Questions over plans for new changing rooms on The Racecourse

9.00.00am GMT Mon 7th Mar 2005

New changing rooms will be built on The Racecourse

Andrew Simpson Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North and Borough councillor for Kingsley ward has called into question plans for a new changing room development on The Racecourse.

"Whilst I totally support the need to provide better changing facilities in the park I am concerned about the impact of what is currently planned" said Andrew. " This seems to be being rushed through without full consultation with users of the park and local residents"

The Borough Council have given planning permission to a new changing room block to the left of the existing Racecourse Pavilion building. The new changing room is made up of 15 separate changing areas to accommodate a number of teams as required. Funding has been applied for to the Football Foundation to add to the contribution by the Council.

Andrew Simpson asked Conservative Councillor Judith Lill who is the Portfolio Holder in charge of the plans the following questions:

• Is the Portfolio Holder satisfied that adequate consultation has taken place with Park users, and local councillors representing the interest of local residents over the proposed plan for a new building on the Racecourse?

• Can the Portfolio Holder explain what the council will do with the existing changing rooms and the remaining derelict and underused buildings on the park such as the Central Depot ?

• Will the Portfolio Holder accept the input of Borough Councillors from the 3 wards surrounding the Racecourse to ensure that the proposed changing rooms development is workable and solves rather than creates problems on the Racecourse?

• Can the Portfolio Holder say what has happened regarding the proposed 5 year plan for The Racecourse which was passed as a policy of this Council in October 2003?

In response to her answers he has asked a number of supplementary questions clarifying the situation.

"We need to make sure that we get this right" said Andrew. " The Racecourse is a precious asset and piece-meal development could jeopardise it's future if not planned carefully and with local support. I await further answers".