New Bargates plan misses out on boosting the town, say campaigners
CONTROVERSIAL proposals to build homes on Burton’s Bargates site would do nothing to boost the town’s footfall, a campaign group has claimed.
The Burton Waterfront and Market Place Group, which says it is dedicated to improving the town, has criticised the latest plans to build 95 homes on the one-acre site, off High Street, claiming that restaurants, shop and leisure facilities would do more to boost Burton’s visitor numbers.
It comes as two petitions have now been lodged against the proposals, which have together been signed by more than 1,500 people.
The group says it had hoped that the site would have been considered for redevelopment as part of the Government’s £25 million Greater Towns Fund programme but it could not be selected as it is already the subject of a planning application.
Housing developer Jessup Build Develop has applied to East Staffordshire Borough Council for permission to build 95 homes on the site fronting the River Trent – 72 of which would be sheltered housing managed by Trent and Dove Housing.
Its plan does include an area of some commercial/retail space fronting the river, but the campaigners want many fewer homes or none at all to be built.
Jessup had previously asked for permission to build 133 homes on the site, which was once the Bargates shopping centre, three years ago but it was never agreed upon amid differences between East Staffordshire Borough Council and Burton Civic Society on what was the best use for the area.
Campaigners have always claimed that Jessup was “missing out on a golden opportunity” to improve the town’s relationship with the river.
The latest plan involves ripping up part of the large current Meadowside Leisure Centre car park and using the area for two commercial units which the applicant hopes will house cafés and/or restaurants, as well as the associated car parking.
A second phase would develop more than 55,000 sq ft of commercial/retail space fronting the river and seek to introduce connectivity to the river by enhancing public open space through to the leisure centre and the Burton Bridge area, say the developers.
However, Burton Waterfront and Market Place Group has objected to the proposals, saying: “We do not believe that housing should be built in its entirety there due to the fact it would not benefit our town.
“Our belief is to build a complex consisting of restaurants, terraced bars and stylish shops for the members of public to use for leisure in both daytime plus the evening.
“It is our view that this would bring much needed footfall into the town and boost tourism.
“Also upon this occurring it would boost the local economy. Thus opening up an opportunity for investors into the town inclusive of ten pin bowling, laser quest, ice skating and alike.”
Bargates was once home to a shopping centre and the town’s bowling alley, which were demolished when the land was sold to Tesco which was set to build a superstore there, but the plan never materialised.
The group went on to say: “This is the last chance to rejuvenate our town.”
It comes after two petitions have been set up, urging people to have their say over the proposals.
The first, set up by Rebecca Talbott, asks for people to have their say on the future of Bargates. It has been signed by more than 1,000 people.
A second is an e-petition, Against Bargates Development, which will be used in deciding the outcome of the planning application. It was set up by residents on the borough council’s website.
It has attracted more than 150 signatures and says: “The objection is on the basis of environment, suitability, business and social impact. We want a development that showcases the River Trent, brings visitors and prosperity to the town rather than just more housing.
“There are housing developments all over Burton; this site should be treated differently due to its unique location.”
A spokesman for Jessup Build Develop said: “We can’t comment during the planning process”.
A decision is due to be made in the next few months.