A second say for residents on how and where 19,000 homes are built across Northampton

The new Local Plan Part 2 will replace the old Local Plan that was agreed in 1997, and is going out for a second consultation with residents after agreement at the latest Northampton Borough Council virtual cabinet meeting on June 10.

Councillor James Hill, cabinet member for planning, said: “This subject matter might seem a little dry at first glance, but it is absolutely vital that people take the opportunity to comment.

“In this part of the Local Plan, we are identifying areas within the borough which could see development in the future, some of which will certainly impact on the surrounding communities.

“For people just to say they don’t want development in their areas isn’t an option, though, they will need to provide sound reasons why.

“We also like to hear from those who would support any of the local plan’s content where they feel it would benefit their community.

“Our last consultation on this document generated a sizeable response which led to significant changes and we are keen to receive feedback on the result.”

The previous consultation generated 93 responses, and more than 900 comments on separate parts of the Plan. The highest number of objections came from Great Houghton residents, who opposed the allocation of a site at The Green for housing. It appears however that no change has been made to the proposals at The Green in the second draft.

New additions following the first round of consultation however are policies that ensure hot food takeaways are only permitted if there are 400 metres away from any school; and policies on design and layout have been strengthened to reflect the Council’s commitment on climate change and also give clearer, more practical guidance on public health considerations.

And a policy on health and wellbeing now includes a requirement for health impact assessments for major developments.

Liberal Democrat leader Councillor Sally Beardsworth ‘welcomed the new’ additions, but questioned whether the new Plan would be ‘curtailed’ by the reorganisation of local government that will see the borough council replaced with a new unitary authority – West Northamptonshire Council – next Spring.

She said: “No having a local plan in place leaves our communities vulnerable to development happening in the wrong way and in the wrong place.

“It’s important that local people have the opportunity to have their say, either electronically, digitally or with a good old fashioned pen.”

The council’s head of planning, Peter Baguley, said that the latest consultation is expected to run from July 13 until August 24, with ambitions to submit the plan in December for a public inspection next April. It would then be adopted under the new unitary council in September 2021. It would cover a period of development up until 2029.