One month left for consultation over changes to future growth in Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and East Northants

The North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy, covering the period to 2031, has been prepared by a joint committee made up of elected representatives from the district, borough and county councils.

Before the plan can be adopted it must be examined by an independent planning inspector, who checks that it has been prepared properly and that it meets tests set out in national policy.

The Joint Core Strategy was submitted to the Government for examination in July 2015, and a number of proposed modifications to the plan have been identified during the examination process.

Some of the significant changes are to amend the policy on sustainable buildings to reflect the changing national position relating to zero carbon homes, and modify the policy relating to the Rockingham Motor Racing Circuit Enterprise Area to provide greater flexibility over employment uses.

The changes also propose to reduce the threshold at which developments are required to include affordable housing from 11 dwellings to five or more dwellings in the rural areas, and introduce monitoring requirements to ensure that action to maintain an adequate supply of new housing - particularly if the big sustainable urban extensions are not developed as quickly as planned.

Cllr Andy Mercer, chairman of the Joint Committee, welcomed the consultation on the main modifications.

He said: “The Joint Core Strategy is the culmination of many years work.

“Consultation on the main modifications is an important stage in finalising the Joint Core Strategy, and ensuring that north Northamptonshire has an up-to-date strategic plan in place by this summer.”

These modifications are now subject to consultation until 16th March 2016, with those wishing to put forward their views asked to email or call 01832 742358.

To view the changes, visit the planning unit’s website.