Station development deferred due to concerns

Northampton railway station is currently managed by London Northwestern Railway

The redevelopment of a "modern and efficient gateway into a town" has been deferred because of concerns the plans are "not community-focused".

Network Rail and Blockwork LLP had put forward plans to West Northamptonshire Council to build a new multi-storey car park, hotel and flats, by Northampton railway station.

Officers had recommended its approval - but the strategic planning committee asked developers to improve its connection to the rest of the town and for the car park design to be more carbon-friendly.

Robert Gardner, on behalf of the applicant, said it had "worked really closely on the interconnectivity".

The plans show the building of a much larger car park than thought next to the station

Developers said the 7.2 hectare (17.8 acre) site, off Black Lion Hill, would create a "modern and efficient gateway into the town".

The plans include a six-storey car park with 854 spaces, cycle and pedestrian access routes, a cycle parking hub, a covered walkway and bays for replacement bus services.

Future expansion could include about 280 flats and a hotel, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

At Tuesday's meeting, Eluned Lewis-Nichol from Northampton Living Streets said: "There will be no room at all for improving a much-needed rail and bus connections.

"Rather than making cycling and walking the natural choice for short trips, it would actively discourage the cyclist or pedestrian from using the site."

Labour councillor Fartun Ismail said she had "serious concerns" and that the plans were "too developer-led and not community-focused".

Mr Gardner said it was a "vital regeneration project" and the existing single-deck car park had an utilitarian appearance that did not make efficient use of the site.

He said the brief was not "for an integrated bus station and railway station".

Conservative councillor Charles Manners said: "This is our once-in-100-years or once-in-50-years opportunity to get it right and we should have the community around us and supporting us."

The plans will return to the panel for a final decision.