"WNDC Is Failing" says former Planning Chairman.

12.01.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th May 2008

Cllr. John Yates

"The West Northamptonshire Development Corporation is failing in its role of delivering the housing numbers required by Government" claims Borough and County Councillor John Yates, (Lib Dem, Boughton Green)

Cllr. Yates, a former Chairman of the Planning Committee of Northampton Borough Council had put in a request under the Freedom of Information Act to find out the number of homes that had been granted planning permission, and the number built since the formation of the Development Corporation.

Figures released by the quango show that during the time period April 2006 to 31st. March 2008 only 1,696 homes have been given permission. During this time a total of 3,984 homes were built across the area administered by WNDC, of these the WNDC could only account for just over 100 homes from the permissions it had granted.

"This goes to show that West Northamptonshire Development Corporation is failing to fulfil its strategic aim of providing homes to meet the Governments housing targets for West Northamptonshire" says Councillor Yates. "The figures prove that the local authorities have delivered more homes than WNDC, and it raises the question as to whether its continued existence can be justified."

"Unfortunately WNDC is a fact of life, and whilst it exists then local politicians have a duty to try and influence its role and its work, and to ensure that the views of local residents are taken into account when developments are planned. It must also insure that appropriate infrastructure is put into place, not just new roads, but also schools and health facilities, and that all developments meet a high environmental sustainable standard and are carbon neutral.

If it is to succeed it must do much better than it has so far" he added.