Luton stadium scheme set for green light

Outline plans for a mixed-used development centred around a new football stadium for Luton Town FC have been recommended for approval.2020 Developments, acting on behalf of the football club, is seeking permission for the redevelopment of the Power Court brownfield site in the town.Alongside the stadium, which would have a capacity of up to 23,000, the plans incorporate 550 apartments across eight blocks, a flexible educational, community and commercial space and an entertainment, music and conference venue.Hotel accommodation, retail and food and drink units, a food store and 1,200 parking spaces complete the scheme.The application has been recommended for approval, subject to referral to the secretary of state.According to a report to be scrutinised by Luton councillors next week, the development would bring a redundant brownfield site back into use and lift the existing townscape.The scale of the development would not be out of character with the locale while enhancing the appearance of the area, providing attractive public realm and helping to connect the site.The stadium itself would add a “unique building to the area” and any impact on St Mary’s Church, the Plaiters Lea Conservation Area and archaeological remains in the vicinity would be outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal.Now vacant and cleared, the 21.2-acre application site was historically in industrial use and previously accommodated the River Lea Boiler Works and Electricity Works.The council is set to examine an application for the associated Newlands Park mixed-use development later this month.