Campaign group #saveourtown has said that today’s recommendation to approve the Power Court planning application is the ‘first major step towards a new dawn for Luton’.
An artist’s impressions of the inside of Luton Town FC’s proposed new stadium at Power Court
Luton Borough Council have published a positive planning officer’s report, which will act as a guide for the development control committee members, who will meet next Wednesday (January 16) to decide the fate of the development.
The plans for the derelict town centre site – submitted in August 2016 by 2020 Developments, the property arm of Luton Town Football Club – include a new 17,500-seat stadium, a 1,800-capacity music venue, bars, restaurants, a small niche cinema, a public piazza and homes. Their separate planning application for Newlands Park will be decided at another meeting on January 30.
Nigel Green, #saveourtown chairman, said: “We are thrilled with the planning officer’s recommendation to approve Power Court because it is the first major step towards a new dawn for Luton.
“it puts us on the verge of an historic moment for our town and, we have made no bones about it, Luton expects nothing less.
“We now await, with immense anticipation, the development control committee’s decision on January 16. The benefits of Power Court, and indeed Newlands Park, have been clear for two-and-a-half years and now we just need the seal of approval from our elected officials.
“But this report highlights to us, what we’ve been saying for some time now – that Luton Borough Council are not the villains in this piece.
“These proposals are not just ordinary planning fare, they are a once-in-lifetime opportunity to transform the destiny of our town and these recommendations reflect that.
“We know the excitement levels will now be on the rise, and we urge everyone to enjoy this little victory. Naturally, there will be some nervousness too, because the stakes are high and everyone has been frustrated at the length of the process to date.
“We all know which commercial organisation is behind these delays, but we believe that local unity trumps outside negativity, and that’s why we have run a positive campaign that has sought to reflect the best of our town.
“That positivity is how we approach these two planning meetings, which we firmly believe will deliver the results we’re all dreaming of.
“We are gearing up for an emotional day next week, but, in football parlance it will only be half time. We then need another positive planning officer’s recommendation for Newlands Park and another green light from councillors on January 30.
“As next week’s Power Court meeting will be held in council’s chambers at the Town Hall, which has a limited capacity, #saveourtown will be attending to proudly represent our followers and our town.”