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Publication: BBC News
Date: May 30, 2012
URL: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-northamptonshire-18264956?print=true

Plans for a £10m development including a Hindu temple in Northampton have been approved by borough councillors.

The site off Lings way would include sports and leisure facilities, sheltered housing and the temple for Hindhu religious practices.

The plans were initially submitted in 2010 and met opposition from residents over increases in traffic and parking.

The Indian Hindu Welfare Organisation (IHWO) said it would now start fundraising for the project.

Nikul Odedra, from the IHWO, said: "We've designed the building so that it is modern and eco-friendly.

"The roof space will be made from green and organic material which will attract wildlife habitation. We will also use solar technology to heat and energise the building."

The IHWO said the building would also make use of geothermal technology to capture heat from the ground.

To answer concerns about traffic and parking in the area the IHWO said surveys had been done to check potential problems.

Neelam Aggarwal from the IHWO said: "More than 50% of the Hindu population in Northampton live in this area so people will be able to walk to the temple."