22 July 2026
This scheme differs widely from the original proposals put out to public consultation in 2025. Now far from being a regeneration led proposal it is now a large housing scheme with little amenity value and any provision for civic use severely reduced and lacking in detail. Of major concern is the reduction in centrally located parking.provision. The number of residential units have been increased from74 to 332 lately at the expense of the current parking provision serving the shopping centre. This could have a detrimental effect on local businesses and particularly Waitrose which is the important anchor tenant in the Springs.The alternative, more distant, as yet unapproved parking proposals may well act as a deterrent to visitors and shoppers. If the scheme can only go ahead with this preponderance of housing as the main financial driver then this revised proposal should be put out to the same level of public consultation as the original scheme in 2025. The two are as different as chalk and cheese. It should be made clear to local residents the impact of the scheme town centre parking provision as well as the additional parking requirements for the residents of the 332 new flats. I supported the original proposal but am firmly opposed to this application and the revisions to original scheme.