The Proposals
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The Wootton Consortium, composed of David Wilson Homes, English Partnerships (EP), Harcourt Developments, Martin Grant Homes and Twigden Homes, is developing proposals for a comprehensively planned urban extension of Northampton, to the east and south of Wootton and Hardingstone.
The proposals aim to deliver the growth confirmed in the Milton Keynes and South Midlands Sub Regional Strategy (2005) and be incorporated into the emerging West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy being prepared by the Joint Planning Unit, comprising Daventry, Northampton and South Northamptonshire Councils.
The West Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit has produced its Issues and Options document regarding growth in Northamptonshire and the area to the south east of Northampton, part of which is controlled by the Consortium, has been identified as a possible growth area in two out of the three main options.
The Consortium, is considering the possibility of future development in the area in more detail. This involves extensive background work to consider issues including community facilities, education provision, public transport and drainage. Archaeology is one such consideration which the Consortium is investigating. The Consortium is currently undertaking Phase II intrusive ground investigation. They are looking at slope stability, ground conditions and environmental issues based on past and current uses and percolation in reference to sustainable drainage.
The Consortium is committed to delivering a sustainable neighbourhood with new infrastructure, including new primary schools, local shopping facilities, local employment opportunities, public open space, public transport, community facilities and new landscape and habitats. The scale of housing will be determined by the preparation of a Strategic Masterplan and could be around 4,000 to 5,000 dwellings, including affordable homes to meet local needs. The masterplan will integrate existing site features such as topography, Wootton Brook and other watercourses, hedgerows and trees.
Proposed development will comply with the Code for Sustainable Homes, the new national standard for sustainable building practice, and achieve the required reductions in carbon emissions and water usage.