Changes made to town masterplan
Proposal for apartment block next to park removed
THE controversial proposal to build a three-storey apartment block, right next door to Queen’s Park, Loughborough, has been removed from the draft masterplan for the town.
The masterplan has been designed to help shape the future of Loughborough town centre for the next 15 years.
And, after public consultation, a “refreshed” plan has now been drawn up and is due to be debated by Charnwood Borough councillors this Thursday.
The original plan’s proposals for Granby Street and its car park next door to Queen’s Park, included a three storey residential apartment block overlooking the park.
The Friends of Queen’s Park group raised strong objections to the apartment block which has now been removed as the preferred option.
Residents also raised objections to the development of Granby Street car park, saying important parking spaces would be lost.
The proposal for two-way traffic in Granby Street (presently one-way), which was designed to reduce impact in Ward’s End and Devonshire Square, has also been removed from the draft plan.
Now the council is looking at exploring the option of another access to the car park, via Packe Street, off Frederick Street.
A plan to make Bedford Square traffic free, paving the way for a two-way traffic system in Southfield Road has also been rejected.
Feedback from residents showed they were worried that the creation of a public space in Bedford Square would attract anti-social behaviour.
Coun Eric Vardy, lead member for planning and inward investment, told the
Echo: “Charnwood is a council that listens and we are always prepared to make changes as a result of consultation.
“We have taken on board the views of a number of businesses, organisations and residents during the consultation and made some amendments to the masterplan. That was always going to happen.
“We will now be presenting it to cabinet for their consideration.
“The aim of the masterplan is to provide a vision for the future and one that can be used by the council, our partners and developers.”