REVISED plans for AltonÕs new library were due to be scrutinised this Wednesday by Alton Town CouncilÕs planning and transportation committee.
While the first plan was felt to be Òtoo futuristicÓ and therefore ÒinappropriateÓ for the conservation area in which the library is to be built, the mark II version appears more utilitarian.
While described by Alton Society chairman Geoff Nicholas as Òconsiderably better than the first planÓ, there is still concern that the architect has been given too little land to work with and that the resulting building may be smaller than ideal for a town of AltonÕs size and catchment area.
The aim is to demolish the existing 1950s Nissen hut and to replace it with a development of three-bedroom mews houses, which will be subject to a separate application, and a three-storey library.
Said to have evolved from Òkey environmental and functional needsÓ, the design of the new library will revolve around a steel frame with composite concrete floors.
Located within a conservation area, according to county architect Martin Hallum, the materials have been selected on the strength of their contextual and environmental quality.
They will comprise Òbricks, plane tiles and external quality timber traditionally combined to create a building of modest proportionÓ.
With a public car park opposite the intention is to promote a green plan for the library which will deter vehicular traffic to the site and cater more for pedestrians, cyclists and those with walking aids.
Despite 55 per cent of visitors recorded as arriving by car, there will be just three car parking spaces on site and a dedicated lay-by is proposed to service the library and provide level access for the disabled.
There is said to be no requirement or provision for a mobile library within the new proposals and the existing facility is to be relocated.