Inquiry will decide future of lift tower

Homes are being built near the tower

The future of the Northampton lift tower will be decided by a public inquiry in the summer.

The inquiry concerning the demolition of the Grade II listed former Express lift-testing site will take place on 8 July, it was announced on Thursday.

Wilcon Homes, which is building houses around the site, wants the tower demolished.

The timetable has been drawn up for a final decision on the 127 metre high tower in St James.

Public's views

The decision will lie with an inspector appointed by the government.

Members of the public have had the chance to express their views in writing.

The closing date passed on 10 January.

People who wish to express their opinions can still attend the inquiry at the Guildhall in Northampton.

The inspector will decide who is allowed to speak.

The building is the only lift-testing tower in the UK - and one of only two in Europe.

The tower was opened by the Queen in November 1982 and was Grade II listed in 1997.