PRESS RELEASE FROM VALE OF WHITE HORSE DISTRICT COUNCIL

"We are asking people who live, shop or work in Abingdon for their views on the next stage of planning for the revitalisation of the Abbey Shopping Centre and Charter Area.  The consultation lasts until 23 September.

Earlier in the year the Vale of White Horse District Council agreed to enter into two long-term leases with Scottish Widows Investment Partnership, to enable it to invest with confidence in refurbishing the Abbey Shopping Centre and redeveloping the Charter area, including the provision of a new anchor supermarket in the town centre.

Since then we have been working with urban design specialists to produce a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) to help guide future redevelopment in this part of Abingdon town centre.  It sets out policies to ensure that major development contributes to a vibrant and successful town centre whilst complementing and enhancing the historic core.  We welcome your views on the planning guidelines proposed.

The SPD draws on feedback from previous consultation on plans for the town centre, including on the council’s Core Strategy Preferred Options in December 2009.  It illustrates how future development might look, but specific details of the final schemes will be set out in planning applications, the first of which is expected to be submitted later in the year.  There will be another chance to comment at that stage.

Cllr Roger Cox, cabinet member with responsibility for planning, said: “This is a really important opportunity to deliver major improvements for Abingdon town centre.  We are keen to ensure that it is done correctly, and that people who live and work in the town have plenty of opportunity to express their opinions about what is being proposed.  The first crucial step is the development brief that will help ensure the best redevelopment possible for Abingdon and I urge people to let us have their views on these proposed guidelines.”

Full details of the consultation will be available from 12 August 2011 on our website at www.whitehorsedc.gov.uk/spds , including a short online feedback questionnaire.  Paper copies of these documents will also be available from the council’s office in Abingdon, and Abingdon library.  On 18 and 19 August noon - 7pm there will be a staffed exhibition in Unit 33 of the Abbey Shopping Centre outlining the main principles of the SPD.  The exhibition material will remain on display until 23 September.

All comments made during the consultation will be considered before the SPD is finalised and adopted by the council.  Subject to planning permission, work on Abbey Shopping Centre could start as early as February next year and work on the Charter in 2013."

PRESS RELEASE FROM VALE OF WHITE HORSE DISTRICT COUNCIL