Landowner of controversially delayed Northampton relief road hints at completion in coming months
A Government department which owns land in Northampton where an unfinished 'relief road' runs through says ‘it is hoped the road will be finished within the next few months’.
The northern section of the Sandy Lane Relief Road (SLRR), between Duston and Harpole, partially opened in June 2024 after a year of construction delays and a two-month postponement. This section, starting from Berrywood Road, reopened via a temporary link.
However, the southern section, which connects to the A4500, remains unresolved. Fenced off since 2009, this stretch has been dubbed the "road to nowhere" as it still hasn't been completed or opened.
The land it sits on is owned by Homes England, which is currently in discussions with West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) to resolve the issue.
This newspaper contacted Homes England for comment, which said it ‘it is hoped that works may be completed on the SLRR within the next few months’.
This newspaper also asked Homes England why the road has remained unconnected and fenced off since 2009. They referred us to WNC, which has not yet responded.
A Homes England spokeswoman said: “Delivery of the SLRR is a priority for WNC, and we are currently in discussions with the council about works to enable the completion, adoption, and early opening of the road which runs through land owned by Homes England, known as Upton Lodge.
“The relatively recent completion and opening of the section of the SLRR that runs through land to the north, known as Norwood Farm (not owned by Homes England), will enable these sections to be connected.
“Subject to further agreement with WNC, it is hoped that works may be completed on the Sandy Lane Relief Road (SLRR) within the next few months.
“Homes England fully supports the delivery of the SLRR, which will be a major benefit for the delivery of our residential scheme at Upton Lodge.”
The planning application that Homes England refers to for the Upton Lodge development involves a residential development of up to 1,400 homes, including a mixed-use local centre with retail, healthcare, and community facilities, a new primary school, areas of public open space, play provision, structured landscaping, internal roads, and all associated infrastructure.
These plans were submitted in January 2017, with a target decision date set for 31 January 2020. It is now October 2024, and the application status still reads 'awaiting completion of legal agreement.'
The Chronicle and Echo asked WNC last week seeking an update on the legal agreement, what is causing the delay, and if there is an estimated timeline for its completion.
A WNC spokesman said: “This planning application does have a resolution to grant permission from the former Northampton Borough Council Planning Committee and the associated legal agreement is nearing completion. The legal agreement includes open space provision, off site highway works, public transport infrastructure, primary school provision of a 1.9ha land transfer and funding for a two-form entry primary school, a healthcare contribution, provision of local community facilities, construction employment scheme and maintenance of sustainable urban drainage.
"The negotiations over the finer details of the legal agreement, particularly around highway improvements and cost has taken a considerable period which accounts for the delay. The Council hopes to be able to issue the formal planning permission in the near future.”
WNC Leader Councillor Adam Brown previously said that the southern section should be fully opened before the end of 2024.