Luton Town: More houses planned near stadium due to Covid

The new 23,000-seat stadium will be built on the site of a former power station in the centre of Luton

More houses and less retail space will be required for a development surrounding a new football stadium due to Covid, planners have said.

Planning permission for Luton Town's new home at Power Court was granted by Luton Borough Council in 2019.

A fresh application will be submitted more than doubling the number of homes.

Developer 2020 Developments said: "Covid-19 has brought unprecedented uncertainty and change".

In a fresh planning statement, the developer said it had "critically analysed" its own proposals and realised several changes could be made to "enhance the scheme".

The document said that since planning consent was granted, "the world has changed considerably, with new challenges facing the property market.

Luton Town's current home, Kenilworth Road, is boxed in by housing on three sides, with a busway and major road on the other

"In response to the change in market conditions, revised proposals are being submitted."

2020 Developments said the changes, if approved, would see the site feature up to 1,200 residential units, a health centre and 5,600 sq m of retail and food and beverage floorspace.

This would include a 20% increase in the number of affordable homes at Power Court.

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The previous approved plan included 550 homes and 10,800 sq m of retail and food and beverage floorspace.

Chief operating officer at 2020 Developments, Mike Moran, said the coronavirus pandemic was not solely responsible for the changes, but added it "accelerated a few of these changes".

The proposed changes would also see the introduction of a new, centrally located plaza and a "statement landmark" - a tall building which would allow fans to find their way to the stadium.

2020 Developments is also proposing changes to its Newlands Park scheme, which is being used to bankroll the Power Court plans.

Under new yet to be approved plans, the development, near J10 of the M1, would feature more office and business space, and less retail.

It is expected detailed proposals for the stadium will be submitted in six months, with the entire project due to be completed by 2024.