Controversy around plans for tower block on site of Lansdowne Club

Last June, it was revealed that plans were afoot to replace the empty Lansdowne Club on New Bedford Road, in favour of a tower block of apartments.

Since then, applicant The Toureen Group has amended its plans by adding two further storeys to the tower - including a basement car park - alongside a smaller four-storey building, totalling 84 flats.

They will be made up of 19 one-bed, 60 two-bed and five three-bed residential units.

Residents have just five more days to comments on the application, which has already received 67 submissions from the public.

62 of those comments are objections, with many residents concerned at the visual impact of the proposals.

Simon Tweed, chairman of Snowholme Ltd, management company for The Mount and Villa Road, said: "The phallic grandeur to be seen from the train as passengers sweep in to Luton station does nothing for those in the community who will live in its shadow."

The Mount resident Anthony Barstow commented: "The design and high density of this proposed development hark back to the Soviet era of Cold War Moscow and are wholly inappropriate in a green and pleasant 21st Century hi-tech Luton."

Among the five letters of support, neighbouring the Leaside Hotel has lent the project its backing. Owner Paul Crum stated: "If the application is rejected, the building will remain empty for a further extended period. Have the objectors considered the implications of this?

"If left unprotected, it will potentially become a home to squatters and perpetuate criminality."

Mr Crum added he hoped a Section 106 agreement could contribute towards fixing potholes in the road, as well as an agreement to ensure the hotel's activities are not disturbed.

A design and access statement prepared by architects Urban Edge stated: "Following a lengthy design evolution, including the consultation with Luton planning department and the two design review panel meetings, the design has now been refined.

"It is proposed that the car park will now be completely undercroft, this allows for the highest level of security for residents but also therefore permits no parking areas to be visible to the public.

"The building form will now feature two entirely separate building forms, the first smaller four-storey block which is subservient in size is position along the boundary of Villa Road."

The plans under reference 20/00573/FUL can be viewed online here. Residents have until February 23 to submit comments, which can also be sent via post to planning officer Clive Inwards, Development Control, Luton Borough Council, LU1 2BQ.