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Guildhall plan will be closely scrutinised say STAG
THE planning application submitted for the Lower Guildhall by Italian resta-urant chain Prezzo will be scrutinised with a fine-toothed comb', say campaigners, STAG, who want to save the historic building as a community resource.
STAG has already lined up planning experts to give advice on the application, and say they will ensure every possible ground for objection to turning the town's historic meeting place into a restaurant is explored.
Chairman Ken Wedge said: "We knew this was coming, but it doesn't stop people feeling angry and betrayed over what is being planned for our Guildhall.
"Test Valley Borough Council ignored public opinion and failed to take seriously a petition signed by 6,000 people, including vulnerable people who used the lower Guildhall regularly.
"Test Valley Borough Council also appears to have anticipated the outcome of the planning process by starting work on splitting the building's utilities before the application was even submitted."
He added: "Even now Prezzo has the chance to think again and gain some respect by choosing another venue in Andover.
"We will be looking at the planning application with a fine-toothed comb and taking advice from planning experts, and I would urge everyone who wants to save our Lower Guildhall to get their objections in too."
Meanwhile, although the planning application was submitted last week, it still has not been formally registered.
A spokeswoman for the council said: "The planning application has been received but there is further information required from Prezzo.
"Once this has been received the application will be formally registered.
This is standard procedure for any application that requires additional information."
1:32pm Friday 1st August 2008
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CommentPosted by: Mrs. L.Tucker, Charlton, Andover on 5:24pm Fri 1 Aug 08
No, no to Prezzo!! Keep the Guildhall for all the people of Andover who wish to use it - especially the disabled. It belongs to us all !!
No, no to Prezzo!! Keep the Guildhall for all the people of Andover who wish to use it - especially the disabled. It belongs to us all !!
Posted by: Tim, Andover on 10:40am Sun 3 Aug 08
Cant wait for Prezzo, to open up in Andover.
And when it does all these members of STAG will just jump on another bandwagon!
Cant wait for Prezzo, to open up in Andover.
And when it does all these members of STAG will just jump on another bandwagon!
Posted by: Victor on 9:13pm Sun 3 Aug 08
BINS!!! Where can they go without cosmetically altering the surrounds of the building? They'll also leave a lovely pong for all the shoppers.
BINS!!! Where can they go without cosmetically altering the surrounds of the building? They'll also leave a lovely pong for all the shoppers.
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