Green spaces in the east of Northampton to get maximum protection after resounding referendum result

Peter Strachan, of the Growing Together group, carrying out the neighbourhood plan consultation in the East of Northampton. The plan has now been approved by a public vote.

Residents of Blackthorn, Goldings, Lings, Lumbertubs and Overstone Lodge voted in favour of introducing a new neighbourhood plan for the area, with 91 per cent voting "yes" in last week's referendum.

More than 1,000 people braved Storm Doris on Thursday, February 23, to cast their ballot paper.

The Plan had been drawn up over almost three years by community organisation Growing Together and gives "maximum protection" to 11 "much-loved" areas of public green space.

It will also limit the scale of new housing developments - other than on two derelict former school sites - and will require developers to follow guidelines to ensure that any new developments "discourage crime and anti-social behaviour."

Chair of Growing Together, Andrea McAuliffe, said: “I’m delighted that so many local people have turned out to approve the work we’ve done over the past three years.

"This result will now ensure that the community’s voice is heard loud and clear when future planning decisions affecting the area are taken.

"It’s been a model of partnership working, and I’d like to thank all the local residents and the many organisations who’ve helped us get to this stage.”

The group consulted with Northamptonshire Police and Northampton Borough Council in drawing up the plan, which also involved a widespread consultation with people living in the estates.

For more information head to the Growing Together website here.