Rethink on factory site flats plans
DEVELOPERS have revised their plans to transform a derelict factory site in Market Harborough.
Hazelton Homes wants to build flats on the site of the former Harborough Rubber company.
In revising the plans, the Northamptonshire-based developers have reduced the proposed number of flats from 79 to 70, with basement parking.
The site, at the corner of St Mary’s Road and Kettering Road, which also includes a historic flour mill, has stood vacant for years.
The proposal includes three, four and five-storey apartment buildings and the conversion of the former flour mill into apartments.
The plan for the site, adjacent to the River Welland, replaces a previously approved housing scheme that was never progressed.
Harborough District Council put in an offer to buy the land when it was put up for sale but then withdrew it.
A new period of public consultation is under way before the revised plan is considered by councillors.
A Harborough District Council spokesman said people have until Tuesday, December 15 to make any observations about the application.
THROUGH the Police and Crime Commissioner’s funding, organisations have developed new online platforms of support and engagement to ensure survivors and victims can continue to access emotional and practical help despite the national restrictions.
Earlier this year, Victim First, administered on behalf of the PCC by charity Catch 22, launched an online counselling and wellbeing service for adults in direct response to rising demand sparked by the pandemic.
The service, provided by XenZone, a leading UK provider of digital mental health services, has seen referrals grow from 15 in August to 26 in November while demand for its support service for young people has also increased month on month.
Catch 22’s head of service, Manjeeta Sunnar, said : “Throughout the year, our numbers have been steadily increasing. We received funding earlier this year from the PCC to offer additional online counselling, for domestic violence victims.
“Since that launched in August, our referral numbers for online support have been increasing by more than 30 per cent each month. To respond appropriately, we must acknowledge that not every victim wants to receive support in the same way.”