New warehouse could create NINE HUNDRED jobs in Northampton

An artist's impression showing the size of the new warehouse on Brackmills Industrial Estate

An application to build a warehouse at a Northampton industrial estate which could accommodate around 900 jobs when complete has been given the go-ahead.

Newlands Development Limited applied to Northampton Borough Council to provide new warehouse and distribution floorspace at the Brackmills Industrial Estate at Liliput Road near the A428.

The borough council's planning committee approved the application on March 16 subject to a series of conditions including a Section 106 agreement to secure a contribution to construction training.

The report stated: 'The proposal would contribute to the provision of employment within the borough and would not have an undue detrimental impact on the appearance and character of the wider area, nor result in any undue harm to residential amenity, parking, flood risk and highway safety.'

The outline application is for the demolition of the existing building and structures and redevelopment to provide new warehouse and distribution floorspace with ancillary office accommodation, access from Liliput Road, with service yards, parking, landscaping and other associated infrastructure.

The site is located on the western and northern sides of Liliput Road. It comprises a large warehouse building with associated parking and currently has four existing vehicle access points from Liliput Road.

Steve Harley, the agent speaking on behalf of the applicant, addressed the committee. He said: "The redeveloped site is likely to accommodate in the region of 900 jobs when complete, more than were onsite when occupied by Howdens.

"Albeit in outline, the proposals include measures to achieve high levels of energy efficiency and contribution towards a low carbon economy with a commitment to a minimum of BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment) Very Good standards for the buildings plus delivery of things like EV (electric vehicle) charging points and a low emissions vehicle strategy.

"We've worked hard and constructively with officers to agree a set of planning conditions which will secure a quality development and will enable onsite clearance to begin as soon as possible.

"That's important given the length of process that will take, it's a big building as you've heard."