Wellingborough town centre car park to be developed

The one and two bedroom flats on the Doddington Road site, which will not have any of their own parking spaces, were approved by Wellingborough council’s planning committee last night (Wednesday).

The decision comes after the council controversially approved in April a plan to build more than 100 homes on town centre car park Jackson Lane, despite widespread protests from traders and users.

The plan to build the flats in Doddington Road was given a mixed reception by councillors with some in favour and others opposed.

Labour councillor Tim Maguire said: “I was very critical of the council a few months ago for not delivering housing needs.

“This car park is never full and it is an empty piece of ground.  

“It is ideal, we are crying out for two bedroom properties.”

Conservative councillor Barry Graves said the plan would help with the regeneration of the town centre.

The 820 metre square site, which sits in front of Croyland Gardens, has 30 car parking spaces.

Two residents who live near to the car park, and ward councillor Val Anslow who lives nearby, objected to the application.

Mrs Belson who has lived in Doddington Road for 20 years said parking is an issue in the area.

She said: “Not only are the council proposing to lose a valuable car park, they want to build flats in its place with no parking facilities.

“It is fanciful to think people who rent or live in one or two bed flats have no cars.

“What about visitors to the flats? Are they coming on bikes?”

Seven councillors on the committee voted to approve the plan and three voted against.

Also approved at the meeting was a planning application to change an agricultural building into a home at 188 Station Road in Irchester.

The committee unanimously voted against plans to build 45 homes on the old abattoir site at Irthlingborough Road, Wellingborough.

Council leader Martin Griffiths said the site was not suitable for a residential development and should be a commercial site.