Developer behind Raunds business park says it will work with the town on any expansion plans

Roxhill Developments is the firm behind Warth Park on the outskirts of Raunds and it recently revealed that it was considering proposals to extend the site.

Roxhill put an article in the local magazine Raunds Round up and held an exhibition at Saxon Hall where it outlined plans to extend Warth Park to the south of Meadow Lane to create additional facilities for Howden’s Joinery.

However, Raunds Town Council has said the proposals to extend Warth Park have caused a ‘great deal of comment’ from people in the town.

As yet, no planning application has been submitted for these new proposals so the council has said it is unable to comment and give its view at this stage.

But as part of the proposals Roxhill has given a commitment to enhance community facilities in the area, which could include a BMX track at the Amos Lawrence playing field and a bridge over Hogs Dyke which would connect to the Amos Lawrence playing field.

In addition a country park extending more than 33 acres with more than 30,000 new trees would be created.

In a joint statement issued by the council and Roxhill this week, the town council has stressed that it has not had detailed communications with Roxhill regarding these proposed community facilities.

But if and when a planning application is submitted to East Northamptonshire Council, then the town council would consider the application and listen to the views of residents before forming an opinion.

At this stage it would be prudent for the town council to also consider what additional local amenities could be provided as part of the overall proposals.

This ensures that appropriate mitigation is considered should the application be approved.

A spokesman for Roxhill said “As the developers of Warth Park, Roxhill are keen to continue to work closely and positively with Raunds Town Council and the residents of Raunds so that the town can continue to be successful and prosperous.

“We look forward to further discussing proposals with all interested parties with a view to agreeing the types of community facilities that would benefit the town and surrounding area if the planning application is submitted and approved.

“If a planning application were to be submitted and approved, Roxhill confirm their absolute commitment to deliver the community facilities that have been detailed within initial proposals.”

A spokesman for the town council said: “We are grateful to Roxhill for clarifying the current situation and we are happy to work with Roxhill and all the businesses currently based at Warth Park to ensure that the site offers an increasing number of high skilled jobs for local people and that local facilities are improved.

“We will consider plans for an expansion of Warth Park at such time as a formal planning application is submitted.”