parkland.

Cllr John Townsend, member of both SNC and the WMG has looked after the project since its inception, said: “Many different groups have been involved in getting us to this point today and I would like to thank the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation for their support in purchasing the site and the Towcester Wildlife Trust for their assistance in the continuing upkeep of the area.

“The Watermeadows are a really wonderful recreational area for everyone to come and enjoy and one that will create a wonderful backdrop for the planned extension of the town, centred round the medieval Bury Mount.”

Now that the parkland is fully open to the public and already proving a popular place to visit, the WMG aims to manage the site, and preserve and enhance the ecology and historic landscape for future generations.