Local campaigner Mike Fuller is backing plans to build a large Hindu temple on Lings Way.  The project is also expected to be backed by councillors next week.

The £12 million project was first unveiled by the Indian Hindu Welfare Association in 2008 and would see a temple built in Lings Way, as well as six sheltered housing units, a priest’s house and a games area.  The complex would also have a gift shop, gym, creche, cafe, visitor centre and library.

Mike Fuller said “this facility will prove to be a great asset to the local community and we are fortunate that the project will go ahead in our area, providing much needed leisure facilities – adding to the other work like play areas and youth clubs backed by your local Lib Dems.

In a report which will be seen by members of Northampton Borough Council’s planning committee next week, the authority’s planning officer, Richard Boyt, said the development should be backed.  He said: “The proposals are primarily for a recreation and religious development that will go some way to serve community sustainability.  It’s acknowledged this is a community hub that will not serve everyone’s needs, but more a specialist centre serving a wider community.  But it is considered that by allowing community access, the centre will go some way to being more closely integrated with all sections of the local community.”

In his report, Mr Boyt described the temple as being ‘dramatic and distinctive’ with influences from ‘the close continent, the far continents, post-modern architecture and the ‘new town’ vernacular’  He admits the development would be on a council-owned play area, but points out the new facilities would be open to the public, adding: “The loss of leisure space is unfortunate, but in reality the land is degraded and not of special importance. Replacing the leisure space with publicly available recreation space is suitable compensation.”

The temple would have a number of spires reaching up to almost 60ft. It would also have 190 car parking spaces and room for six coaches.

Mike Fuller will attend a meeting with members of the council’s planning committee who will discuss the development plans on Tuesday, October 19, but a final decision on whether the development should go ahead will be made by the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation later in the year.