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Approve Guildhall plan urge officers
TEST Valley planning officers are recommending councillors approve a controversial scheme to turn Andover's lower Guildhall into an Italian restaurant.
Members of the northern area planning committee will be discussing the plan on 9 October - just over a month after they rejected another controversial project to build the so-called megashed on Andover Airfield.
The proposals by the Prezzo chain drew fierce opposition from groups using the Guildhall including Andover PHAB (Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied) and Andover VIP (Visually Impaired People).
It also prompted a high profile campaign called Save The Andover Guildhall (STAG) and a 5,794-strong petition.
Opponents say alternative accommodation at The Rendezvous in Union Street has many serious disadvantages'.
But in a report planning officers say that over the last three years the Guildhall has lost between £55,000 and £76,000 each year.
"By contrast it has been estimated that if the lower Guildhall was used as a restaurant the net income would be approximately £10,000 per annum," the report continues.
Officers argue the restaurant could add to the vitality and viability' of the town centre.
Talks are continuing with Prezzo about specific aspects of the plan including the siting of air conditioning units and proposed alterations to windows and the flooring.
The report says the proposed change of use could, subject to amendments, be accommodated so the character of the Conservation Area is preserved.
Answering criticism about the suitability of The Rendezvous officers say the new venue provides a modern town centre facility available for community use'.
The meeting is at 5.30pm at Beech Hurst offices, Andover.
9:39am Friday 3rd October 2008
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CommentPosted by: Andy Peachey, Andover on 10:13am Fri 3 Oct 08
great news! the sooner the better.
great news! the sooner the better.
Posted by: Susie, Andover on 10:39am Fri 3 Oct 08
Well let's hope we get something in this struggling town. With so many people against any type of change I have my doubts.
IMHO my votes are:
Megashed - for
Prezzo's - for
Revamp Walworth - for
Well let's hope we get something in this struggling town. With so many people against any type of change I have my doubts.
IMHO my votes are:
Megashed - for
Prezzo's - for
Revamp Walworth - for
Posted by: Danny, Andover East on 12:45pm Fri 3 Oct 08
Why do you people always need change - be content with and make the most of what you have or is that a bit old fashioned ?
Why do you people always need change - be content with and make the most of what you have or is that a bit old fashioned ?
Posted by: Andy Peachey, Andover on 12:51pm Fri 3 Oct 08
so what do you suggest the people of Andover do, danny? theres nothing in this rapidly growning town, its why most venture out to other towns or Cities to shop and for recreational purposes, even work
so what do you suggest the people of Andover do, danny? theres nothing in this rapidly growning town, its why most venture out to other towns or Cities to shop and for recreational purposes, even work
Posted by: Susie, Andover on 1:35pm Fri 3 Oct 08
When we have a town that has a new cinema complex yet nothing but empty shops then change would be welcomed if it brought people back to the town. I remember when the market used to have at least 3 fruit & veg stalls and the high street would be full of local sellers but now it's half that. I actually like old fashioned and often go over to Salisbury where the market is far better and the town also has a modern feel. I feel Andover needs a rehaul and if that means changes then so be it.
How can people be "content" in an empty town?
When we have a town that has a new cinema complex yet nothing but empty shops then change would be welcomed if it brought people back to the town. I remember when the market used to have at least 3 fruit & veg stalls and the high street would be full of local sellers but now it's half that. I actually like old fashioned and often go over to Salisbury where the market is far better and the town also has a modern feel. I feel Andover needs a rehaul and if that means changes then so be it.
How can people be "content" in an empty town?
Posted by: Andy Peachey, Andover on 4:40pm Fri 3 Oct 08
apologies, i meant to type 'rapidly growing, not growning' in my last post
apologies, i meant to type 'rapidly growing, not growning' in my last post
Posted by: Phil, Andover on 7:26pm Fri 3 Oct 08
Andy, there was me thinking you'd mis-spelt groaning!
Danny - Yes its a bit old-fashioned. The days of the quaint little market town are long gone. Andover need to move with the times and develop into a thriving town. Providing facilities and improved infra structure for the resident that they deserve. If you want some really radical ideas - I've got a few lined up
Andy, there was me thinking you'd mis-spelt groaning!
Danny - Yes its a bit old-fashioned. The days of the quaint little market town are long gone. Andover need to move with the times and develop into a thriving town. Providing facilities and improved infra structure for the resident that they deserve. If you want some really radical ideas - I've got a few lined up
Posted by: Andy Peachey, Andover on 9:21pm Fri 3 Oct 08
phil! erm, it was a rush of blood, thats my excuse and im sticking to it, thanks anyway! haha!
phil! erm, it was a rush of blood, thats my excuse and im sticking to it, thanks anyway! haha!
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