Public consultation proposed for further modifications to Northampton Local Plan

A six-week public consultation on further main modifications to the second part of the Northampton Local Plan is proposed to start on 7 November.

Any public consultation will be dependent on the Planning Policy Committee approving the consultation during its meeting next Tuesday, Ocotber 25.

If approved, a link to complete the consultation online will be published and hardcopies of the documentation and response forms will be available at the One Stop Shop at the Guildhall in Northampton and council-owned libraries, Northampton Town Council and some parish council offices across the town.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) says that the Local Plan Part 2 is a major planning policy document that will help guide planning decisions throughout Northampton up to 2029.

In July 2022, WNC consulted the public on Proposed Modifications to the Plan as Planning Inspectors considered that these modifications were necessary to make the plan sound.

Having reviewed the comments received on the proposed modifications, the Inspectors recommended that further Main Modifications should be consulted on.

Main Modifications involve changes or insertions to policies and text that are essential to enable the plan to be adopted.

This consultation relates to two sites. The further main modification proposed for the site at The Green, Great Houghton provides additional details on access and connectivity arrangements.

The further main modification proposed for the site at Ransome Road reduces the number of dwellings to be provided on the site.

At this stage in the plan-making process, the Planning Inspectors can only consider representations relating to these further main modifications.

Cllr Rebecca Breese, WNC’s Cabinet Member for strategic planning, built environment and rural affairs, said: “Once adopted, the plan will have long lasting impact on the growth and quality of life Northampton.

"As such it deserves very careful consideration and once adopted, we can be sure it will be able to withstand the very toughest tests it may face."