Well, here is a personal view from David Larmour and he isn’t pulling any punches.

Everyone is agreed that the site is currently a mess. What was originally designated a mixed use site (and the promise of a new supermarket) has been ignored for years till now on the eve of an election suddenly there is a proposed plan for housing. Great that it is social housing but two questions remain is housing really the best option? and if it is, what standard will it be built to? The lowest standards or to higher more sustainable standards?

The world has changed over the past year and the high streets of major towns have suffered badly. There is increasing evidence that smaller towns with more local facilities have taken up some of the slack. In many cases independent traders have actually seen more trade as people are not commuting to the larger towns to work.

Why cannot we provide simple easy rental options for new starts and for people to try out new ideas. There is some scope for experimentation in Desborough. We always seem to fall back on more houses as a solution. Houses are needed but is the immediate town centre the best option?

So, even if housing is the best option for that site what will we end up with?

Run of the mill three bedroom semis or could we demand housing built to the highest environmental standards. The recent development at Goldsmith Street, in Norwich shows what is possible. We should demand more, expect better and fight for the best.

Labour is pressing for a full public consultation on these proposals which so far have only been shown to a privileged few.

(David Larmour 13-04-2021)

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