Joint Core Strategy - Proposed Main Modifications

Section 12.0 - Northampton

Ref	Page	Policy/ Paragraph	Notes	Proposed Main Modification	Reason for Change
MM41	128	Paragraphs 12.23 and 12.27	Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.	Amend Paragraphs 12.23 and 12.27 as follows: “12.23 Cowpasture Spinney a tree belt some 50m to 60m wide borders the north eastern edge of the SUE and to the south east is a second tree belt approximately 35m wide known as Coleman Leys. Billing Brook watercourse flows along the eastern and southern boundaries of the SUE passing through Cowpasture Spinney and flowing into Overstone Park Lake. Due to the landscape features and topography the SUE has a high level of visual containment although this diminishes to the north of the site.” “12.27 The Northampton North SUE can capitalise on its position to create high value jobs in the technology and research and development sector. The Proposals Map (Figure 5 at the end of the JCS) indicates an area within the SUE of about 7ha which will be retained for a Northampton Technology Realm located in the northern part of the SUE. It will provide a 'gateway' feature into the town from the approach along the A43. (See Policy E3, Economic Advantage, in Section 8 of this JCS). The allocated site will provide for a mixed use development of homes, jobs, community facilities including school provision, retail and leisure and green open space. A dedicated employment area of about 10ha will provide local employment opportunities but will not prejudice Employment uses within the SUE must be of an appropriate scale to ensure that major office expansion and leisure development within Northampton Central Area is not prejudiced.”	Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

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Reason for Change

MM41

128

Paragraphs 12.23 and 12.27

Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

Amend Paragraphs 12.23 and 12.27 as follows:

“12.23 Cowpasture Spinney a tree belt some 50m to 60m wide borders the north eastern edge of the SUE and to the south east is a second tree belt approximately 35m wide known as Coleman Leys. Billing Brook watercourse flows along the eastern and southern boundaries of the SUE passing through Cowpasture Spinney and flowing into Overstone Park Lake. Due to the landscape features and topography the SUE has a high level of visual containment although this diminishes to the north of the site.”

“12.27 The Northampton North SUE can capitalise on its position to create high value jobs in the technology and research and development sector. The Proposals Map (Figure 5 at the end of the JCS) indicates an area within the SUE of about 7ha which will be retained for a Northampton Technology Realm located in the northern part of the SUE. It will provide a 'gateway' feature into the town from the approach along the A43. (See Policy E3, Economic Advantage, in Section 8 of this JCS). The allocated site will provide for a mixed use development of homes, jobs, community facilities including school provision, retail and leisure and green open space. A dedicated employment area of about 10ha will provide local employment opportunities but will not prejudice Employment uses within the SUE must be of an appropriate scale to ensure that major office expansion and leisure development within Northampton Central Area is not prejudiced.”

Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

Ref	Page	Policy/ Paragraph	Notes	Proposed Main Modification	Reason for Change
MM42	129	Policy N3	Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.	Amend the first and fourth bullet points of Policy N3 as follows: “*IN THE REGION OF 2,000* 3,500 DWELLINGS; “A TOTAL OF APPROXIMATELY 10HA OF LAND FOR LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES;**”	Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

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MM42

129

Policy N3

Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

Amend the first and fourth bullet points of Policy N3 as follows:

“IN THE REGION OF 2,000 3,500 DWELLINGS;

“A TOTAL OF APPROXIMATELY 10HA OF LAND FOR LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES;”

Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

Ref	Page	Policy/ Paragraph	Notes	Proposed Main Modification	Reason for Change
MM43	131	Policy N4	Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector. Revised wording proposed in the JPU Statement to Examination Hearing Session 10.	Amend paragraphs 12.31 and 12.32 as follows: “12.31 The Northampton Landscape Sensitivity Study identifies this part of the that much of the site is within a landscape classed as being of low to medium sensitivity and therefore less sensitive to change. The majority of the SUE is contained within the lower parts of the topography and its development must preserve key landmark views, such as that to St Crispin's Tower to the east. Areas of structural green space to be incorporated within the development are indicatively shown on the Proposals Map (Figure 5 at the end of the JCS) and an ecological assessment should identify how these areas of structural green space will positively address the enhancement of biodiversity within the area of the SUE. 12.32. Within the SUE area there are no identified heritage constraints and no areas of strategic flood plain. The diversity of ecology within the site can be improved through appropriate structural landscaping, open space and creation of habitat corridors. Of particular importance is the protection of the villages of Harlestone and Harpole in their countryside settings. In this respect development to the south of Roman Road should not extend beyond the 115m contour and the ridgeline should be protected by an extensive green buffer along the southern boundary of the site.” Amend the first and fifth bullet points of Policy N4 as follows: *“ IN THE REGION OF 1,500* 2550 DWELLINGS;”** “NECESSARY HIGHWAYS WORKS TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF THE DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE NORTH WEST BYPASS AND THE A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROVEMENTS TO THE KINGSTHORPE CORRIDOR (A508) INCLUDING THE COCK HOTEL JUNCTION;”	Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector. To reflect the updated evidence base, which demonstrates that Northampton West SUE has no impact on the Cock Hotel Junction.

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MM43

131

Policy N4

Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

Revised wording proposed in the JPU Statement to Examination Hearing Session 10.

Amend paragraphs 12.31 and 12.32 as follows:

“12.31 The Northampton Landscape Sensitivity Study identifies this part of the that much of the site is within a landscape classed as being of low to medium sensitivity and therefore less sensitive to change. The majority of the SUE is contained within the lower parts of the topography and its development must preserve key landmark views, such as that to St Crispin's Tower to the east. Areas of structural green space to be incorporated within the development are indicatively shown on the Proposals Map (Figure 5 at the end of the JCS) and an ecological assessment should identify how these areas of structural green space will positively address the enhancement of biodiversity within the area of the SUE.

12.32. Within the SUE area there are no identified heritage constraints and no areas of strategic flood plain. The diversity of ecology within the site can be improved through appropriate structural landscaping, open space and creation of habitat corridors. Of particular importance is the protection of the villages of Harlestone and Harpole in their countryside settings. In this respect development to the south of Roman Road should not extend beyond the 115m contour and the ridgeline should be protected by an extensive green buffer along the southern boundary of the site.”

Amend the first and fifth bullet points of Policy N4 as follows:

“ IN THE REGION OF 1,500 2550 DWELLINGS;”

“NECESSARY HIGHWAYS WORKS TO MITIGATE THE IMPACT OF THE DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE NORTH WEST BYPASS AND THE A FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION TO IMPROVEMENTS TO THE KINGSTHORPE CORRIDOR (A508) INCLUDING THE COCK HOTEL JUNCTION;”

Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

To reflect the updated evidence base, which demonstrates that Northampton West SUE has no impact on the Cock Hotel Junction.

Ref	Page	Policy/ Paragraph	Notes	Proposed Main Modification	Reason for Change
MM44	133 - 134	Paragraphs 12.44, 12.46, 12.48 and Policy N6	Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.	Amend Paragraphs 12.44, 12.46 and 12.48 and Policy N6 as follows: “12.4445 This SUE is situated to the south of Brackmills employment area adjoining the existing neighbourhoods of Hardingstone and Wootton to the south and west. The site itself comprises largely arable land sloping generally from north to south, occupying part of a limestone ridge which forms a bold and prominent feature on the south western side of Northampton. The eastern part of the site comprises two fields divided by a minor road known as the Green which sits within a shallow valley. The land rises up from the road on both sides and also to the east. 12.4647 The creation of a green corridor running from north-west to south-east across the northern site boundary will help protect existing habitats to the north as well as providing for a new greenway linking existing and proposed urban areas to the wider countryside. A further green corridor should be created along the eastern boundary of the site which will provide a link to the woodland to the north and also ensure that the development creates a positive rural edge to the east. The potential for development within the SUE to impact on the skyline when viewed from the north and the east must be taken into account and addressed within the master plan for the site. Along part of the southern and western boundaries of the site a landscaped buffer will be required to provide screening between existing residential development and the proposed SUE. 12.4849 A public footpath, and Landimore Road (providing an access into Brackmills), and a minor road known as the Green run through the site and should be incorporated into future development.”	Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

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MM44

133 - 134

Paragraphs 12.44, 12.46, 12.48 and Policy N6

Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

Amend Paragraphs 12.44, 12.46 and 12.48 and Policy N6 as follows:

“12.4445 This SUE is situated to the south of Brackmills employment area adjoining the existing neighbourhoods of Hardingstone and Wootton to the south and west. The site itself comprises largely arable land sloping generally from north to south, occupying part of a limestone ridge which forms a bold and prominent feature on the south western side of Northampton. The eastern part of the site comprises two fields divided by a minor road known as the Green which sits within a shallow valley. The land rises up from the road on both sides and also to the east.

12.4647 The creation of a green corridor running from north-west to south-east across the northern site boundary will help protect existing habitats to the north as well as providing for a new greenway linking existing and proposed urban areas to the wider countryside. A further green corridor should be created along the eastern boundary of the site which will provide a link to the woodland to the north and also ensure that the development creates a positive rural edge to the east. The potential for development within the SUE to impact on the skyline when viewed from the north and the east must be taken into account and addressed within the master plan for the site. Along part of the southern and western boundaries of the site a landscaped buffer will be required to provide screening between existing residential development and the proposed SUE.

12.4849 A public footpath, and Landimore Road (providing an access into Brackmills), and a minor road known as the Green run through the site and should be incorporated into future development.”

Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

Ref	Page	Policy/ Paragraph	Notes	Proposed Main Modification	Reason for Change
MM45	134	Policy N6	Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.	Amend the first bullet point of Policy N6 as follows: *“ IN THE REGION OF 1,000* 1,300 DWELLINGS;”**	Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

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MM45

134

Policy N6

Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

Amend the first bullet point of Policy N6 as follows:

“ IN THE REGION OF 1,000 1,300 DWELLINGS;”

Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

Ref	Page	Policy/ Paragraph	Notes	Proposed Main Modification	Reason for Change
MM46	140	New Policy N9A and new Paragraphs	Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.	Insert a New Policy N9A and reasoned justification as follows: *“Northampton Norwood Farm/ Upton Lodge SUE* The proposed Northampton Norwood Farm/ Upton Lodge SUE is located on the western edge of Northampton’s urban area, partly within Northampton Borough and partly within South Northamptonshire. The site has for the most part previously been identified for development in the Northampton Local Plan 1997 and formed part of a wider urban extension known as the South West District. Much of the South West District has been built, is under construction or has planning approval but whilst planning applications have been submitted in respect of some of the site no planning permissions have yet been issued. This site is an important component of the housing provision which is proposed for the Northampton Related Development Area. Allocation in the Joint Core Strategy provides clarity regarding the site’s planning status in the future for those parts which are subject to extant planning applications and also recognises that development in addition to that which had previously been considered appropriate can also be accommodated to meet objectively assessed housing needs over the plan period. The SUE is bounded to the north by Berrywood Road and the community of New Duston; to the north east by areas of new housing at St Crispin and Berrywoodfields, and by the former Princess Marina Hospital site; to the south by Weedon Road, and beyond this the proposed Upton Park SUE. Sandy Lane will provide a clear western boundary for built development within the site, but the allocated site will extend further to the west to include a proposed Country Park. Development of this SUE has an important role to play in linking the emerging communities to the north of the A4500 Weedon Road and the new communities of Upton. Connectivity through the site and to the wider South West District, including service areas and facilities particularly by sustainable means must be addressed. Areas of structural green space are to be incorporated within the development which is indicatively shown on the Proposals Map and an ecological assessment should identify how areas of structural green space will positively address the enhancement of biodiversity within the area of the SUE. The diversity of ecology within the site can be improved through appropriate structural landscaping, open space and creation of habitat corridors. Of particular importance is the protection of the village of Harpole’s countryside setting. Development of the site is expected to deliver a new Country Park to the west of Sandy Lane, which will act as a buffer between the urban area and the open countryside adjoining the village of Harpole and also provide essential recreational opportunities for new and existing communities. Part of the Sandy Lane Relief Road Phase 2 will need to be constructed to ensure the sustainable development of the SUE. The SUE will provide for two primary schools which will enable educational needs to be addressed in an area where there are additional pressures from further residential developments. The SUE will also provide local retail and community facilities which are consistent with a development of this size. It is anticipated that the SUE can commence delivery in the early part of the plan period and would deliver in the region of 3,500 dwellings during the plan period. Policy N9A below details the required elements for the development. A masterplan will be required to be submitted alongside any proposal to demonstrate how the land use elements positively respond to context, design issues, connectivity and sustainable planning requirements. *POLICY N9A – NORTHAMPTON NORWOOD FARM/ UPTON LODGE SUE* *THE BOUNDARY OF THE NORTHAMPTON NORWOOD FARM/ UPTON LODGE SUE IS SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP (FIGURE 5). THE DEVELOPMENT WILL MAKE PROVISION FOR:* *IN THE REGION OF 3,500 DWELLINGS;* *TWO PRIMARY SCHOOLS;* *A LOCAL CENTRE TO INCLUDE LOCAL RETAIL FACILTIES OF AN APPROPRIATE SCALE (INCLUDING A SMALL CONVENIENCE STORE), HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES;* *LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES;* *SANDY LANE RELIEF ROAD PHASE 2;* AN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT NETWORK FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT MODES INCLUDING PUBLIC TRANSPORT, WALKING AND CYCLING WITH STRONG LINKS TO THE ADJOINING NEIGHBOURHOODS, EMPLOYMENT AREAS AND THE TOWN CENTRE; *STRUCTURAL GREENSPACE AND WILDLIFE CORRIDORS AS INDICATED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP (FIGURE 5) INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF A COUNTRY PARK;* *OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PROVISION;* *ARCHAEOLOGICAL, ECOLOGICAL AND GROUND STABILITY ASSESSMENT OF THE SITE AND REQUIRED MITIGATION; AND* *FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT AND FROM ALL OTHER SOURCES.* *NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE IS REQUIRED TO BE PHASED ALONGSIDE THE DELIVERY OF THE DEVELOPMENT.* *DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A MASTERPLAN.*”	Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

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Reason for Change

MM46

140

New Policy N9A and new Paragraphs

Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

Insert a New Policy N9A and reasoned justification as follows:

“Northampton Norwood Farm/ Upton Lodge SUE

The proposed Northampton Norwood Farm/ Upton Lodge SUE is located on the western edge of Northampton’s urban area, partly within Northampton Borough and partly within South Northamptonshire. The site has for the most part previously been identified for development in the Northampton Local Plan 1997 and formed part of a wider urban extension known as the South West District. Much of the South West District has been built, is under construction or has planning approval but whilst planning applications have been submitted in respect of some of the site no planning permissions have yet been issued. This site is an important component of the housing provision which is proposed for the Northampton Related Development Area. Allocation in the Joint Core Strategy provides clarity regarding the site’s planning status in the future for those parts which are subject to extant planning applications and also recognises that development in addition to that which had previously been considered appropriate can also be accommodated to meet objectively assessed housing needs over the plan period.

The SUE is bounded to the north by Berrywood Road and the community of New Duston; to the north east by areas of new housing at St Crispin and Berrywoodfields, and by the former Princess Marina Hospital site; to the south by Weedon Road, and beyond this the proposed Upton Park SUE. Sandy Lane will provide a clear western boundary for built development within the site, but the allocated site will extend further to the west to include a proposed Country Park.

Development of this SUE has an important role to play in linking the emerging communities to the north of the A4500 Weedon Road and the new communities of Upton. Connectivity through the site and to the wider South West District, including service areas and facilities particularly by sustainable means must be addressed.

Areas of structural green space are to be incorporated within the development which is indicatively shown on the Proposals Map and an ecological assessment should identify how areas of structural green space will positively address the enhancement of biodiversity within the area of the SUE. The diversity of ecology within the site can be improved through appropriate structural landscaping, open space and creation of habitat corridors. Of particular importance is the protection of the village of Harpole’s countryside setting. Development of the site is expected to deliver a new Country Park to the west of Sandy Lane, which will act as a buffer between the urban area and the open countryside adjoining the village of Harpole and also provide essential recreational opportunities for new and existing communities.

Part of the Sandy Lane Relief Road Phase 2 will need to be constructed to ensure the sustainable development of the SUE.

The SUE will provide for two primary schools which will enable educational needs to be addressed in an area where there are additional pressures from further residential developments. The SUE will also provide local retail and community facilities which are consistent with a development of this size.

It is anticipated that the SUE can commence delivery in the early part of the plan period and would deliver in the region of 3,500 dwellings during the plan period. Policy N9A below details the required elements for the development. A masterplan will be required to be submitted alongside any proposal to demonstrate how the land use elements positively respond to context, design issues, connectivity and sustainable planning requirements.

POLICY N9A – NORTHAMPTON NORWOOD FARM/ UPTON LODGE SUE

THE BOUNDARY OF THE NORTHAMPTON NORWOOD FARM/ UPTON LODGE SUE IS SHOWN ON THE PROPOSALS MAP (FIGURE 5). THE DEVELOPMENT WILL MAKE PROVISION FOR:

IN THE REGION OF 3,500 DWELLINGS;
TWO PRIMARY SCHOOLS;
A LOCAL CENTRE TO INCLUDE LOCAL RETAIL FACILTIES OF AN APPROPRIATE SCALE (INCLUDING A SMALL CONVENIENCE STORE), HEALTH CARE SERVICES AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES;
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES;
SANDY LANE RELIEF ROAD PHASE 2;
AN INTEGRATED TRANSPORT NETWORK FOCUSED ON SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT MODES INCLUDING PUBLIC TRANSPORT, WALKING AND CYCLING WITH STRONG LINKS TO THE ADJOINING NEIGHBOURHOODS, EMPLOYMENT AREAS AND THE TOWN CENTRE;
STRUCTURAL GREENSPACE AND WILDLIFE CORRIDORS AS INDICATED ON THE PROPOSALS MAP (FIGURE 5) INCLUDING THE PROVISION OF A COUNTRY PARK;
OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PROVISION;
ARCHAEOLOGICAL, ECOLOGICAL AND GROUND STABILITY ASSESSMENT OF THE SITE AND REQUIRED MITIGATION; AND
FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT, INCLUDING SURFACE WATER MANAGEMENT AND FROM ALL OTHER SOURCES.

NECESSARY INFRASTRUCTURE IS REQUIRED TO BE PHASED ALONGSIDE THE DELIVERY OF THE DEVELOPMENT.

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A MASTERPLAN.”

Modifications proposed as a consequence of the further work requested by the Inspector.

Ref	Page	Policy/ Paragraph	Notes	Proposed Main Modification	Reason for Change
MM47	145	Paragraph 12.96	Revised wording agreed with the Highways Agency (Joint Position Statement 9).	Add an additional sentence after the existing second sentence of Paragraph 12.96 as follows: “Measures identified on the A45 between M1 Junction 15 and Great Billing Junction will be required in order to deliver growth in the town. These measures are set out in the Growth Management Scheme prepared by the Highways Agency. Development in the Northampton area including the SUE developments set out in Policies N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, N9 and N9A will provide a contribution towards the provision of the Northampton Growth Management Scheme in accordance with the provisions of the A45/ M1 J15 NGMS – Memorandum of Understanding (26^th March 2012) or successor agreements. The provision of key highway infrastructure will be required as set out in Table 7 – Key Primary Infrastructure Projects.”	To enhance the soundness and clarity of the plan in the light of changes to the funding stream.

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MM47

145

Paragraph 12.96

Revised wording agreed with the Highways Agency (Joint Position Statement 9).

Add an additional sentence after the existing second sentence of Paragraph 12.96 as follows:

“Measures identified on the A45 between M1 Junction 15 and Great Billing Junction will be required in order to deliver growth in the town. These measures are set out in the Growth Management Scheme prepared by the Highways Agency. Development in the Northampton area including the SUE developments set out in Policies N3, N4, N5, N6, N7, N8, N9 and N9A will provide a contribution towards the provision of the Northampton Growth Management Scheme in accordance with the provisions of the A45/ M1 J15 NGMS – Memorandum of Understanding (26^th March 2012) or successor agreements. The provision of key highway infrastructure will be required as set out in Table 7 – Key Primary Infrastructure Projects.”

To enhance the soundness and clarity of the plan in the light of changes to the funding stream.

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