Chron readers have their say after Northampton North West Relief Road is green lit despite 200 letters of objection

Chronicle & Echo readers have voiced their distaste that the controversial North West Relief Road was granted planning permission this week despite more than 200 letters of objection.

The plan for a 1.9km bypass in the north of the town has been in the oven for over 30 years but was approved on Tuesday (September 22) by the county council's own Development Control Committee.

But the green light comes after the council received more than 200 letters of objection and not a single letter of approval in a consultation. Further, 1,200 people signed a petition against the scheme.

Campaigns against the plan were spearheaded by the Whitehills and Spring Park Residents' Association (WASPRA) who repeatedly criticised the route over the last five years with their own traffic survey to prove it would not save commuters time like the council says it would.

It has also been stated the second objective of the road - would run between Harlestone Road and Welford Road - is to open up surrounding area for housing development.

Now, following the plan's approval on Monday, the Chron's readers have reacted with distaste at the results.

"That's what a public consulation is all about," said Chron reader Mark Mayes. "You listen to our objections and then ignore it."

Another reader, Erica Barnes, wrote: "Once again, our council totally ignores the views of the voters who put them where they are because they think they know better than we do. So patronising."

Seven of the eight councillors on the committee sided with planning officers. The only councillor to object, Councillor Graham Lawman, said: “I agree we need to build new roads. But I’m a bit aggrieved because this claims to be a relief road but it isn’t. I’m concerned there are more detriments to local residents than there is benefit.”

Following the approval, WASPRA Co-chair wrote on the Northern Orbital Route and North West Relief Road Facebook page: "Most of the Councillors approving this application do not live anywhere near the NWRR area. So they have not a clue of the issues of congestion and local residents concerns. If it was in their own back yard, they would be up in arms."

Another Chron reader wrote: "This isn't progress, it's decimation of this once beautiful country for the sake of so called progress. It is a tragedy waiting to happen"

And reader Pat McDonald said: "I do agree that the public’s views have been ignored, but who is responsible for selling the land to the council so they can go ahead with their plans?"

Construction work on the relief road must start within three years of today’s date.