Scott Collins looking across the site of the proposed Towcester Vale development
Towcester Liberal Democrats welcome the proposed return of Planning Decisions from the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation to South Northamptonshire Council. However, there is a need for SNC to make sure that local people have an effective input into how Towcester develops.
The future shape and size of Towcester has relied on the judgment of the non-elected WNDC Towcester Planning Committee. To date only three applications have been considered by this body, the major development to the south of the town, the Aldi Supermarket site on the north end of Watling Street and the Moat Lane redevelopment site. The major development has yet to be considered as the applicant is amending their proposals. The Aldi application was approved despite genuine local concerns about traffic congestion, the impact on existing town businesses and its inappropriate location given the proposed expansion to the south of Towcester.
The Moat Lane redevelopment proposal has proved controversial and local people feel their views have been ignored.
Chris Lofts, Towcester Town Councillor and Liberal Democrat said that;
‘Bringing planning decisions back to South Northamptonshire Council is to be applauded. WNDC have a role in the overall strategic planning of Northamptonshire but should focus on larger infrastructure issues such as roads like the much needed Towcester By-pass.
We do challenge SNC, though, to let Towcester residents have a greater say in how Towcester develops. SNC should set up a Towcester Development Group to feed into the planning process. This group should have representatives of the Town Council, local Businesses and Residents. SNC has a real opportunity to show it values and respects the views of the local community.’
Scott Collins, Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for South Northamptonshire advised that:
‘With the Localism Bill being proposed in the Autumn by the Coalition Government it is important that localism is taken seriously by SNC.
It must mean local input at all levels of local government and probably most importantly the local planning system. For a growth area like Towcester it would be an abject failure of the ethos behind localism if local people did not have a real say in the developments in their town.
I hope the recent lack of understanding or comprehension from South Northants Council for local views on Moat Lane makes them realise that local people must be listened to.
So in short if SNC has nothing to fear from strong local scrutiny and involvement then I am sure they will accept the challenge.’
Editors Note
The Government is proposing to return development control planning powers to Northampton Borough Council, South Northants Council and Daventry District Council from the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation from April 2011.
The Localism Bill was announced in the Coalition Government’s legislative programme for 2010. The purpose of the Bill is to devolve greater powers to councils and neighbourhoods and give local communities control over housing and planning decisions.
The main benefits of the Bill would be:
Empowering local people.
Freeing local government from central and regional control.
Giving local communities a real share in local growth.
A more efficient and more local planning system
For further information contact Chris Lofts on 01327 354396.
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