Library ‘won’t be bulldozed for homes’
PLANNING BOSS DENIES RUMOURS OVER FUTURE OF FACILITY IN REPLY TO QUERY FROM TOWN’S MP –
A REGENERATION boss says “rumours” there are plans to replace Burton Library with 188 homes are “entirely false”.
East Staffordshire Borough Council planning boss George Allen admits official documents detailing the “Burton Town Investment Plan” make reference to 188 homes, but says they would be positioned elsewhere on High Street.
He has also revealed a Washlands Visitor Centre could partially replace the library.
Councillor Allen was speaking in reply to a letter by Burton MP Kate Griffiths asking for clarity on rumours circulating about Burton Library.
Controversial plans to move the Meadowside Drive facility to the town’s Market Hall have come under fire from campaigners.
They believe the library building will be bulldozed to make way for houses rather than making the most of the riverside scene.
Moving the library would cost £7.3 million from a £22.8 million pot of Government cash that has been awarded to the town as part of its investment plan.
In Ms Griffiths’ letter, seen by the Burton Mail, she asks the council to meet market traders concerned about relocating their business should the library move into the Market Hall.
She wrote: “Constituents have also raised concerns over plans for the existing library site, should the proposal for the redevelopment go ahead.
“Suggestions have been made that 188 homes will be built on the site. As you now, I would not support any plan to make this a purely residential site and I would be grateful for your conformation that this is not the case.
“I hope that extensive consultation planned for the summer will answer the concerns some residents have in relation to these changes.”
In reply, Councillor Allen, deputy leader of the council and its lead on regeneration, said: “With regards to the library site, I can confirm that at this point there are no current or agreed plans for the redevelopment of the library site.
“If the library relocation project does go ahead, my intention is for the borough council to seek the views of Burton residents on what they would like to see on this large waterfront site. “Additionally later this year, the council will commission a visibility study into the viability of a Washlands visitor centre which could feature as part of a larger complex on the waterfront, including cafes, bars and restaurants – similar to what many call a marina-style development depending on interest from the private sector.
“I can confirm that the rumour of 188 homes on the library site is entirely false information. The town investment plan does refer to a figure of 188 homes however this is in reference to development elsewhere on the high street, it does not refer to the library site. There is an existing allocation of housing in the local plan for the area occupied by Molson Coors which was allocated for housing in 2015.
“It is important that residents have answers to their concerns and elected members remain accessible to the public especially when there is so much misinformation being circulated throughout the community.
“The project sponsors, such as Staffordshire County Council, for the library relocation project will be required to carry out extensive consultation on their proposals before a decision is taken on whether to proceed.”
Councillor Allen went on to highlight the consultation planned for the summer, talks about “turning the town round” to face the river and work to environmentally enhance the Washlands area. He said: “I have spoken with Councillor Bev Ashcroft, cabinet member for leisure, amenities and tourism, and we have agreed a plan to directly engage with market hall businesses through a series of virtual meetings to ensure each business n the market hall has the opportunity to talk openly about their concerns.”
Campaigners opposed to the plans have said they would like to see the market hall and next-door Market Place used to rejuvenate Burton town centre with monthly events in a bid to attract more shoppers into town - and the library staying where it is so the building is not lost.
The group behind the plan, which includes East Staffordshire Borough Council, has said moving the library to the Market Hall would secure the future of the historic building.
Current traders would be moved to a new base in the town. The move would also mean weddings taking place at the venue.
The council says that a final decision on the move will be made next year.
The library proposal is one of seven projects aimed at revitalising the town centre economy, bringing more footfall and businesses into the area which are part of the Burton Town Investment Plan.
I would not support any plans to make this a purely residential site. Kate Griffiths