GIVEN the lack of action (Gazette & Herlad, December 17) regarding retail development on the Wentworth Street car park site, is it not time for a rethink?
All the big retailers are struggling and are cancelling large supermarket projects.
Lidl and Aldi are doing well, but we already have a Lidl and we have an outstanding permission for an Aldi site in Welburn Road, which shows no sign of being implemented. Surely it would now be better to accept that the retailing windfall is not going to happen, and instead consider an alternative pattern of site use.
Part of the site will need to be retained for car parking, but could not part be earmarked for social/affordable housing, for which there is a clear need?
The location, close to the town centre and local services seems ideal.
I am sure that a well-designed scheme could attract support and generate some useful capital receipts, bringing credit for the local planning authority. rather than continuing opprobrium.
Mike Gwilliam, Norton
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