By Sarah Robinson

Last updated at 11:31, Thursday, 16 August 2012

MOST people who viewed revised plans for Whitehaven’s Albion Square development were in favour, say organisers of a public consultation day.

Views please: The plans for the Albion Square development on show in the Civic Hall , Whitehaven with Michelle Richardson Assistant Director Construction Advisory and Bob Metcalfe Planning Consultant

Planning advisors said the majority of the feedback was positive although some concerns were raised about residential parking for residents in the town and the modern design of the proposed building.

Members of the public attended the event at Whitehaven Civic Hall last Thursday to ask questions and raise issues about the proposed £20million development.

Planning consultant Bob Metcalfe, agent for Drivers Jonas Deloitte, the project managers for client NDA (Nuclear Decommissioning Authority), said 80 per cent of people attending the consultation event were in favour of the proposals.

He said the main issues people raised are possible residential parking problems and the design of the building which is not in keeping with Georgian architecture.

Mr Metcalfe said: “The parking concerns will be part of the assessment but it is strictly a matter for Cumbria County Council’s highway department. We will pass the comments on to them.

“Some people have looked at the design of the building and asked why we haven’t replicated the Georgian style.We felt with good reason to come up with a modern design.”

He added that as the development is on the edge of the town and nearby buildings include the 1960s-built multi-storey car park and supermarkets, there was scope to design a more contemporary style building.

Comments made at the exhibition will be incorporated into the revised planning application which is set to be presented to Copeland Council at the end of the month. If approved it will provide increased accommodation for up to 1,000 Sellafield office workers.

Some external changes have been made to the revised planning application to meet specifications from the NDA and to meet building regulations.

David Atkinson, head of property at the NDA said: “This is about regeneration in Whitehaven and supporting local businesses.”

Mr Metcalfe added: “This is the biggest development in Whitehaven since the Harbour Lockgates opened in 1998.”

Previously being developed as a phased scheme, the project will now all be done as a whole. Subject to planning approval for the scheme, which is being submitted by the NDA, it is hoped workmen will be on site in February working towards a completion date for the office blocks of 2014.

Site investigation has been taking place at the cleared northern end of the site, next to the multi-storey car park, and it is expected the southern side will be flattened within the next month or so.

First published at 11:05, Thursday, 16 August 2012
Published by http://www.whitehavennews.co.uk