Give your views on plans for the future of Daventry District

Media Release

27 November 2017

Give your views on plans for the future of Daventry District

People living and working in Daventry District are being encouraged to get involved in an important planning consultation on the future of the area.

Over the next nine weeks, Daventry District Council (DDC) is urging people to give their views on the emerging draft Settlements and Countryside Local Plan. This is a significant planning policy document, containing detailed guidance that would help shape local decision-making on future planning issues.

In particular, the draft Plan identifies four sites in Daventry for building about 1,200 extra new homes over the next 12 years to meet the town’s housing needs:

• 800 homes in South West Daventry on land opposite the Grange estate, along the A45 between the A361 and A425.
• Extending Micklewell Park by 180 homes.
• An additional 100 homes on land at Middlemore, Daventry.
• 120 homes in Daventry as part of the proposed WaterSpace and retail developments at Eastern Way.

The document also sets out proposals to create ‘green wedges’ on the town’s surrounding areas to protect the nearby villages of Welton, Staverton, Braunston and Norton.

Other features of the Draft Plan include:

• A ‘hierarchy’ for the future development of villages and hamlets in Daventry District. This determines where future development would be both prioritised and restricted.
• A new Parish Annex policy to protect a number of important local green spaces suggested by parish councils.
• Creating up to 25 additional hectares of employment land in Daventry, including extending Heartlands and Apex business parks and a further site – Daventry South East Gateway. There is a particular focus on buildings for smaller businesses the area needs to thrive.
• An update on the needs of Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople, setting out the number of plots and pitches required over the next 12 years to meet the standards set by Government.
• Proposals to protect the District’s distinctive landscapes, biodiversity and history, as well as leisure facilities and green spaces.

The consultation starts today (Monday, 27 November) and runs until Friday, 26 January 2018. Residents are encouraged to attend a series of public exhibitions to find out more about the Draft plan. These will be held at Weedon, Naseby, Moulton, Daventry, Welford, Crick, Long Buckby, Woodford Halse and Brixworth over the next two weeks.

Following the consultation, DDC will then consider the responses received. They will be taken into account in preparing the proposed submission version of the Plan which will be consulted on in summer 2018, followed by an examination of the Plan by an Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State. Adoption is anticipated to take place in summer 2019.

Councillor Alan Chantler, Daventry District Council’s Strategic Planning Portfolio Holder said: “This draft Local Plan will play an important role in the future development of our District and the whole community has a real opportunity to help shape the document by joining in this consultation.

“We are grateful to everyone who gave their views and comments during the Issues and Options consultation in early 2016. All this feedback has been taken into account in preparing this draft Plan.

“I would encourage as many residents and businesses as possible to look through the document and give their views, or come along to one of the public exhibitions to find out more.”

How to take part in the consultation

The consultation on the Emerging Draft Settlements and Countryside Local Plan (Part 2) takes place between 27 November 2017 and 26 January 2018.

Members of the Local Strategy Team will be available to answer questions at a series of public exhibitions:

Venue

Date

Time

Weedon Village Hall Annex

Tuesday 28th November

3pm-7pm

Naseby Village Hall

Wednesday 29th November

3pm-7pm

Moulton Library

Thursday 30th November

2pm-6pm

Daventry Library

Friday 1st December

10am-6pm

Welford Village Hall

Monday 4th December

3pm-7pm

Crick Old School

Tuesday 5th December

3pm-7pm

Long Buckby Community Centre

Wednesday 6th December

3pm-7pm

Dryden Hall, Woodford Halse

Wednesday 6th December

3pm-7pm

Brixworth Library

Thursday 7th December

2pm-6pm

· View the Draft Plan, consultation documents and all supporting background information at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/localplan or at the Daventry District Council Offices in Lodge Road, Daventry or at local libraries.

· Complete the comments form online at www.daventrydc.gov.uk/localplan. Parish councils are also welcome to nominate Local Green Spaces using a specific form available on the website.

· Hard copies are available upon request from the Local Strategy Service – email planningpolicy@daventrydc.gov.uk or call 01327 302559. Hard copies can be returned to by post to Local Strategy Service, Daventry District Council, Lodge Road, Daventry, NN11 4FP or to the above email address.