Daventry town centre car park set to be extended

The district council is itself applying for permission to mainly demolish and alter some existing boundary walls at the Chapel Lane car park to allow 13 new car parking spaces to be created. It also wants to remove an existing lay-by in St John’s Square to provide nine additional car parking spaces.

In their recommendation to approve, officers report: “Although the proposal would lead to the loss of a historic stone and bricked wall positioned along the northwestern area of the car park, the walls are in poor condition and make a limited contribution to the character and appearance of the conservation area.

“It is considered that the harm arising from the loss of the historic boundary walls and existing trees within the Chapel Lane car park would be outweighed by the public benefits arising from the additional 22 parking spaces created – a net gain of 19 spaces following the loss of the three lay-by spaces.”

They argue there will be other benefits, such as clearing overgrown vegetation, introducing new ornamental planting areas, and an improved entrance to the car park.

But three objections have been received by neighbours, with one saying: “We are concerned how close the parking bays will be to our fence. We have always enjoyed the barrier of privacy the land at the back has afforded us and whilst we appreciate the need to provide further parking in Daventry it does cause us concern.”

Councillors on the authority’s planning committee will have the final say when they decide next Wednesday (November 18) whether to follow officer advice and approve the scheme.