North Place and Portland Street: planning application is now in

The redevelopment of North Place and Portland Street car parks has moved a step closer with a formal planning application.  Augur Buchler has now submitted its plans for a development which they claim will breathe new life into the town centre location.

Supporting a brief set out by the council and in response to public comments, the scheme will offer affordable housing, a multi-storey car park, a public square and a bus station.  Additionally it will include a supermarket although the operator has yet to be identified. 

The development is in addition to the other town centre changes currently underway including; the Brewery complex, Regent Arcade frontage, improved paving on the Promenade, and proposed changes to the central road network, including Boot’s Corner.

 If approved, the North Place plans will transform a long neglected area by creating jobs and much needed housing. Additionally some say that it will also provide a platform for many other town centre improvements to begin.

The application will go to planning committee in the coming months. If approved, the developers will move on to the site in the first part of next year.  The application can be viewed on the planning pages of the council’s website. Planning application reference: 12/01612/FUL.