Learn planning lessons

and get Market Place right

There is a timely item on the agenda of tonight’s planning committee meeting – the decision by a government inspector to uphold an appeal to allow a smoothie bar to continue operating in Dolphin Lane.
The shop owner went ahead because he didn’t think he required permission as his shop had previously been … a shop.
He was told to apply for retrospective permission, which piqued planners then refused.
In support of this daft decision, the development was described as “detrimental to the viability and vitality of the town centre.” This, from a department which allowed three wall-to-wall mobile phone shops in a line covering hundreds of feet in Strait Bargate!
Fortunately, the government saw through the pathetic bluff and declared that the development “sits comfortably with other retail outlets, and is likely to benefit the vitality of the town centre because of the site’s positioning.”
The rejection of the appeal was bad news for a department that has a “target” for dismissed appeals of 25%, but had 37% go against it.
Why is this timely?
Because tomorrow sees the return to the agenda of the refurbishment of the Market Place, which is due to be discussed by the borough’s politburo – the cabinet.
It is no understatement to say that the future of Boston will stand or fall on the success of this project.
A well planned, attractive Market Place – which by definition needs to been a traffic free area – will give the heart back to Boston, which has suffered badly in recent years through bad planning decisions.
Historically, Boston has a pathetic track record in its approach to local heritage.
The council’s actions back in the 1960’s saw the demolition of many fine old buildings in the name of progress – not least among them the Red Lion coaching inn that stood in the town from the Middle Ages – but which was demolished to make way for Woolworths.
Now, everyone is throwing their hats in the air and hailing Boston as the next York, with the Market Place as a key magnet for visitors.
The cabinet already made one remarkably bad decision with the proposed Merchants Quay development.
We hope that – after presiding over the disastrous paving slab invasion to carve a path for the hapless and hopeless Into Town bus service - they will treat the Market Place as though they are walking on eggshells and not be blinded by big ideas or the concept of some sort of political monument.
This is one decision that is bigger than all the others put together, and failure to get it right could make the beginning of the end for Boston.

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