| Babergh District Council has unveiled its blueprint for the Poplar Road shopping area in Great Cornard – and is looking for residents’ views on the proposals.
Plans currently on display at the ‘Drop In’ Centre in Poplar Road show the proposed redevelopment of the shopping area, including the demolition of the existing shops, provision of new shops, a community facility, 29 units of affordable housing plus a further 12 flats for open market rent.
The Poplar Road shopping area was developed in 1971, as a local shopping centre for the newly constructed Anglia Estate, developed to house London overspill families by the Greater London Council. The current site is made up of a block of 9 shops with 11 three-bedroom maisonettes above.
The new plans have been drawn up in consultation with the Police Architectural Liaison Officer in an effort to design out crime in the area. A key feature of the new design is that there will be no external staircases and the 'dead' area at the back of the shops won't exist under the new scheme as residents will have to use the road which currently leads to the garages to access their properties. It is anticipated that these measures will lead to fewer secluded areas, making it tougher for people to loiter in the area without being seen.
A planning application for the redevelopment of the site is being submitted in September 2004, with Babergh’s Housing Department working in partnership with Flagship Housing Association. It is hoped that work on site will start early 2005.
Babergh District Council are urging local residents and businesses to visit the ‘Drop In’ Centre and view the plans on display throughout the whole of September. Special sessions are also being held where representatives from the council and Flagship Housing Association will be available to answer any queries about the regeneration project - 2nd September 2.00-7.00 pm, 8th September 10.00- 7.00 pm and 15th September 10.00 - 5.00 pm.
Project Co-ordinator Helen Shackleton said “We are really keen to receive feedback from as many people as possible during this consultation period. The redevelopment of the Poplar Road shopping area is a major regeneration project for Babergh, and it is vital that people in the locality take this opportunity to view the proposals”.
If you cannot get to the ‘Drop In’ Centre to see the plans, home visits can be arranged by telephoning (01473) 825773. Formal representations about the Planning Application can be made by contacting the Western Area Development Control Team on (01473) 822801, or by email to planning.reception@babergh.gov.uk.
Up to date information on the Polar Road development can be found on Babergh's website. |