Flats plan for another Rushden town centre site

Plans for more than 30 new flats in Rushden town centre could be approved tonight (Wednesday).

An application for 34 flats and three dwellings has been submitted for the Home Suite Home site at 4, Higham Road in Rushden.

It includes demolition of some buildings on site as well as change of use for the majority of the site from retail to residential.

A report prepared for councillors before making their decision states: "In order to accommodate the flats, it is proposed to demolish the rear 'factory' and convert the frontage Art Deco building into three town houses.

"Two new blocks of flats are proposed; one connecting to the frontage Art Deco building (facing onto Higham Road) and one to the rear of the site (fronting both Shirley Road and North Street).

"An existing A5 unit (fast food takeaway) is to be retained with pedestrian access off Higham Road."

If approved, the development would consist of 11 one-bed units, 25 two-bed units and one three-bed unit, with all of the units for market housing.

The proposed development would create a new access off Shirley Road which would serve as the main vehicular entrance and parking area with 38 spaces proposed.

Looking back at the history of the site, which is now surrounded by residential units as well as the Asda supermarket and petrol filling station, the report for councillors says: "The former bus station complex comprises a distinctive Art Deco style building to the front and a former bus station depot building to the rear.

"The majority of the building is currently used as a furniture warehouse, and a unit on the main frontage accommodates a fast food takeaway.

"It is believed that the Art Deco style 'tower' element of the building is currently vacant."

Three objections have been received from neighbours.

Concerns include it being 'a massive structure that will be overbearing in its proximity and scale,' adverse impact on a road already suffering from traffic congestion, inadequate parking provision, too many flats in close proximity and 'massive overdevelopment.'

Rushden Town Council has raised several objections, including: "As we have stated on numerous occasions Rushden now has an overprovision of flats within the area of the High Street.

"The High Street is effectively now ringed with flats and this does not create a balanced housing mix.

"Many of the recently built flats remain unsold or unlet and we feel the market for flats has been saturated."

The council has suggested that the developer reconsiders the new build flats and considers a scheme of town houses instead, which it feels would 'greatly enhance this area.'

However, the applicant's justification says the proposed development will deliver additional housing in the growth town of Rushden, as well as help meet the need for smaller accommodation in the wider area.

And goes on to say: "The proposed development will retain the non-designated heritage asset and preserve the iconic building in the street scene.

"The development will also offer the opportunity to improve a currently somewhat unsightly site, whilst respecting residential amenity and complementing the surrounding development and existing building in terms of both design and scale of development."

Planning officers have recommended that the plans are approved subject to numerous conditions.

The application will be considered by East Northants Council's planning management committee at a virtual meeting starting at 6.30pm tonight (Wednesday).

Message from the editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive.

We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you