Have your say on two proposed housing sites in Rushden

People are being asked to have their say on two Rushden planning proposals.

Following consultation on the East Northamptonshire Local Plan earlier this year, East Northamptonshire Council (ENC) wants people to have their say on two proposed housing sites in Rushden.

Land to the west of Rushden Lakes has already been discussed by councillors and officers are currently working with Natural England to address concerns about the nearby Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area.

The council is also proposing land to the south east of Rushden as a potential alternative site for housing.

This is on the Bedford Road, east of the A6 bypass and west of the John White Golf Club.

ENC is looking to develop an additional 450 houses at Rushden to fulfil the district’s housing requirements up to 2031.

The public consultation will take place over six weeks, closing on November 16.

To have your say, go to www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/consultation and select ‘Current consultations’ and ‘Local Plan Part 2’.

ENC is also proposing to align the draft Rushden East Masterplan with the Local Plan, defining the site boundaries and setting out a policy for its delivery, making it clear and easy for all to understand.

The draft masterplan for Rushden East was initially consulted on in February and March 2020 and sets out a large mixed use extension to the east of Rushden which includes around 2,700 homes, employment, schools and a local centre.

Details can be found here.

To have your say on the masterplan and the Local Plan, go to www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/consultation and select ‘Current consultations’ and ‘Local Plan Part 2’.

Cllr Steven North, leader of East Northamptonshire Council, said: “As a council, we value the opinions of our residents on a variety of matters, including development across the district.

"We actively support involvement from all communities to make sure they take up every opportunity to express their thoughts and concerns on development in their area.

“As such, we would encourage everyone to have their say on both of these proposals.

"We will then collate all of the responses and a report will go to the Planning Policy Committee for further discussion by councillors.”

Questions about the consultations can be emailed to [email protected] or call 01832 742010.

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