There is a long standing planning permission to build 113 dwellings on the site of the former Guide Dog Centre in Lowndes Street. The old buildings have been demolished and the site is fast becoming an eyesore. 

The Guide Dogs Charity is having difficulty  selling the site to a developer, and has asked the Council to reduce the amount of money it has to pay to help pay for highways improvements, education and health facilities, as well as reducing the number of ‘affordable homes’ it provides as part of the development.

The Council agreed to that request, but we managed to persuade both the applicant and the Planning Committee that the money to be spent on highways schemes in this area should be nearly doubled (from £50,000 to £95,000). Subject to consultation with residents, these schemes are likely to include:

• a 20 mph ‘calmed’ zone in the area bounded by Sofa Street, Lowndes Street, Lonsdale Road and Devonshire Road;
• a vehicle activated speed sign on Devonshire Road;
• pavement and road resurfacing in Lowndes Street.

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