A government planning inspector has overturned the Borough Councils decision to refuse planning permission for the car wash that has been operating for some months in the car park at the Romany pub. This is surprising and disappointing. The car wash started without proper permission and has reduced parking spaces in the car park, as well as being an unsightly operation without proper facilities, including drainage.

Tesco’s are planning to open a new Express store at 98-102 Kingsley Park Terrace (between Shelley & Moore St.). They have submitted a series of planning applications, including for a new shop sign (N/2009/0559), new shop front (N/2009/0560), service yard canopy, chiller unit and refrigeration units (N/2009/0558) and a cash machine (N/2009/0557).

These planning applications can all be viewed on Northampton Borough Council’s website. Use the reference numbers above on the planning search facility, send your comments to the council and let us know your views.

The Council have published plans to extend the existing Kingsley Conservation Area to include the whole of the Racecourse. The plans are available on the council’s website www.northampton.gov.uk/consultation and the consultation period ends on the 30th January 2009.

The plans include an appraisal of the area which include a fascinating history of the Racecourse and the area around it. Just three snippets:-

‘Kingsley’ derives from Kingeshala ‘Kings Nook’ and outlying corner of Kingsthorpe Manor.

Racing started at Harlestone Firs but was transferred to Freeman’s Common (now the Racecourse) assigned to the freemen under the 1778 Act of Enclosure.

The Kingsley Park Hotel was a residential hotel for Racegoers, but after racing stopped in 1904 it laid empty for 18 years, hence it was nicknamed the ‘White Elephant’.

A new planning application has been submitted for three houses at the end of Sunningdale Close, backing onto properties at the end of Masefield Way. The application number is N/2008/1203 and the plans can be viewed on the council’s website www.northampton.gov.uk.
Let me know if you have any views.

Following discussions between Trinity Avenue residents and the University the plans have been ammended. Wednesday’s planning committee broadly supported the new plans, but a further period of consultation is needed before the new plans can be determined.

A planning application has been submitted for 6 more flats at Poets Court, Brookfield Rd. They will be behind the existing flats, in gardens at the rear of Junction Rd with extra parking. The plans can be viewed at www.northampton.gov.uk or at the council offices at Cliftonville House or the Guildhall. The reference is N/2008/0316. The case officer for the planning application is Geoff Wyatt. Let us know your views

A planning application has been submitted for a two bedroom bungalow on Randall Rd, at the rear of 4, 6 & 8 Brookfield Rd. To view the plans go to www.northampton.gov.uk or visit the council offices at The Guildhall or Cliftonville House. The reference for the application is N/2008/367.