Councils working together to plan the future

10.36.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 24th Jul 2007

Where in our area should 40,000 new homes go? What kind of houses and services do we need? And what sort of jobs will be required over the next 20 years?

These questions are at the heart of a new plan that will be created for the West Northamptonshire area covering Northampton, Daventry and South Northamptonshire. The government has identified Northamptonshire for development and this new plan, known as the Joint Core Strategy, will be used by councils to shape the development of the West Northamptonshire area over the next 20 years.

Northampton, Daventry and South Northamptonshire councils need people's views on the issues that this growth raises, and the options for dealing with them. A discussion paper is being published that will give the public the opportunity to have their say and influence plans.

The three councils have formed a joint planning unit and are working together to set the framework for a detailed public consultation exercise that will begin in September.

Cllr. Tony Woods, Leader of the Lib Dems on Northampton Borough Council

Councillor Tony Woods, Liberal Democrat Leader of Northampton Borough Council said: "The first stage of the process is a report that is being put before each of the three councils' Cabinet or Board meetings in the next week. In Northampton this report will be submitted to cabinet on 30 July. If approved, this will provide the basis for the questions we will put to our residents."

"Nothing has been decided yet, and the public's views will be essential in creating the Joint Core Strategy. This will form the blueprint for future development and will be the document referred to when planning decisions are made. We will be asking questions such as 'how do we enhance public spaces and buildings in the town?' and 'how do we deal with providing homes and services for the future?'"

The West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy issues and options discussion paper is available online at www.northampton.gov.uk