Plan for congestion-busting link road in Northampton could be submitted by Christmas

Last year St James Residents' Association members said they were frustrated there had still been no movement on plans to create a link road in St James. However the county and borough councilsnow say the plan could be ready by Christmas.

Northamptonshire County Council says it has drilled for six “core samples” which will help inform its design of a new section of road between the southern end of St James Mill Road and Towcester Road.

A planning application for the development is now expected to be submitted by Christmas, which could result in a start of work on-site by the end of this financial year.

Northampton Borough Council’s cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Tim Hadland (Con, Old Duston) said: “We’re looking forward to work starting on this development, which should be of great benefit to businesses in the area.

“These core samples will provide information about the various strata underlying the area where the road is to go. This should allow the county council to devise a scheme which will stand the test of time.

“Once complete, the link will offer businesses on the St James Mill Road estate, and the wider Northampton Waterside Enterprise Zone, improved access to their businesses.”

The work is being part funded by South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Growth Fund.

The project will be run by the Northamptonshire County Council, as highways authority, on behalf of Northampton Borough Council, which is in discussion with businesses needing direct access onto the new stretch of road.