LAND around Howard Street is today undergoing a residential revival. Housing is rising out of old industrial sites in what is believed to be a period of regeneration in the area.

LAND around Howard Street is today undergoing a residential revival.

Housing is rising out of old industrial sites in what is believed to be a period of regeneration in the area.

A £3million project, by Maxwell Wallace Homes, is concreting over the land of bankrupt double glazing company C&R Windows, which was run by Ross Turtill – who was declared bankrupt last year.

During bankruptcy hearings it emerged that Mr Turtill hid £37,000 under his bed to keep it away from creditors.

A total of 19 homes are being built on the site, which also included the former building of Needhams Contracts, the company now building the properties.

Part of the scheme involves paying £34,000 towards county council education costs and £18,000 for a play area on the new site.

When plans to build the two-and-a-half storey houses were submitted last year, they were met by angry residents who felt they were out of keeping with the area, which has mainly two-storey buildings.

Some people are also concerned about the amount of building work taking place.

But Maxwell Wallace Homes managing director Ray Sallows says he has taken on board some of the views of the objectors and he feels the development will be for the benefit of the community.

He said: "We have sympathy with people who have lived in the area all their lives. Of course they don't like change but we believe it is for the better.

"Businesses generate more traffic than people living in houses. The amount of traffic movement here has been colossal."

Councillor Sandy Martin is in favour of converting the obsolete brown field sites with "sensible" housing development.

He said: "All the industry in Howard Street has gone. I don't think mixing residential housing and industry makes sense and I am very much in favour of residential development where it is sensible."

Six houses and one bungalow have been pencilled in on the opposite side of the road, to be overseen by Country Homes Developments, with other work being carried out on land adjacent to Parkside Referral Unit in Spring Road.

A borough council spokeswoman said: "85 per cent of new houses are being built on brown field sites and it is something they are looking to continue."

Mr Martin added: "We want housing to be at a sensible level, but if they try to cram too many in then the borough council needs to prevent it."

What do you think about the plans in Howard Street? Ring Simon Tomlinson on 01473 324801 or email simon.tomlinson@eveningstar.co.uk