8:20am Saturday 13th March 2010
By Chris Yandell
PLANNING chiefs have rejected a “Legoland”
attempt to improve the appearance of Totton’s main shopping precinct.
They criticised proposals to build what they described as two “box-like” arches at the entrances to Totton Shopping Centre in Commercial Road.
The 25ft tall arches formed part of a £250,000 scheme that also included canopies, new benches and improved lighting.
Kim Morris, representing the applicant, said the plan aimed to revitalise the precinct, which was built in the late 1960s and now looked “tired and dated”.
However, district councillors went against the advice of officers and rejected the plans.
Totton member Ron Scrivens said: “I’m amazed we’re being told that this scheme is acceptable.
What’s attractive about it?
Nothing. Totton is a New Forest market town and the application should reflect that, but it’s harsh and out of keeping.
“I’ve spoken to a lot of Totton residents and I haven’t found one person who likes the design.”
Cllr Maureen Holding added: “On a wet day the precinct looks very Sixties and really drab.
“It definitely needs something doing to it but what’s being suggested doesn’t fit the bill.”
Totton councillor George Dart said the town council welcomed moves to refurbish the precinct, which has more than 20 shops.
But he added: “The box-like archways being proposed are something of a stumbling block.
They’re reminiscent of the Legoland approach to design.”
Planning officers recommended members to support the application, submitted by the precinct’s owner CBRE Investors. A report said: “The entrance arches would be quite striking features at the two ends of the precinct. They would be focal points that would increase the sense of arrival and define the new pedestrianised courtyard behind.”
Councillors rejected the application by ten votes to seven.
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