A final decision has been made by the Secretary of State for communities and Local Government regarding three major planning applications for Daventry.

The applications, which proposed almost doubling the size of the town, were subject to a public inquiry last year. Following this process, the Secretary of State has agreed with the Planning Inspectors regarding the Monksmoor appeal, which proposed 1,000 new homes on land at Monksmoor Farm, Welton Lane. The appeal is granted planning permission, subject to a number of conditions and a section 106 agreement.

There were also appeals by the Danetree Consortium for over 5,000 new homes on land east of Daventry, and by Croudace Homes for up to 4,000 homes on land at Long Buckby Road. The Secretary of State has agreed with the Inspectors’ conclusions regarding both these applications, consequently dismissing their appeals and refusing planning permission. West Northamptonshire Development Corporation was the main planning authority for all three of the original applications, and supported the principle of development at the Monksmoor site.

Peter Mawson, WNDC Chief Executive, said: ‘This decision is excellent news for Daventry and is an important step in the long term regeneration and growth of the town. The Monksmoor development will deliver 1,000 high quality homes, while securing around £15 million in developer contributions to infrastructure. Both WNDC and Daventry District Council agreed that this is a suitable location for new development, and will integrate well with the existing community. We will continue to work with the applicant and Daventry District Council to finalise the design of the new development, ensuring it is of excellent quality and in character with its surroundings.’

The public inquiry considered evidence from all parties with an interest in the proposed developments, including West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, Daventry District Council, Northamptonshire County Council, the Highways Agency and the Appellants. Following this process, which took around 6 months in total and ended on 23rd July 2009, the inspectors made their recommendations to the Secretary of State.

He has concluded that only development which could be accommodated given the existing line of the A45, namely the Monksmoor proposal, should be permitted ahead of significant highways improvements. WNDC has previously commissioned Northamptonshire County Council to conduct the A45 Daventry to Northampton Study to explore options for highways enhancements in the area.

He also notes that as well as these infrastructure issues, there are significant concerns regarding the Danetree site because of its impact on the landscape and countryside, and the possibility that other sites, which are more appropriate, may come forward through the planning policy process. The Secretary of State felt the Church Fields proposal could be regarded as meeting the requirements of sustainable development. However, it will not be possible without the delivery of highways infrastructure improvements.

For the inspector’s report click here.

Related posts:

1. Eleven week Public Inquiry commences
2. Decision Date announced for Daventry Planning Appeals
3. Major Daventry planning appeals co-join for New Year inquiry
4. Reappearance dates for Daventry Planning Inquiry agreed for June
5. Daventry planning Inquiry adjourned pending highways evidence