RY12 Town Hall Site, Melbourn Street

I would strongly advocate early adoption of the retail development of this site. Provided adequate parking is retained, e.g. by addition of a multi-storey car park, then this development would provide a much needed boost to a tired town centre. The current town centre shops share the issue of poor delivery access and small units which put off major retailers. If the town hall site is developed with mid&large size units and good delivery access, major retailers will be persuaded to Royston, which will revitalise the town centre and attract Royston residents to shop locally.

There has been too many houses already built in the town, there are not the facilities to cover such growth. There is not enough energy available for the houses, so ugly solar farms are erected such as the one alongside Royston by pass taking land which would be better used for agriculture. The Town Hall should be left as it is one of the few building which is Royston. The trees on this site were carefully selected and add a great deal to the site and should, therefore, left exactly where they are. The car park should be left as it is, we need more parking not less especially with all the extra houses already built. You already get cars parking every available space all across Royston. When will the real problem be looked and that is there are too many people in the country.

I have a number of objections to this proposal.
1. There are already a number of empty shops in Royston, particularly the High Street
2. The proposed location for more retail is not adjacent to the current centre
3. The aim to make Royston a 'destination' is flawed and not in character with the town
4. The fundamental requirement for a 'destination' is parking
5. The proposed development of the Town Hall site would reduce parking in the town. There is inadequate parking now which is the main reason that the shops in the High Street and local markets are not flourishing.
6. With all the extra housing planned the requirement will be for more parking - not less.
7. If residential housing is planned above the retail development further parking will be required
8. 'Consideration will be given to retaining the Town Hall'. Money was recently spent on this facility to incorporate a cinema which is one of the best facilities offered to Royston residents. The facility is well used and would be a big loss to Royston.

I am a resident of Royston