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Towcester could soon benefit from a major new employment zone says commercial property agent Prop-Search as a £60 million project to create approaching 3,000 new homes and jobs moves a step closer to fruition.
South Northamptonshire councillors have now voted in favour of plans put forward by Persimmon Homes and Bloor Homes for a major development on farmland to the south of the town, comprising of 2,750 houses, three employment areas, two local centres, two primary schools and leisure facilities.
Developers Persimmon Homes and Bloor Homes' proposals for the scheme include 15.4 hectares of employment land, of which 22,000 sq m is earmarked for office and light industrial use, and a new relief road connecting the A5 with the A43. The application also proposes a 1.1 hectare main local centre with a 500 sq m supermarket, up to six other shops, a pub/restaurant, medical centre, community hall, and a 200-bed hotel and conference centre
During the construction phase of the development, it is estimated that 4,125 constructions jobs will be created. And once the scheme is completed will generate around 2,800 new permanent jobs for the area.
Plans for the development were first submitted to West Northamptonshire Development Corporation in 2007, but South Northamptonshire Council became responsible for the application following the transfer back of planning powers for major schemes last year. Since dealing with the application, officers have negotiated amendments to the proposals to ensure the scheme met council and community objectives, which both improved the scheme and addressed concerns raised by consultees and third parties.
South Northamptonshire Council will now commence with negotiating the terms of a legal agreement which is expected to take a couple of months with a formal decision expected to be made before the end of the year.
The Moat Lane scheme in Towcester town centre has also taken a step forward. Archaeological investigations have now been completed which allow for the demolition of old garages on Northampton Road, an old print works on Whittons Lane and other small buildings.
Phase One of the scheme involves the construction of a new community building and the infrastructure to enable future phases, likely to include new retail units and business premises, strengthening and adding value to the existing town centre.
Further information or advice can be obtained from Prop-Search - Tel: 01604 492000 / 01933 223300 or its website: www.prop-search.com