Extra parking among improvements planned for Wellingborough's Hemmingwell and Queensway estates

Additional parking could be on its way as part of an improvement programme for areas of Wellingborough's Hemmingwell and Queensway estates.

Housing association Greatwell Homes is behind the environmental improvement programme proposed for the two estates.

It is hoped the project will increase parking, reduce anti-social behaviour and make it a 'nicer place to live for our customers and other residents.'

Numerous applications have been submitted to Wellingborough Council for consideration, including for removal of trees, improvements to parking spaces, refurbishing existing garages as well as demolishing others.

The improvement project will focus on Fulmar Lane, Gannet Lane, Kilnway and Minerva Way.

A planning statement submitted within several of the applications says: "The estates have long suffered from parking issues.

"By today's standards, there are approximately half the number of parking spaces available than would be expected.

"In addition, the parking spaces are smaller than current standards which means that cars are prone to damage due to overhanging the short spaces into the road.

"These issues give rise to parking issues, with residents often having to park several streets away from their home and choosing to park wherever the vehicle fits.

"This also leads to issues for emergency services and refuse collectors causing further damage to the environment."

The proposals aim to provide an additional 254 spaces on the Hemmingwell estate and 286 spaces on the Queensway, including the provision of accessible spaces, which are not currently available.

In conclusion, the planning statement says: "Currently, the Hemmingwell and Queensway estates have limited parking, and this results in significant parking difficulties, with residents parking on roads and in front of existing spaces.

"The aim of the proposal is to alter the existing areas of parking and smaller parcels of public open space on the above estates, to provide additional parking spaces for residents living in the area.

"In doing so, larger areas of public open space will be enhanced.

"Whilst there would be a slight loss of public open space overall, and the loss of some lower quality trees, the proposed development looks to provide an overall enhancement to the area by minimising unsafe and messy parking arrangements around the estate, providing additional parking to the benefit of the community, whilst looking to enhance usable areas of open spaces across the estate.

"To offset the loss of trees and open space, it is proposed to plant community orchards in several plots across the sites.

"In this context, it is considered that the proposals will result in a better, more usable layout, which provides a higher quality environment overall, as well as provide an overall enhancement for the community."

Denise Lewis, executive director at Greatwell Homes, told the Northants Telegraph: “We have listened to what our customers have said to us and that one of the most important things to them is having a high-quality living environment.

"We’re confident that this improvement programme will increase parking, reduce anti-social behaviour in the areas and also be a nicer place to live for our customers and other residents."

The proposals are subject to planning and Greatwell Homes has said it could take two years to complete all four areas where they are planning improvements from planning approval.

Greatwell Homes owns and manages 5,000 properties across the county.

They consist of a mix of affordable rent, shared ownership, rent to buy and market rent homes.

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