Controversial plans for conversion of a former toilet block at Hunsbury Hill Country Park into a cafe will be decided at a meeting of Northampton Borough Council’s cabinet on Wednesday September 23rd

The planning application, approved by the borough council’s planning committee in June 2008, met with numerous objections from local residents, who had expressed concerns that the cafe would increase crime in the area. Their concerns were supported at the time by Councillor Paul Varnsverry – the only member of the planning committee to vote against the application – who had been informed by local police that they feared the cafe would attract ‘new crime’ to the area.

“My views in the intervening fifteen months have not changed”, Paul Varnsverry commented today. “Local police are still not supportive of the development; particularly in light of figures which indicate an increase in reports of anti social behaviour in some parts of West Hunsbury Ward over the past three months.

“I have already submitted my written objection to the granting of a lease at the cabinet meeting on September 23rd, although I am seeking advice from the council’s legal advisors on whether, now I am a cabinet member, my long-stated position on this development is potentially a conflict of interest that will prohibit me from taking part in the debate and the vote.”

Members of the West Hunsbury community who support or oppose the plans can address the cabinet meeting by contacting Northampton Borough Council’s Democratic Services department on 01604 837101 by 12 noon on the 23rd September and registering to speak.