West Northamptonshire Development Corporation’s Planning Committee has approved a scheme that will transform a run-down, brownfield site near Northampton town centre.

Up to 800 new homes, accompanied by community facilities, has been approved for the Ransome Road development site. It is anticipated that the scheme, which is being led by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), will eventually link with the development of neighbouring land at the former Nunn Mills power station and Avon Cosmetics factory. Together, they are part of wider plans for the waterside area of Northampton town centre, providing new jobs, homes and places for local people to spend their leisure time.

The decision follows confirmation in August that WNDC will invest £2.3 million in vital junction improvements between Northampton’s London Road and Ransome Road. The work will boost capacity and improve safety at the junction, while unlocking the first phase (up to 450 new homes) of Ransome Road. The Homes and Communities Agency has assembled the Ransome Road site from various public and private landowners to support the town’s growth ambitions.

WNDC Chief Executive, Peter Mawson said: “the Ransome Road scheme is an important part of a wider plan for the revival of Northampton town centre. It is a very complex project, and a lot of work is required to make this brownfield land suitable for development. Using our investment and development powers, we are working with the Homes and Communities Agency, as well as the local authorities, to breathe new life into this part of the town.”

Anthony Sowden, Area Manager for the Homes and Communities Agency, said: “The decision gives us the green light to begin the process of bringing a developer on board to take forward the housing scheme. This project represents a major element of the plan to support Northampton’s growth ambitions.”

Ransome Road comprises 23 hectares of largely disused land which previously incorporated a mix of industrial uses, including a landfill site and a breakers yard. The HCA acquired the land from landowners including Northampton Borough Council and Network Rail.

Development of Ransome Road is the latest step in the ‘Brownfield Initiative’, a long running, multi million pound programme to bring Northampton’s derelict brownfield land back into use. The Initiative has been delivered by the HCA, WNDC and Northampton Borough Council. It has focused on the remediation of various locations, including Ransome Road and South West Sixfields. It has also enabled the delivery of major new infrastructure including Edgar Mobbs Way, as well as part of the Upton Flood attenuation scheme.

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3. ‘Life changing’ community centre is completed in Northampton
4. Redevelopment of derelict former hospital site moves a step closer
5. Former Northampton factory gets new lease of life