Agenda item

   (Copy herewith)

2.1       Cabinet approved the Northampton Town Centre Masterplan which sets the Principles and the approach that will be taken in order to deliver transformational change.

2.2       Cabinet noted the results of the consultation and how the masterplan has accounted for these within its design.

2.3       The Masterplan is used to inform emerging planning policy within the town centre

2.4       Cabinet noted the progress made to date, timescales and next steps for the Future High Street Fund application and the priority areas for intervention.

In the absence of Councillor Hadland, Councillor Nunn outlined the report, noting that the ambitious plans were all indicative – detail would follow and would be consulted upon.  The masterplan had been shaped by the public consultation.  It was the start of the process, giving vision, direction and purpose which would link into local planning policy to help shape the town.

Councillor Ashraf read a statement on behalf of Councillor Stone, who broadly agreed with the plan and expressed thanks to officers for developing it, but questioned how viable it would be financially.  The proposed Heritage Gateway would be a huge attraction to the town, but plans needed to be sympathetically drawn up.  The current bus station should become the long-distance coach station and the new bus station should be part of Mayorhold.  It was disappointing that there was a lack of space provided for the voluntary sector.

Councillor Birch read a statement from Dr Marie Dickie OBE (Friends of Northampton Castle and Spring Borough’s Voice).  Dr Dickie considered that the plan had limited public involvement and offered little in the way of enhancing the heritage of the town.  Whilst recognising that development was necessary to fund transformation of a car park into public open space, she was concerned by the scale of development proposed for the Castle House/Doddridge site.  She emphasised the importance of a heritage-led town centre improvement rather than focusing on residential and retail issues.

Councillor Beardsworth expressed thanks for the cross-party working group on the town centre.  The town centre needed to become smaller with improved shop fronts.  More money was needed, although not much was available.  In terms of the public realm, more could have been done with the Greyfriars site; perhaps it could have been grassed.  If award-winning council houses (like those in Norwich) could be built in Northampton that would be positive.  The town centre masterplan document was well thought out and a good start to plan for the future. 

Councillor Nunn expressed thanks to the Economic Growth and Regeneration Manager for his input to the report.

Cllr McCutcheon considered that retail was not the most important factor and in the past too much attention had been paid to it.  In consultations, people mentioned the importance of the Guildhall/County Hall, libraries, theatres and other cultural activities.  These should be built up, but public money was needed.

Councillor Eldred stated that it was important to develop leisure and other facilities alongside residential to encourage university students to stay in the town after graduating.  Greyfriars would be a good hub for this.

RESOLVED:

2.1       Cabinet approved the Northampton Town Centre Masterplan which sets the Principles and the approach that will be taken in order to deliver transformational change.

2.2       Cabinet noted the results of the consultation and how the masterplan has accounted for these within its design.

2.3       The Masterplan is used to inform emerging planning policy within the town centre

2.4       Cabinet noted the progress made to date, timescales and next steps for the Future High Street Fund application and the priority areas for intervention.