East Staffordshire Borough Council is pleased to announce that the planning application submitted for the refurbishment of the Market Hall in Burton upon Trent was approved, without objections, on Tuesday 7th May 2013.
The application sets about restoring the Market Hall to its former glory whilst giving it the required modernisation that allows it to be a viable and successful shopping destination. The plans highlight the key changes ranging from the inclusion of restaurants, extended outdoor seating and display areas, mother and baby facilities and the reinstatement of the balcony for public use.
Councillor Richard Grosvenor, Leader of the Council, said “I am extremely happy that these exciting plans have been approved and it shows the authority’s commitment to making the Market Hall a shopping destination of choice and a place for the people of Burton to be proud of.
“The plans show that we have listened, taking feedback from various parties such as local historians and heritage bodies such as Burton Civic Society. In fact, the Civic Society have written to support the proposals and have cited their only concerns relate to parking and clutter. The Civic Society can rest assured that these concerns will be addressed.
“I’m also happy to state that the approval of these plans is in line with our project timetable, and I’m looking forward to welcoming a mix of existing and new traders into the refurbished hall when it reopens”
Councillor David Leese followed: “The approval of these plans just re-affirms what the authority has been saying since day one – we want to make the market a success, not kill it off. I am pleased that the planning applications received no objections, indicating that people have taken a good look at these plans and seen through some of the rumours and untruths being spread about the future of the hall. Indeed, there has been speculation on the internet that this project is a ruse and the Council is going to do a number of things to the hall – knock it down, make it a new council office, sell it to Burton College – all of which are untrue and I hope this finally puts those rumours to bed.
“I’d just like to say that I’m excited by the fact that one of my first duties as Mayor in 2014 will be to officially open the Market Hall and complete the circle from the project’s inception.”