Towcester

What is the vision for Towcester?

Over the last thirty years, the market town of Towcester has experienced significant levels of growth and by 2021 the population will grow to 14,000. The evolution of this beautiful locale must create significant areas public open space, new retail and commercial opportunities, new schools and connected but distinctive neighbourhoods. It will also need to enable the construction of a much needed bypass that will help Towcester town centre improve its air quality through a reduction in traffic congestion.

WNDC has allocated over £2 million to the initial stage of redevelopment in the town centre and is committed to working with the area’s statutory agencies to ensure the delivery of improved facilities and new employment opportunities as well as quality housing. Discussions with Northamptonshire County Council, South Northamptonshire Council, local schools, leisure providers and retail outlets are ongoing. Furthermore, careful attention is being given to landscape and design detail as well as issues around energy, the environment and sustainability.   

The planning applications

Two planning applications have been submitted to West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) from Persimmon and Bloor Homes for a large development south of Towcester, which they have called Towcester Vale. A separate application has been submitted to South Northamptonshire Council because part of the proposals fall outside the WNDC area. 

Applications within the WNDC area are identified as A (or reference 07/0374OUTWNS) and B (or reference 07/0375/FULWNS). The area outside of WNDC’s remit is named C (or reference S2008/0037/P).
They can be viewed by clicking on the following links:

A

B

C

Key elements of the Towcester developments

• Approximately 2,700 quality homes
• Areas allocated for new business quarters, which included office, manufacturing and warehouse space
• Local centres, which will contain small shops and essential amenities
• A modern primary and a secondary school with up-to-the-minute facilities, which will also benefit local sport and community groups
• A new southern bypass that will eliminate the heavy traffic problems in Towcester town centre 
• A picturesque village green
• A large playing field area and public open space
• An area outlined for a combination of services including leisure and conference facilities and hotel accommodation
• Extensive flood management, drainage and services works

What is currently happening in the development process?

In February 2008, West Northamptonshire Development Corporation and South Northamptonshire Council invited members of the public and key stakeholders to comment on the planning applications by 28 March. There were approximately 200 comments from 132 individuals during this formal consultancy period along with comments from a number of stakeholders. These are currently being reported, assessed in line with the proposals and being seriously considered to ensure the best possible future for Towcester and its residents. Two public meetings have also been held to discuss the regeneration plans and the final proposals will be reported to a Towcester Planning Committee. Comments received on the application can be viewed here.

West Northamptonshire Development Corporation wants to ensure Towcester’s current residents are informed about each step of the developments and we seek to fully understand and alleviate any fears that may be associated with the outlined growth plans. It is important for Towcester to retain its unique character whilst providing more employment, housing and retail opportunities for existing and future communities. We will be regularly updating our website to keep you informed.