23 July 2026
My concern is that this switch from a regeneration and town centre enhancement scheme to a housing scheme will have a detrimental effect on the town centre and may even undermine the commercial viability of the existing retail provision on the town. The reduction in central car parking spaces coupled with the inevitable disruption of the construction work will result in a reduced footfall in the town centre for an extended period. Given the difficulty that "bricks and mortar" retailers now face, the reduction in footfall through the losses in on-site car parking may compromise the viability of Springs Shopping centre itself. The opposite effect of what was intended at the outset. I object to this proposal and urge HPBC to withdraw the scheme and return to the proposals outlined in the original public consultation.