A council says it listened to the public on its new designs for Spalding town centre after it was criticised for not consulting on the designs installed.
South Holland District Council did carry out a consultation on its proposals for seating and planters earlier in the year.
What’s been put in place is different with the council saying the removal of a circular layout in Hall Place and the type of planters in Red Lion Street changed due to public feedback.
It has led to John Bland, the chair of the Spalding and District Civic Society, to ask why the new designs weren’t consulted on.
“What should happen is for the revised plans to be put out for a confirmatory consultation, just to make sure that there is support for the revised design,” he said. “Many people are unhappy with the new designs.
“If we had seen the revised plans for Hall Place and Red Lion Street, we would have given them a firm thumbs-down.
“Why are they so very different from the originals?
“Whilst we did not like the original designs, at least that for Hall Place had form and balance.
“Why is the planting so unambitious for a town at the heart of a horticultural area? “
Mr Bland said that he’d asked the council to delay the works to see if more could be the done with the £20m over 10 years ‘Levelling Up’ money.
“It could have been so different,” he continued. “Hopefully, we can still see some real ambition in Spalding, and that the planters that have been installed will have a life as short as a pallet box that some people have likened them to.”
A district council spokesman said: “The final design proposals were developed in Spring 2024, taking into account not only the public input from the consultation but also operational considerations.
“These included accommodating the weekly market and regular town centre events, ensuring the designs would function effectively for these purposes.
“The final designs sought to balance these practical requirements with the feedback provided by the community.”
“While additional public engagement at the final design stage was considered, proceeding with it would have delayed the commencement of works due to the required lead-in period.
“Instead, the proposed designs were shared with all members at South Holland District Council as part of a formal decision on the final designs, which was published in the summer.
“Investment in public realm is a vital aspect of ensuring that Spalding is a welcoming place for residents, visitors and businesses.
“The new investment will introduce new greenery and colour to the town, complimenting the town’s horticultural heritage.”
Around £370,000 of money was allocated for the improvements of Red Lions Street, Hall Place and by the river at Bridge Street, work on which remains unfinished.
