09/06/2009

Talk of the Town - June 2009

Daventry Town Council (DTC), have recently responded to the WaterSpace Consultation carried out by the Daventry District Council. This subject evokes strong feelings from local people. Comments we have received from our residents vary from supportive to hostile to the concept! Our councillors listened to your views and have formed a considered opinion concerning the plans for Eastern Way.

If the proposed concepts for Site 3 go ahead, without amendment, then Daventry will lose much of the open green space that is used by residents for recreation. Walking dogs, kite flying, practicing your chipping, impromptu football and simply the visual amenity of a large green area. The WaterSpace document shows densely populated residential units, commercial opportunities and adjacent marina basins.

DTC rejects the proposed “WaterSpace” on the grounds of public safety and its usefulness for the local community. We also do not agree with the massive public investment required to construct a canal arm to link the Grand Union Canal with the proposed “WaterSpace”.

However we would support the retention of significant public open green space on Site 3 and would welcome a review of alternative options for a “WaterSpace” that is safe, inclusive and benefits all our town’s residents and attractive to visitors.

DTC recognises that regeneration will benefit our town. We understand that inward investment is necessary to build a prosperous future with high quality education and enhanced local employment opportunities. However, we have a duty to highlight that the “new” redevelopment must sit comfortably with the character of our town but that leisure and recreation facilities should be accorded an equal importance when considering large scale developments. Cinemas, plazas, restaurants and commercially led leisure facilities are to be welcomed, but further consideration must be given to open green spaces. Once built upon, then they cannot be reclaimed.

DTC is not obstructive when considering any future plans, but objective. We accept the positive benefits of regeneration. We trust that the WaterSpace consultation responses from local people will also be considered objectively and that such views will ultimately inform the future development of this key site.

Cllr Lynne Taylor
Leader DTC