Annex B – Schedules of Representations Received to the Draft Towcester Masterplan Consultation Draft June 2009
Introduction
Here follow 2 Schedules of Responses – ‘Responses to Questionnaires Draft Towcester Masterplan’ and ‘Other Responses
to Representations Draft Towcester Masterplan' - which provide a full list of all responses received to the consultation on the
Draft Towcester Masterplan which took place between June and August 2009.
The ‘Responses to Questionnaires Draft Towcester Masterplan‘ and ‘Other Responses to Representations Draft Towcester
Masterplan' sets out all the responses received directly to the Masterplan Questionnaire. Any additional comments and documents
or letters received are detailed in the ‘Towcester Masterplan Consultation Responses Sept 2010’.
The Council has considered each representation received during the formal public consultation, and in response has made some
changes to the document.
1.
Responses to Questionnaires Draft Towcester Masterplan (page 2 – 21)
Rep
Number
Respondent
Number
Towcester
Masterplan
Stage
For/
Organisation
Document
Part/
Chapter
Paragraph
no.
SNC
Response
Comment
Each representation is ordered first by the Rep Number, then the question number of the questionnaire, then by respondent
number.
2.
Other Responses to Representations Towcester Masterplan Consultation (page 22 onwards)
Rep
Number
Respondent
Number
For/
Organisation
Document
Part/
Chapter
Reference
No.
Paragraph
no.
Comment
SNC
Response
Each representation is ordered first by the Rep Number, then by the chapter and paragraph number in the Draft Masterplan that the
representation relates to, then by respondent number.
1
Rep Number – Each representation in each Schedule has a specific separate Rep Number and are ordered by that number for
ease of reference
Respondent Number This is a unique reference number given to the person or body that the representation has been received
from.
Towcester Masterplan Stage This is the stage that the Masterplan has reached ie. All of the consultations listed in these
schedules refer to the Draft Towcester Masterplan.
For/ Organisation Name of person, agent or organisation (Only given if not a private individual)
Document Part / Chapter/ Paragraph No. This is the original paragraph / page in the Draft Towcester Masterplan Consultation
Draft June 2009
Comment This sets out the representation.
SNC Response This sets out the Officer’s comments and recommendations in respect of all the representations.
2
Responses to Questionnaires Draft Towcester Masterplan
Rep No
001
002
003
004
005
Respondent
Number
Towcester
Masterplan
Stage
For/
Organisati
on
Document
Part/ Chapter
Paragraph
No.
Comment
SNC Response
8. Following your reading of the whole document is there anything you consider could be added to Part 1 to improve the document?
The document is badly written
Comments noted. It is intended that the
and
very
unclear.
final version will rectify this.
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General
Poorly presented and hard to
Comments noted. It is intended that the
read - poor choice of colours.
final version will rectify this.
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General
The next 15 years is of concern - Noted. The Masterplan has been
the rate of progress will depend
designed to be flexible and adaptable
on the financial situation.
so that it is able to respond to changing
Following the credit crunch who
economic circumstances.
can predict the financial situation
in one year, let alone 15.
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1 Introduction
0.2
The plan is, overall, very
Whilst there is a need to provide a
conceptual and leaves a great
gateway to the south of the town it is
deal of ambiguity. Although I am
important that it does not compete with
a genuine advocate of
the town centre. The quantum and type
progressive development in the
of any retail permitted to the south of
town, I am concerned about the
the town would need to be carefully
loss of the linear park(s) from the considered to prevent competition with
1st draft and have real
the town centre. The Masterplan
reservations about the presence
includes reference to the need for a
of a local centre/ activity node on green edge to the town and green parks
the A5 (South) approach to the
and areas within including the Easton
town opposite the Racecourse.
Neston Water Meadows and the
This would in my opinion split the parkland at Wood Burcote.
town in half, more so than the
previous draft suggestion, and
3 21st Century
cause congestion.
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Market Town
1.5
3 21st Century
Leave Towcester to develop
The careful planning of the future
Market Town
naturally rather than have
development of Towcester is required to
thousands of investors from
ensure that it brings the best benefit
outside
both to existing and future residents of
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1.10
the town.
3
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007
008
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3 21st Century
Market Town
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
Diagram 3 Towcester
Town Centre
I do not agree that Towcester
Town Centre has ample free car
parking.
The location of car parking will be
examined as part of the town centre
proposals. Removing car parking from
the Market Square would improve the
public realm in the heart of the town.
Please ensure Nightingale Road/
Magpie Rd is excluded from any
road links through to the new
southern extension. It is a quiet
cul-de-sac and I would like it to
stay that way. Hundreds of
people on the 'birds' estate would
be affected by any such use.
The final masterplan will make
reference to the need to achieve
integration between the new proposed
development and the existing areas of
Towcester. It is important that the new
development does not harm the
residential amenity of existing residents.
The specific links between the southern
extension and the existing town will be
the subject of detailed planning
application negotiation and consultation.
However a transport study is being
undertaken by SNC, NCC, the West
Northants Joint Planning Unit and the
Highways Agency to identify the scale
of the transport issues for the town
including the optimal locations for
housing and employment growth that
will support more sustainable transport
patterns. The Towcester Transport
Study will provide guidance on likely
volumes of traffic that new growth and
development will generate. Critically it
will address the trigger points for key
infrastructure to ensure that
improvements are phased and take the
key highway capacity and connections
issues into account. This will feed into
the planning application process for
Towcester South.
Agreed. The relief road is noted as
being a fundamental prerequisite to the
future growth of Towcester.
2.2C
The bypass is fundamental or the
rest is almost irrelevant.
2.4C
4
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010
011
012
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008
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7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.4C
To achieve your vision a
substantive southern bypass
must be built and established
before any development of
Towcester Vale goes ahead. By
building the road structure first
you will achieve your vision. This
was how Milton Keynes
succeeded.
Care must be taken to ensure
the bypass really is a bypass and
not an 'access road' out of a
1960's planning manual as in the
last proposal.
2.4C
Bypass construction and
improved public transport are
essential to market 'existing
Towcester'.
Double bypass? Traffic is bad
already, you try roundabout by
the Council Offices in the
morning - life in your hands.
2.4
2.4C
Towcester Regeneration Board
to include a Representative from
Towcester Town Council.
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12
Determination
to Succeed
2.40
5
Agreed. The relief road is noted as
being a fundamental prerequisite to the
future growth of Towcester.
Studies are currently being carried out
by transport consultants on behalf of
SNC, NCC, the West Northamptonshire
Joint Planning Unit and the Highways
Agency to determine the actual type of
relief road that will be required to meet
the needs of future growth. The solution
needs to be appropriate, affordable and
deliverable.
Agreed. The relief road is noted as
being a fundamental prerequisite to the
future growth of Towcester.
A relief road is required as a
fundamental prerequisite for growth in
Towcester. Studies are currently being
carried out (see rep 010 above) to
determine the type of relief road that will
be required. The solution needs to be
appropriate, affordable and deliverable.
The delivery vehicle needs to be
appropriate to the site. The masterplan
paves the way for SNC to return to
being the local planning authority for the
district. It will act in consultation on all
proposals for implementation with the
Town Council in Towcester and the
community.
More needs to be said about the
community life of the town, and
institutions involved in sustaining
that - schools, clubs, churches,
community centres etc
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10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.27
The Museum deserves more
attention in the arts and culture
section.
2.27
Agreed. The final masterplan will make
more detailed reference to the
community life in the town, and the
institutions that sustain it such as
schools, clubs and churches. Amend to
include the contribution of
institutions such as schools, clubs
and churches to community life
within Towcester.
Agreed. Add text to the masterplan
reflecting the establishment of
Towcester museum.
Towcester Regeneration Board
See rep 013.
12
to
include
a
Representative
from
Determination
Towcester Town Council.
to Succeed
2.40
10. Are there any other areas in the town that you think should be highlighted?
This is a political decision forced
Growth is required in the District simply
on the Towcester Community. It
because of the demographics of the
was made by people who have
existing population and to ensure the
little knowledge of, or interest in
local economy does not stagnate. If
the community and who have
provision is not made at the level
huge sums of money to rape
proposed in the masterplan and the
Towcester
new Core Strategy, the area will not
provide a level of housing that meets
the needs of its own population. The
masterplan seeks to ensure that this
growth is planned for so that Towcester
becomes a flourishing 21st century
market town and remains a sustainable
General
community.
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The masterplan is effectively
shutting the stable door after the
horse has bolted. The plan ducks
the issue of activity areas which
will negate the respect for
landscape claimed in the
document.
The masterplan recognises the need for
growth and the importance of ensuring
that it respects the character of a town
surrounded by beautiful countryside.
Green edges are planned so that the
town retains a clear boundary with the
countryside to prevent sprawl. Green
corridors will connect the countryside
with the town through areas such as the
Easton Neston Water Meadows and
Silverstone Brook. Increase emphasis
on the countryside to Towcester
within the final masterplan.
Agrees with development of
Moat Lane but at this stage
cannot "agree" with Sponne
School, Water Meadows,
Towcester Lanes or Market
Square because what makes up
an "opportunity area" is not
defined.
A number of opportunity sites are
identified as sites where redevelopment
is possible due to them coming forward
for sale, eg. the use of the Magistrates
Court is ceasing in 2011 and therefore
this site will be available for
redevelopment; Moat Lane and
surrounding area is currently a major
redevelopment project being
undertaken jointly between SNC &
WNDC. The opportunity sites also
include Easton Neston Water Meadows
and Wood Burcote Parkland which are
both being made available for public
recreation use. The masterplan seeks
to set out principles for the development
of most of the opportunity sites and
suggests end uses although it is not
prescriptive on these since this will be
the result of investment and the
planning application process. The
masterplan also identifies the need for
improvements within the town, eg.
through providing additional green
space, and some of the sites put
forward provide opportunities for these
issues to be dealt with.
General
5 A Vibrant
Town Centre
2.4A
7
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6 Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
6 Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
6 Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
6 Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Town Centre
Opportunities
- 1 Moat
Lane
Town Centre
Opportunities
- 1 Moat
Lane
Town Centre
Opportunities
- 3 Sponne
School
Town Centre
Opportunities
- 3 Sponne
School
8
Remove the war memorial from
the cemetery in Brackley Rd to a
new site in Moat Lane. This
would be a more suitable
location for Remembrance
parades and access for older
members of the congregation.
This is an interesting thought and has
been passed to the team responsible
for development at Moat Lane.
However, the moving of War Memorial
is not a straightforward process as there
is specific legislation relating to war
memorials and their locations.
The water meadows are not
included in the document as one
of these sites - Islington Road is.
The Water meadows need to be
carefully managed to keep the
right balance of access, so that
the site's important biodiversity is
not threatened.
Agreed. The Water Meadows have
been acquired by SNC for the
community and were opened up public
access during 2010. The
Watermeadows are now managed by
the Wildlife Trust and have already
enhanced and protected as a significant
area of environmental quality.
A good example of the concern
with this entire plan is the
development of Sponne School.
Given the concern with childhood
obesity, mentioned in the
masterplan, how can you
suggest dramatically reducing
the size of the school playing
fields? What is this if not
favouring developer's profits over
the quality of life for residents?
Agreed. The playing fields at Sponne
School are within the flood plain of the
River Tove and therefore unlikely to be
developed. Other significant areas of
parkland are being provided within
Towcester. Should Sponne School be
relocated to the southern extension
then playing fields will be required as
part of these proposals.
1. Sponne School - concern
playing fields will go. 2. The idea
to use the centre of the
racecourse for football pitches.
The Bell Plantation site is too
dangerous (crossing A43). Land
does need to be earmarked for
football especially if the
recreation ground is developed
as stated (page 47 - 2.32)
For playing fields see rep. 022 above.
The Council is unaware of plans for
providing football pitches at the
racecourse. Towcestrians is an
important site and the masterplan
makes reference to the need for safe
routes there. Football pitches will
remain an important requirement within
the town.
Sponne School does wish to and
need to expand in capacity. The
current site is not sufficient to
meet these challenges (DWF
land to build ratios).
Consequently a new build on a
new site within the town is the
only option.
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6 Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Town Centre
Opportunities
- 3 Sponne
School
The Police Station is a good
example of 1930's building and
should be retained.
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6 Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
6 Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Town Centre
Opportunities
- 3 Sponne
School
Town Centre
Opportunities
-3
9
1.Sponne School would benefit
from a move to a purpose built
new site with additional all
weather / & indoor sports and
drama / arts facilities. I also think
there is a need for some 'out of
town retail' off the A43 to support
the significant increases in
population.
Comments noted. The final masterplan
will include reference to the need for a
new school to replace the existing
Sponne school in order to
accommodate the increase in number
of pupils likely to result from the growth
in Towcester. However, there are a
variety of ways in which this could be
provided: through the provision of a
new, more compact school on the
existing Sponne School site; a new
school in a new neighbourhood ie.
within the southern development; or a
split site school.
The final masterplan will note that the
frontage of the Police Station is a Grade
II Listed Building and therefore must be
retained. Add text to final masterplan
in respect of the frontage of
Magistrates Court/ Police station
being listed.
Comments noted. See rep 024. Any 'out
of town retail' would need to be small in
scale as it must not compete with the
town centre.
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7 Excellent
Connectivity
9
Opportunities
for
Employment
Development
11 Respect for
the Landscape
The roads in Towcester need
careful consideration as their
fitness for purpose has changed
with time. The road between the
A43 and roundabout by the
cemetery would now be of better
service with two lanes on the
south side and one on the north
and the junction at the Saracen's
Head would be better if the wide
pavements were reduced so that
Brackley Road into Watling
Street has two lanes because
cars "push" through. A cyclist
using this junction at peak times
would find the cycle marked lane
occupied by vehicles turning left
(north). Considerable thought
also needs to be given to
pedestrian access and routes.
Comments noted. A transport study that
is currently underway, on behalf of
SNC, NCC, the Highways Agency and
the West Northamptonshire Joint
Planning Unit. It has been undertaken
to identify the scale of the transport
issues for the town including the optimal
locations for housing and employment
growth that will support more
sustainable transport patterns. The
Towcester Transport Study will provide
guidance on likely volumes of traffic that
new growth and development will
generate. The study will address the
trigger points for key infrastructure to
ensure that improvements are phased
and take the key highway capacity and
connections issues into account. The
provision of pedestrian and cycling
routes is important as an alternative to
private motor transport, but the Council
recognises that these need to be safe.
A hub for cycle routes centred on
the old railway station (Tesco's).
Comments noted. Part of the role of the
masterplan is to indicate to potential
landowners, developers and investors
the opportunities that Towcester has to
offer in order to attract further funding
and investment. This could well include
a cycle hub.
Yes - flooding including both river plains
and surface water drainage is an
important consideration in the
development of Towcester.
2.3C
Employment
Opportunities
- 1 Northern
Gateway
Will danger from flash flooding
be taken into account at every
stage of the town development?
2.31
Bucklands van site opposite
Waitrose is a prime retail and
residential site. If a purchase
cannot be agreed CPO it.
TMPQ
10
Comments noted.
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Old Greens Norton Rd - poor
impression of town ie run down.
A5 Racecourse to Park View
Road - poor impression of the
town - run down derelict
buildings
The Shires development seems
to have been ignored. This due
to the fact that this development
is the perfect example of urban
sprawl detached from the town.
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Should include Islington Rd
rather than Water Meadows. Not
enough attention has been paid
to the Shires (a significant area
of the population) eg not included
in the 'local' bus provision, no
community space or provision.
This is more surprising in the
light of Tove Valley Baptist
Fellowship's ownership of
'community land' in south of
housing. Also the recreational
space needs proper
management and integration with
Water Meadows and rest of
town.
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11
Noted. The entrances to the town from
mentioned are important gateways to
the town. The masterplan includes
proposals for upgrading these.
Comments noted. It is for this reason
that the Council is seeking to ensure
that new growth particularly the
southern extension forms an integral
part of the existing town with strong
links to the town centre and surrounding
areas. Add text to final masterplan
recognising need to better integrate
the Shires development into the town
through methods including signage
and town maps.
Comments noted. It is for this reason
that the Council is seeking to ensure
that new growth particularly the
southern extension forms an integral
part of the existing town with strong
links to the town centre and surrounding
areas. The proposals by Tove Valley
Baptist Fellowship for a new community
building/ church will be included in the
final masterplan. The document seeks
to influence investment in the town and
will highlight the need for better links
between the Shires and the town,
including flagging up to bus companies
the need for better bus services to
provide this link. The Council will press
for improvements to bus routes,
recognising however that in the current
fiscal climate public funding will not
support new transport provision
required which will affect possible new
routes.
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Exit and entry to new Towcester?
Will bring much more traffic to
the Highfields Estate. This must
flow and not block. Do we get a
bypass first? Then the houses?
Will there be any bungalows in
the new houses. Towcester
needs more bungalows for
people getting older.
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11. Any other comments?
Presentation of diagram in black
background and shading used
are difficult to read / identify
General
areas.
Found Diagrams very difficult to
understand. Colours used very
dark and spelling bad.
General
General
12
Vague 'motherhood and apple
pie' documents like this should
have been written 5 years ago.
The 27th June presentation in
the town hall was shambolic
understaffed, with collapsing
presentation boards and
crammed into a small sideroom
stacked with furniture.
Comments noted. The relief road is an
essential prerequisite of any future
development in Towcester. The point in
relation to housing design is noted and
will be added to the final masterplan.
Add text to final masterplan
recognising need for bungalows and
lifetime homes to reflect the needs of
the ageing population.
Comments noted. This will be rectified
in the final masterplan.
Comments noted. This will be rectified
in the final masterplan.
Comments noted
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Comments noted. This will be rectified
in the final masterplan.
General
The choice of colour (hard to
read) the choice of photographs
is poor (reflects a town stuck in a
timewarp rather than a vibrant
town). Why not colour photos
including Waitrose/ Porsche and
Radstone. Also a photo of
Towcester on market day or
Saturday would have helped.
This document is more a 'Blobby'
concept plan rather than a
masterplan. Whilst
understanding the need for
allowing scope for some change,
more detail would have helped.
Support welcomed and noted.
General
This generally looks like a good
document to plan for Towcester's
future development.
It feels as if the document is only
paying lip service to the
environmental issues and needs
greater emphasis on eco-friendly
new build. The maps are not
easy to understand - insufficient
marking of the roads/ key
locations. More emphasis is
needed on natural environment/
wildlife - particularly Water
Meadows. Although timescales/
timetable are mentioned, no
timings are indicated. No
mention of the role of the
religious community/ churches
within the community. Bus link to
Milton Keynes railway station
vital for sustainable travel.
The final masterplan will place greater
emphasis on the need to ensure that
new development is locally distinctive,
of high quality and meets standards
such as the Code for Sustainable
Homes. New development will need to
be in accordance with national guidance
and the Council's policy guidance which
place emphasis on the need for
sustainable development. The final
masterplan will include an action plan
which sets out how the masterplan will
be implemented and likely timescales.
General
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1 Introduction
1 Introduction
0.1
0.2
14
Please, please keep to your
commitment to keep Towcester
individual. Don't drive out the
wonderful independent retailers
(Drop Dead Gorgeous, Present
Thinking, Mulberry Tree, Elliots
etc etc) by inflating rent/ rates &
bringing in the likes of Costa
Coffee, Starbucks, Waterstones,
Specsavers etc that dominate
other High Streets. Please don't
let the outskirts become another
retail park - identical to hundreds
of others around the country.
Comments noted. The importance of
specialist niche shopping is noted and
will be emphasised in the final
masterplan as this helps to make
Towcester locally distinctive and
individual and is part of the town's
attractiveness. The Council wishes to
strengthen this element in order to
make the town a destination where
people want to visit. A large out of town
retail park would not be appropriate as it
would be competition with the town
centre.
The masterplan doesn't address
the fundamental issue of whether
we need this enormous
expansion of housing. Towcester
is obviously the wrong shape to
expand and the question
remains; in who's interest is this
development, the local residents
or developer's profits?
Presumably you realise this or
you wouldn't refuse to give local
residents a real say on whether
this expansion goes ahead.
Growth is required in the District simply
because of the demographics of the
existing population and to ensure the
local economy does not stagnate. If
provision is not made at the level
proposed in the masterplan and the
new Core Strategy, the area will not
provide a level of housing that meets
the needs of its own population. The
masterplan seeks to ensure that this
growth is planned for so that Towcester
becomes a flourishing 21st century
market town and remains a sustainable
community.
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1 Introduction
1 Introduction
0.2
0.2
15
Certainly, the document contains
some good suggestions for
improving the town and should
be congratulated. However,
rather than undertaking central
Governments ill advised
motivation to concrete over 'this
green and pleasant land'. Rather
activity should focus on limiting
population growth, either by
controlling immigration and/ or
education regarding the family
unit and containment of family
density.
See rep 042 above. The masterplan
gives the message that new
developments within Towcester will be
expected to be of the highest quality
and meet deign standards, to ensure
that they are well integrated into the
existing town, and meet all material
planning considerations. Development
will be locally distinctive and create a
sense of place. In particular, careful
attention will be paid to character, scale,
form and architectural style/ detailing in
any new building designs. Text to be
added to final masterplan.
When one considers that in 40
years time the country will be
without land for agriculture. In
1940 the Germans tried to starve
us into submission by use of Uboats - and nearly succeeded.
Do the developers, with your love
of money, never learn from
history?
Towcester is recognised as a market
town, however some growth is required
to meet the needs of the existing
population and to ensure the local
economy does not stagnate. If provision
is not made at the level proposed in the
masterplan and the new Core Strategy,
the area will not provide a level of
housing that meets the needs of its own
population. The masterplan seeks to
ensure that this growth is planned for so
that Towcester becomes a flourishing
21st century market town and remains a
sustainable community. However
insufficient land is available within the
existing town to meet local needs and
therefore the growth does require the
development of an urban extension to
the south.
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1 Introduction
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
0.2
Doubling the size of Towcester
will be a complete failure.
Towcester has survived so long
because it has developed
'naturally'. This proposal to
increase the size is being forced
upon the town and is arbitrary.
The so-called southern bypass is
a joke, the A43/ A5 junction will
end up with tailbacks to
Silverstone and Blisworth on a
regular basis and rush hours will
be extended.
See reps 027 and 044 above.
The masterplan does not
adequately address the car
parking problems. Historically
Towcester has been the market
town for many surrounding
villages. Those villages will not
be encouraged to come into the
town unless they can park their
cars conveniently.
The need for rationalisation of car
parking within Towcester will be
recognised within the final masterplan.
The Moat Lane development will
include the provision of additional car
parking.
I have serious reservations about
the establishment of the
Towcester Regeneration
Partnership Board - there is no
community representation in its
membership, and it is not clear to
whom the Board will be
accountable, nor even how
organisations (schools, clubs,
churches) will access it. More
'local ownership and
engagement' is necessary. Why for instance - is the Towcester
Partnership not included?
See rep 014.
1.10
1.10
16
048
049
050
004
012
001
TMPQ
TMPQ
TMPQ
3 21st Century
Market Town
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
Town Centre
Opportunities
- 2 Market
Square
2.3B
2.4C
17
1. I feel that some disabled
parking should be retained on
the market square, otherwise
some people would be unable to
use the town centre.
Safe cycling/ walking routes
essential. A way of avoiding
roundabout on A43 when going
to Towcestrians.
The congestion and pollution of
the A5 is blighting the historic
town centre. If removed the
aspirations have a chance of
success. The No 1 priority and
the No 1 by a distance - get the
A5 de-trunked and / or a bypass
built.
Comments noted. Whilst there is a need
to remove car parking from the Market
Square in order to improve the public
realm in the heart of the town it is
recognised that the provision of
disabled parking is important here.
The provision of pedestrian and cycling
routes is important as an alternative to
private motor transport, but the Council
recognises that these need to be safe.
Agreed. The relief road is noted as
being a fundamental prerequisite to the
future growth of Towcester.
051
052
003
010
TMPQ
TMPQ
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2. Bypass not to be too far south.
There should be mass planting of
evergreen trees and others south
of the bypass.
The route of the relief road is being
examined by a transport study being
undertaken on behalf of SNC, NCC, the
Highways Agency and the West
Northamptonshire Joint Planning Unit. It
has been undertaken to identify the
scale of the transport issues for the
town including the optimal locations for
housing and employment growth that
will support more sustainable transport
patterns. The Towcester Transport
Study will provide guidance on likely
volumes of traffic that new growth and
development will generate. Critically it
will address the trigger points for key
infrastructure to ensure that
improvements are phased and take the
key highway capacity and connections
issues into account. It will also examine
the route that the relief road should
take. The solution needs to be
appropriate, affordable and deliverable.
There will be critical areas north of the
relief road that will be open space and a
green edge will be provided to the
south.
1. The building of a bypass is
absolutely basic to the sensible
development of Towcester.
Expansion stands or falls on this
vital infrastructure project. 2.
Public transport to Milton Keynes
offers a very slow journey of 50
mins. A faster journey to the
railway station is needed.
The relief road is noted as being a
fundamental prerequisite to the future
growth of Towcester. The masterplan
will make clear that following the
construction of a relief road the existing
A5 will be detrunked.
2.4C
2.4C
18
The A5 bypass is of paramount
importance. Until that occurs all
other plans to develop Towcester
would be subject to serious
doubt. Making the existing
Watling Street through the town
and up to the roundabout a
20mph limit is a sensible idea
and could be implemented at
little cost.
053
054
013
014
TMPQ
TMPQ
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.4C
2.4C
1. Besses Lane Area to be kept
is very good - stick to it. 2.
Concern that a fly-over will be
created from the A43 to the new
bypass. This would create a
noise problem for the west of
Towcester. 3. Suggest A5
roundabout is a 'underpass' - if
not it will detract from the "Long
Water" line.
Traffic developments should
ensure that the Brackley Road
and A5 North of the Saracens
Head do not become 'rat runs' for
local traffic - this assuming that a
bypass goes ahead.
055
056
015
025
TMPQ
TMPQ
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.4C
Build the bypass first, then we
can consider growth in the town
2.4C
19
The relief road is noted as being a
fundamental prerequisite to the future
growth of Towcester. The masterplan
will make clear that following the
construction of a relief road the existing
A5 will be detrunked as this will alleviate
the town centre from traffic and enable
it to improve and expand with
improvements to the street scene. The
inclusion of speed limits for Towcester
will be a matter for decision by
Northamptonshire County Council as
local traffic authority.
1. The Besses Lane area is proposed
as a new parkland development at
Wood Burcote where enabling
development will be considered as this
would provide parkland to the town. 2.
See rep 052.
The relief road is noted as being a
fundamental prerequisite to the future
growth of Towcester. The masterplan
will make clear that following the
construction of a relief road the existing
A5 will be detrunked as this will alleviate
the town centre from traffic and enable
it to improve and expand with
improvements to the street scene.
The relief road is noted as being a
fundamental prerequisite to the future
growth of Towcester.
1. Require a bus route to
Buckingham.
057
058
059
003
023
038
TMPQ
TMPQ
TMPQ
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
9
Opportunities
for
Employment
Development
2.5
The bus service to MK needs to
stop near the station. At present
it means changing and waiting
for buses in Stony Stratford or
getting a taxi at £22 each way.
Need more signed car parks - at
busy times Richmond Road is
always full.
The provision of bus services is outside
the remit of the Council's action plan for
the final masterplan as these are private
companies. However the Council will
press for improvements to bus routes,
recognising however that in the current
fiscal climate public funding will not
support new transport provision
required which will affect possible new
routes.
See rep 057 above. The final
masterplan will recognise the need to
rationalise and better signpost car
parking within Towcester. Additional car
parking is proposed as part of the Moat
Lane development.
2.5
Employment
Opportunities
- 2 Town
Centre
20
I find the plan very vague and
this form seems to be designed
to get ticks on subjects that are
too vast and too vague to answer
yes or no. I am particularly
concerned about the southern
gateway on the existing A5. After
making the point that the
northern gateway should show
Towcester heritage putting
buildings on the southern edge
which will, no doubt, be just like
21st century building all over the
country seems out of keeping. At
present the Racecourse after the
area around Heathencote and
the coming down the hill provides
a unique entry to Towcester.
The masterplan gives the message that
new developments within Towcester will
be expected to be of the highest quality
and meet design standards, to ensure
that they are well integrated into the
existing town, and meet all material
planning considerations. Development
will be locally distinctive and create a
sense of place. In particular, careful
attention will be paid to character, scale,
form and architectural style/ detailing in
any new building designs. Text to be
added to final masterplan.
060
061
062
063
039
003
007
004
TMPQ
TMPQ
TMPQ
TMPQ
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.14
2.16
2.16
2.19
21
We agree that Towcester needs
more houses and bungalows.
We need to bring jobs for our
young people for our young
people as well as bring people in
to our shops in Towcester. What
worries us. If you make a
mistake on such a big project we
will have an old Towcester and a
new Towcester. We need the two
to blend and work together.
Comments noted.
3. affordable housing/social
housing only to meet local need
otherwise Towcester will become
a dumping ground.
Comments noted.
With your objectives of planning
to regenerate the market town of
the future from the population's
birth to death, I would like to see
more retirement accommodation
such as Malt House for more
affluent who wish to downsize
from the many sizeable homes
which already exist in the town
and surrounding villages and
which will become much more
available in the expanding
population of the town.
Comments noted. The masterplan is
intended to encourage investment in the
town, and will make mention of the
need for housing that meets a wide
range of needs especially the ageing
population in Towcester.
3. Towcester CE Primary School
would benefit enormously from a
new school building.
Comments noted. The masterplan sets
a strategic framework for the future
development of Towcester, going
through principles for the development
of key opportunity sites. It examines the
social and physical infrastructure
required to support the required
increase in housing provision. The
precise detail will be for service
providers to decide.
064
065
066
017
032
004
TMPQ
TMPQ
TMPQ
10 A Family
Environment
11 Respect for
the Landscape
11 Respect for
the Landscape
2.19
Correct statements about
Sponne School and Nicholas
Hawksmoor they are inaccurate
The statements about these schools will
be updated in the final masterplan
document.
As Bloor Homes are planning a
connecting road from Burcote
Road opposite Highfields to the
A5 reducing traffic at the Vernon
Rd junction, there is every
reason to make Bessie's Lane
pedestrian only as it is a
favourite walk of many of
Towcester's residents.
The Besses Lane area is proposed as a
new parkland development at Wood
Burcote where enabling development
will be considered as this would provide
parkland to the town. The road linkages
between the urban extension and the
existing town will be the subject of
negotiation in connection with the
planning applications for the Towcester
south urban extension and the Wood
Burcote site although the final
masterplan in line with the Core
Strategy will emphasise the need for
these 2 sites to be planned together as
a coordinated whole.
The Besses Lane area is proposed as a
new parkland development at Wood
Burcote where enabling development
will be considered as this would provide
parkland to the town.
2.35
2. I very much feel that the
Jackson Stops Estate and Wood
Burcote should retain its
'countryside' character so that all
can enjoy the beauty of Bessie's
Lane and the road through Wood
Burcote.
2.36
22
2. Other Responses to Representations Towcester Masterplan Consultation
Rep
Number
001
002
Respondent
Number
025
024
For/
Organisation
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Reference
Number
001
004
Document
Part/ Chapter
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
Para.
Number
Diagram 1
0.1
23
Comment
SNC Response
The constellation map on page 4 gives
a clear and valuable insight into the
geographical value of the location to
Towcester. However an additional OS
map extract to indicate its relationship
to roads and nearby villages would be
an improvement.
Comments Noted. Amend to
include a diagram of an
Ordnance Survey plan of
Towcester, its catchment,
nearby villages, centres and
motorways and main roads
There are some factual errors in the
introduction. Sadly the town centre is
not "perfect environment for the
boutiques and independent shops that
occupy its fine buildings", as suggested
in para 0.1. Frankly it’s an extraordinary
lapse of rigour to suggest that it is. If the
statement were true, one wonders why
Towcester needs regeneration. The
reality is that the once fine town centre
is currently blighted by the heavy lorries
and associated pollution from Watling
Street.
Comments noted. Towcester
town centre has a strong
tradition of local, high-quality,
specialist retailers but the
recent Chase & partners
Retail Study does say that
the town is underperforming.
It is recognised that the town
centre is currently blighted by
the heavy traffic that uses the
A5 and that key to the future
enhancement of the town
centre is the removal of this
traffic. The relief road is
therefore noted as being a
fundamental prerequisite to
the future growth of
Towcester. The masterplan
will make clear that following
the construction of a relief
road the existing A5 will be
detrunked as this will
alleviate the town centre from
traffic and enable it to
improve and expand with
improvements to the street
scene.
I am concerned about the idea of
Towcester projecting a "modern image"
as the concept has not been defined.
People, including HRH Prince Charles,
prefer to live in an environment with an
older fashioned image. Towns built in
the 1950s and 1960s with a "modern
image" have totally failed, and we do
not want Towcester to fail.
003
013
002
1 Introduction
0.2
It would be useful to place the
masterplan in the context of the wider
development plan hierarchy. Needs to
be linkages to the Local Development
Framework and the Core Spatial
Strategy.
004
017
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
002
1 Introduction
0.2
24
Comments noted. The final
masterplan will emphasis
that new development must
reflect the character of
Towcester as a historic
market town. The masterplan
gives the message that new
developments within
Towcester will be expected
to be of the highest quality
and meet design standards,
to ensure that they are well
integrated into the existing
town, and meet all material
planning considerations.
Development will be required
to be locally distinctive and
create a sense of place. In
particular, careful attention
will be paid to character,
scale, form and architectural
style/ detailing in any new
building designs. Text to be
added to final masterplan.
Agreed. The final masterplan
will include reference to the
context of the masterplan
within the Local Development
Framework that governs the
spatial development of a
place, and other strategies
written by the Council. Add
text to the masterplan
setting out its context.
005
006
007
008
017
017
018
024
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
Highways Agency
005
006
002
005
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
0.2
NEL particularly welcomes the
recognition of the important linkages
between Towcester and its rural
hinterlands.
Support welcomed and
noted.
NEL supports the overarching vision for
the town to become a thriving '21st
Century Market Town'.
Support welcomed and
noted.
The Highways Agency endorses the
overall aim, which is to create a
sustainable and cohesive community
within Towcester.
Para 0.2 is factually incorrect, in
suggesting that the overall aim of all this
is to create a sustainable and cohesive
community within Towcester. The
overall aim has been set by the
government and it is to expand
Towcester dramatically to respond to a
national housing shortage. That is the
driver for expansion. We should ensure
that the community derives as much
benefit as possible from such
expansion. The masterplan should
follow this line of thinking rather than
suggesting that expansion arises out of
some perceived need to improve
Towcester.
Support welcomed and
noted.
0.2
0.2
0.2
25
The amount of growth for
Towcester has been reduced
since the draft masterplan
and accords with the Core
Strategy for West
Northamptonshire.
Towcester is recognised as a
market town, however some
growth is required to meet
the needs of the existing
population and to ensure the
local economy does not
stagnate. If provision is not
made at the level proposed
in the masterplan and the
new Core Strategy, the area
will not provide a level of
housing that meets the
needs of its own population.
The masterplan seeks to
ensure that this growth is
planned for so that
Towcester becomes a
flourishing 21st century
market town and remains a
sustainable community.
However insufficient land is
available within the existing
town to meet local needs and
therefore the growth does
require the development area
to the south.
009
010
027
027
Burcote
Developments
Ltd
Burcote
Developments
Ltd
001
006
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
0.2
0.2
26
Totally agree that the plan context for
Towcester should be for a strong and
unique market town serving a
population, as stated of 29,000 both in
the immediate and close surrounding
areas. Only this type and size of
settlement can, through development,
attract the requisite employment,
infrastructure and services needed
already and for the future sustainable
population growth.
Cohesiveness and connectivity are
essential to managing the style of the
growth required. We are a company
that have produced such design
concepts for a major development area
at Daventry which received
commendations from CABE, the
government appointed design
watchdog, and we feel would serve as a
model template for further discussion on
this issues at Towcester.
Support welcomed and
noted. See rep 008 above.
Agreed. New development in
Towcester will be required to
be of high quality and
sustainable design. The new
development area to the
south of Towcester will need
to be well integrated with the
existing town.
As a strategic service we need to
consider the wider growth of the County
alongside Towcester masterplan, to
ensure we maintain our standards of
operational response and service
delivery. Through undertaking detailed
risk modelling it will enable us to
ascertain the impact of the growth
agenda placed on the Service. It is
noted within the masterplan that the
population of Towcester will increase to
around 29,000, with the proposed
development area to the south of the
town contributing most to this growth.
011
012
030
038
Northamptonshire
Fire and Rescue
001
001
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
0.2
0.2
27
Personally I do not support the
argument that Towcester needs to
expand its population by some 100%.
Central Government's proposal is
without mandate; it is my opinion that a
local referendum, or election, should be
held to measure the local community’s
approval, or other, of such significant
change that will have far reaching
implications for the residents of
Towcester.
Comments noted. The future
growth of Towcester set out
in the masterplan accords
with the Core Strategy which
sets out the overarching
policies for the spatial
development of the town.
The Core Strategy is part of
South Northamptonshire’s
Local Development
Framework and sets out the
vision, objectives and
policies for managing future
growth, change and
development within the
District for at least the next
15 years.
See rep 008 above. However
whilst growth is necessary
the purpose of the
masterplan is to ensure that
it is delivered in a
coordinated way that benefits
both existing and future
residents.
The current infrastructure does not, and
despite the promises being made, I fear
will not support such a change. History
shows that developers promise much to
stakeholders and deliver little, excepting
for profitability to shareholders. Any
such perceived issues associated with
population density and a lack of housing
should not be alleviated by recourse to
building on green belt land. A
methodology favoured by the current
Labour Party. Rather, investigation
should take place into 'Cause and
Effect'. I would suggest that the
following should be instigated in an
attempt to limit the current population
growth within the country: Stricter
controls regarding our borders and
immigration. Teenage pregnancy and
associated housing demand. The
sanctity of marriage, single parent
families and associated housing
demand.
013
038
002
1 Introduction
0.2
28
The masterplan sets out a
framework for the
development of Towcester
and seeks to ensure that it
includes provision for the
expansion of new
employment opportunities
and the provision of
necessary improved social
infrastructure such as
primary healthcare provision.
The final masterplan will set
out the issues that Towcester
faces and examine how
these are best addressed
through its future
development, giving details
of what infrastructure is
needed in the short to
medium term to address the
current gaps and what is
needed in the future / long
term to address the growth
agenda.
The document seems to be gently,
rather than radically, ambitious in its
aspiration for developing Towcester into
a 21st Century market town, which
would appear to be a sensible and
pragmatic approach to the future,
particularly given these uncertain
economic times. However, we would
suggest that the Masterplan be seen
still to encourage projects, development
ideas, and schemes in the Opportunity
Areas which might be more dramatic or
radical in their ambition, so as not to
quash creative or innovative
approaches to the future of the town.
014
015
039
008
Northamptonshire
Chamber
003
002
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
0.2
0.3
29
Do not believe that the developments
outlined will help the town flourish
further.
The masterplan will set out
both a guide for the future
development of Towcester
up to 2026 and a delivery
and action plan setting out
the actions required to bring
this about. It is therefore both
a document setting out a
vision for Towcester in 2026
together with aspirations and
principles for the growth of
Towcester and a document
giving details in relation to
delivery and specific actions
that will deliver the objectives
that underpin the vision for
Towcester. The Towcester
Masterplan is not a rigid
blueprint for development
and design, but sets the
context within which
individual projects will come
forward. The Masterplan is
not an end in itself, but
provides the framework to
deliver the agreed vision for
the town. The Masterplan
provides a framework for
developers and landowners
to work with the Local
Planning Authority and its
partners, to develop
proposals to secure the
coordinated growth of the
town.
Comments noted.
016
017
018
019
020
018
027
040
028
027
Highways Agency
Burcote
Developments
Ltd
DPP on behalf of
Tesco Stores Ltd
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
Burcote
Developments
Ltd
003
002
001
008
003
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
1 Introduction
2 Consultation
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.5
0.8
30
Para 0.3 should also recognise that
population growth will drive demand for
more integrated transport solutions
within and around the town.
Noted. Agree and amend as
suggested.
Population growth is the main driver of
creating added value to a town's
existing retail and commercial areas
and gives vibrancy and support for the
many social facilities needed in a 21st
Century environment.
Comments noted.
Tesco are supportive of the main thrust
of the Masterplan, in particular the
vision for Moat Lane which will provide
a high quality focal point at the heart of
Towcester. The Masterplan signals an
exciting future for Towcester Town
Centre and the wider settlement, whilst
the future construction of new by-pass
to the south-east will create a vastly
different environment within the Town
Centre by removing the bulk of the
through traffic.
The document is a vision outlining a
route map to deliver one sustainable
cohesive town. Such an approach
which brings together the local
authority's public sector 'vision' in a coordinated manner for the town is helpful
and will hopefully assist in enabling the
various stakeholders to work together
with the Towcester Vale developers to
achieve a viable and deliverable vision
for the whole town.
Tenscentral's comments are both
supportive and contributory to the
various issues we feel the next stage of
the Plan process should address.
Comments noted.
Comments noted. The
Masterplan provides a
framework for developers
and landowners to work with
the Local Planning Authority
and its partners, to develop
proposals to secure the
coordinated growth of the
town.
Comments noted.
Under ' Excellent Connectivity' in para
1.1, the town should also aspire to have
a more accessible and integrated
system for public transport.
021
022
018
033
Highways Agency
English Heritage
004
006
3 21st Century
Market Town
4 Shaping the
Future
1.1
1.3
31
Watling Street - we agree that once detrunked, measures such as pavement
widening and other public realm
improvements that respect the
principles of English Heritage's 'Streets
for All' should be pursued. It is
important that traffic still has opportunity
to pass through the centre and park (as
recognised in paragraph 2.1), as
passing trade must make a significant
contribution to the town centre economy
and vitality.
Noted. Agree and amend as
suggested. However the
Council will press for
improvements to public
transport, recognising
however that in the current
fiscal climate public funding
will not support new transport
provision required which will
affect possible new routes.
The masterplan will promote
the use of public transport
however it is recognised that
in a rural area such as South
Northamptonshire there may
be a limit to the benefits it
can provide.
Comments noted. The
detrunking of the A5 is
necessary to remove heavy
traffic from the town centre
which will improve the heart
of the town.
023
031
024
032
Environmental
Health, South
Northamptonshire
Council
006
4 Shaping the
Future
1.4
002
4 Shaping the
Future
1.5
32
There are environmental issues that
need to be considered if the smaller
side streets and alleyways that serve
Towcester town centres and link up with
the residential areas are to be utilised,
although this may be more in the
detailed planning stages. The class of
use for each area/ unit should be
considered to ensure it is feasible.
Other issues that would need to be
considered are: waste storage facilities
and collection services, adequacy of
drainage facilities, air conditioning units
and extraction outlets on listed buildings
or buildings within the conservation
area as well as noise and odours from
these services. Thought needs to be
given to how they are likely to affect
more sensitive or conflicting uses
nearby.
Yes Towcester would benefit from
additional shopping facilities, but why
have a second major "hub" at the
southern end of town. This will no doubt
be largely of interest to major retailers,
who will require major incentives to
locate units together with major parking
facilities. The result will be the down
grading of facilities in the centre of the
town, and losing the independent
retailers currently there and whose
shops are lauded in the booklets.
Comments noted. The
Masterplan is not an end in
itself, but provides the
framework to deliver the
agreed vision for the town.
The Masterplan provides a
framework for developers
and landowners to work with
the Local Planning Authority
and its partners, to develop
proposals to secure the
coordinated growth of the
town. The specific use of
each unit within the town
centre will be a matter for
determination as part of the
implementation of the
masterplan and will be the
subject of planning
application decisions.
The draft masterplan
proposes suggestions for the
future of Towcester. There
will need to be a small scale
neighbourhood / local centre
within the southern extension
so that there is a facility in
walking distance for nearby
residents and businesses.
This location shown on the
masterplan is not a major
scale centre. However it is
important that any such
centre does not compete with
the Towcester town centre
and redeveloped areas such
as Moat Lane.
025
026
027
028
028
039
012
027
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
Northamptonshire
Chamber
Towcester &
District Local
History Society
Burcote
Developments
Ltd
A series of green corridors is envisaged
permeating the existing urban area and
the new neighbourhood, as is proposed
in the Persimmon/ Bloor Towcester
Vale Masterplan.
013
007
003
004
4 Shaping the
Future
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
1.6
1.11
1.4
1.7
33
Yes Northamptonshire Chamber would
support the five main aims of the
Towcester Masterplan set out in Part 1
and 2. They seem comprehensive,
achievable and appropriate to the
direction and nature of sustainable
development to which the town inspires.
Para 1.4 on p9 says Towcester has
been a market town since the 13th
century. In view of the fact that
Towcester was on a junction of two
Roman roads and was an important
enough settlement to be fortified by the
Romans at great expense we would
recommend that the text says that
Towcester has been a market town for
two thousand years since the first
century AD.
The core issue to establishing a vibrant
and positive market town is the removal
of through traffic on the A5. In many
areas of UK comparable towns have
had such through traffic by-passed for
decades starting in the 1930's onwards.
The masterplan sets out
principles for the future
development of Towcester.
Green corridors are
considered a fundamental
part of the future
development of Towcester
linking the countryside
surrounding the town with the
town centre.
Support welcomed and
noted.
The final masterplan will
include a section on the
history of Towcester since it
is important that the future of
the town is grounded in its
past. Add section to final
masterplan that relates the
history of Towcester.
Agree. The masterplan
recognises that the key to the
growth of Towcester, both in
terms of its economy and
spatially, is the construction
of the relief road and the
detrunking of the A5 to
remove heavy traffic from the
town centre which will
improve the heart of the
town.
029
030
031
032
033
028
028
028
029
023
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
White Young
Green on behalf
of Aldi Stores Ltd
The Towcester
Partnership
009
010
011
002
023
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
It is noted and supported that a
southern bypass will remove strategic
traffic from the historic centre.
Comments noted.
It is common ground that the challenge
is to grow Towcester without losing
what makes it special, but that the
objectives must be sustainable, realistic
and deliverable.
Agreed.
It is noted that Towcester is said to be
ready for change.
Agreed.
Aldi agrees that Towcester is ready for
change and considers that unless
Towcester responds to the competition
from other nearby settlements and
developments, it could decline to a point
where it will be unable to meet the dayto-day needs of residents in the town
and its rural hinterland.
Agreed.
There is considerable local concern
over the imposition of this regeneration
board. It has been imposed without any
local consultation. We are concerned by
the lack of representation of local
bodies, and the apparent
unaccountability of this body.
Comments Noted. The
delivery vehicle needs to be
appropriate to the site. The
masterplan paves the way for
SNC to return to being the
local planning authority for
the district. It will act in
consultation on all proposals
for implementation with the
Town Council in Towcester
and the community.
1.7
1.8
1.9
1.9
1.10
34
034
035
024
004
010
West
Northamptonshire
Joint Planning
Unit
001
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
There is no need for the Towcester
Regeneration Partnership Board.
Indeed, with NCC, WNDC, SNC, NEL,
the Towcester Partnership and the
Town Council, we already have too
many public bodies exercising
jurisdiction over Towcester, (before we
even consider the Highways Agency,
the Environment Agency et al). The
Towcester Partnership was established
under the government's 'Action for
Market Towns' initiative and already has
the structure and skills necessary to
oversee delivery of the Masterplan.
Comments Noted. The
delivery vehicle needs to be
appropriate to the site. The
masterplan paves the way for
SNC to return to being the
local planning authority for
the district. It will act in
consultation on all proposals
for implementation with the
Town Council in Towcester
and the community.
Principal themes in relation to
Towcester are covered in the
document; however more emphasis
should be placed on how the key
objectives of the plan can be delivered.
Comments noted. The final
masterplan will include an
action plan that will deliver
the objectives that underpin
the vision for Towcester. The
Towcester Masterplan is not
a rigid blueprint for
development and design, but
sets the context within which
individual projects will come
forward. The Masterplan is
not an end in itself, but
provides the framework to
deliver the agreed vision for
the town. The Masterplan
provides a framework for
developers and landowners
to work with the Local
Planning Authority and its
partners, to develop
proposals to secure the
coordinated growth of the
town.
1.10
1.11
35
Cultural assets are not mentioned within
the key objectives and it is considered
that Towcester has a great deal to offer
and this should be emphasised.
036
037
038
039
004
009
016
016
West
Northamptonshire
Joint Planning
Unit
Northamptonshire
Police
Barton Willmore
acting for
Waitrose Ltd
Barton Willmore
acting for
Waitrose Ltd
002
003
001
002
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
1.11
No mention of safety and sustainability
in the objectives. Given the current
Government agenda for addressing
climate change the lack of mention of
sustainability in the objectives. This is
one of the key priorities of the
Sustainable Communities Strategy and
it is clear that this is essential to quality
of life and enabling the other objectives
for a family environment and vibrant
town centre. Safety attracts people to
an area.
1.11
1.11
1.11
36
Support the strategic objective of the
Masterplan to promote Towcester as a
place to invest and to demonstrate that
it is 'open for business' as a town. Also
support the underlying principles of the
document eg creating a vibrant town
centre.
Question whether the draft Masterplan
in its current form will actually deliver
these aims.
Agreed. The final masterplan
will make more reference to
the history of Towcester and
the historical assets of the
town. The historical nature of
the town is seen as an
important feature that needs
to be reflected in its future
development.
Towcester masterplan's
vision is that Towcester in
2026 will be a sustainable
market town. This includes
the town as a safe and
healthy local environment.
Add text to final
masterplan defining a
sustainable community,
including the principle that
a safe and healthy local
environment is vital to a
sustainable community.
Support noted.
The draft masterplan set out
suggestions for the future
growth of Towcester.
Following consultation it has
been possible to refine the
masterplan so that it
established a framework for
the future development of the
town, together with a vision
and principles that will allow
the vision to be realised.
040
041
042
043
017
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
024
025
029
008
001
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
White Young
Green on behalf
of Aldi Stores Ltd
003
001
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
1.11
1.11
NEL supports the aim of the Masterplan
to support growth in Towcester, and
welcomes the recognition that the
implementation of such growth
considers the impact on the image of
Towcester as a Market town and
ensures that regeneration and
development is sympathetic to the
historic nature of the area, particularly
within the Conservation Zones.
The key objectives as set out on page
19 are laudable and it is good that the
Masterplan sets them out clearly.
However, in other respects the
masterplan communicated poorly and
bears all the hallmarks of a document
that has been cut and pasted by
successive committee edits. As a result
the flow of the document is poor,
punctuation is random and it is littered
with typographical errors.
On page 16 recreation needs adding.
'Successful small businesses' needs
manufacturing, local crafts, equestrian
and agricultural businesses adding. Not
everyone in the area is capable of
working in high tech, knowledge based
industries and they must be provided
with employment as well.
Noted. Amend. Add more
reference to the Market
Town and more to the
conservation and historic
aspects of the town in the
final masterplan.
Aldi supports the Key Objectives of the
masterplan and applauds the Council's
approach in seeking to co-ordinate
growth pressures in the town through a
masterplan that aims to develop the
concept of a 21st century market town.
Support noted.
Comments Noted. It is
intended that the final
masterplan will overcome
these issues.
Comments Noted. Amend
the business section of the
masterplan to recognise
there needs to be a range
of employment provided
for the current and future
community.
1.11
1.11
37
044
045
046
031
035
036
Environmental
Health, South
Northamptonshire
Council
Churches
Together in
Towcester
Governing Body
of Towcester CE
Primary School
005
003
003
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
1.11
The key objectives for Towcester are
set to encourage a vibrant town centre
of mixed use. Whether this is successful
will depend on whether the design of
services to the facilities is sympathetic
to the needs and requirements of the
more sensitive development/ existing
uses of premises nearby. For example
residential properties will be sensitive to
late night noise from licensed premises,
noise and odours from cooking
extraction facilities, noise from early
morning deliveries as well as from
patrons arriving and leaving those
premises.
Comments noted. There is a
need to balance the issues of
requiring diversity of uses to
benefit the town's economy
with the conflicts that the
juxtaposition of such uses
may cause. This will partly be
down to development
implementation issues which
will be decided at planning
application stage rather than
through the masterplan.
We welcome these objectives (and the
mention of the Town Council and
Towcester Partnership) but would wish
to strengthen the importance of
community development and the place
of arts and culture in building a good
family environment, including the places
of the churches/ faith groups (with their
role in building Social Capital).
Comments and support
noted. There will be a need
in the final masterplan to
emphasise the importance of
community development and
the roles in delivery that
these organisations will play.
Add text to final
masterplan relating to
community development
and the roles of
organisations such as
Towcester Town Council,
Towcester Partnership and
the churches within the
town.
Comments Noted. The final
masterplan will note that
Towcester CE Primary
School is in need of
redevelopment however it is
ultimately the decision on the
future of the school will be up
to Northamptonshire CC to
take as Education Authority.
1.11
1.11
38
We support the outlined key objectives
pg 16: the aspiration for 'excellent
quality, modern educational facilities' as
part of a Family Environment for
Towcester. In the light of this we wish to
point out that the buildings currently
occupied by the Towcester CE Primary
School date from 1957 and the late
1960's and were built for a town of
3000. They are no longer adequate or
fit for purpose; cost far too much to
keep watertight, and is an inefficient
spilt site.
I am broadly in agreement with most of
what is said in the consultation draft
which astutely recognises Towcester's
place in a variety of local and regional
spheres of influence. I would stress that
the town's great strength is that it still
does retain a distinctive local identity
and character both in relation to its
historic site astride the A5 and its
retention of dominant local building
materials in its front-line (ie most visible)
buildings.
047
014
Northamptonshire
Archaeology
001
3 21st Century
Market Town
Diagram 2 Towcester
Now
39
The masterplan sets a
strategic framework for the
future development of
Towcester, going through
principles for the
development of key
opportunity sites. It examines
the social and physical
infrastructure required to
support the required increase
in housing provision. The
precise detail will be for
service providers to decide.
Add text to final
masterplan stressing the
need for redevelopment of
Towcester CofE Primary
School.
Agreed. It is recognised in
the masterplan that new
development must reflect the
historic character of
Towcester. New
developments within
Towcester will be expected
to be of the highest quality
and meet design standards,
to ensure that they are well
integrated into the existing
town, and meet all material
planning considerations.
Development will be locally
distinctive and create a
sense of place. In particular,
careful attention will be paid
to character, scale, form and
architectural style/ detailing
in any new building designs.
Text to be added to final
masterplan.
Town Information centre - No specific
plans for a Town Information or Tourist
Centre are mentioned, despite mention
of Tourist attractions.
048
049
023
016
The Towcester
Partnership
Barton Willmore
acting for
Waitrose Ltd
015
003
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
Diagram 2 Towcester
Now
Diagrams 2
&3
The inset to the map has reference to
'independent retailers (97%) thriving
alongside Waitrose and Somerfield
supermarkets'. In our view this
reference infers that town centre
supermarkets including Waitrose have
the potential to have a detrimental
impact on other retailers. Clearly this is
not the case in Towcester where other
retailers are thriving. Suggest text be
amended to read: "Thriving
independent retailers (97%)
complimented by Waitrose and
Somerfield supermarkets."
With or without bypass there will be
increased traffic and car parking
problems. Concerned that parking on
page 15 is described as "ample".
050
001
003
3 21st Century
Market Town
Diagram 3 Towcester
Town Centre
40
Noted. As an attractive
historic market town
Towcester has potential for
becoming a tourist
destination. Tourism is
recognised as being key to
the future economic growth
of Towcester.
Comments noted. The
combination of both national
chains such as the existing
supermarkets and
independent niche shopping
provides a range of shopping
facilities in Towcester.
However the range of
shopping does need to be
widened to reduce loss of
retail spend to surrounding
towns.
Noted. The masterplan will
include reference to the need
for a parking strategy in
Towcester which will include
examining what parking is
available and whether it is in
the right place. Additional
parking is to be provided as
part of the Moat Lane
redevelopment. Add text in
final masterplan relating to
car parking issues.
The centre of Towcester is a
Conservation Area, and was made one
to retain the character of the town
centre. The distinctive character of
Towcester should be retained, and we
should ensure that it does not become
indistinguishable from other towns.
What distinctive characteristics there
are need to be retained and amplified in
any future development of the town
centre.
051
052
012
016
Towcester &
District Local
History Society
Barton Willmore
acting for
Waitrose Ltd
001
009
3 21st Century
Market Town
3 21st Century
Market Town
Diagram 3 Towcester
Town Centre
Diagram 3 Towcester
Town Centre
41
We fully support the diagrammatic
annotation of the proposed town centre
boundary showing the Waitrose store
within the town centre boundary of
Towcester, given the store's anchor
importance to the town centre's vitality,
now and in the future. This should be
supported by the Council and carried
through to other documents as part of
the LDF process.
Noted. It is considered that
the historic nature of
Towcester is part of what
gives the town its character
as a market town. The final
masterplan will refer to the
need to ensure that new
development respects and
enhances the setting and
character of the town. New
developments within
Towcester will be expected
to be of the highest quality
and meet design standards,
to ensure that they are well
integrated into the existing
town, and meet all material
planning considerations.
Development will be locally
distinctive and create a
sense of place. In particular,
careful attention will be paid
to character, scale, form and
architectural style/ detailing
in any new building designs.
Text to be added to final
masterplan requiring high
quality development.
Noted. The Council
considers that the Waitrose
store is important to the town
centre’s vitality and viability.
It is not the role of a
Masterplan to amend the
boundary that is currently set
out in the Local Plan. This
needs to be undertaken
through the statutory LDF
planning process. Therefore,
a revised Town Centre
Key Infrastructure requirements Infrastructure requirements for the
future town have been identified in
consultation, workshops and in a
proposed section 106 shopping list
covering civic, community, commercial,
leisure needs. These should be
included in the plan.
053
023
The Towcester
Partnership
025
3 21st Century
Market Town
Diagram 3 Towcester
Town Centre
I do not agree that there is ample car
parking in Towcester. Teachers and
Pupils need to stop using Brackley
Road car park. Richmond Road car
park is too small and full every day. The
Northampton Road car park is now full
everyday. If we want visitors to stop and
explore Towcester, an additional free
car park is essential.
054
020
County Councillor
Rosemary
Bromwich
015
3 21st Century
Market Town
Diagram 3 Towcester
Town Centre
42
boundary for Towcester
together with appropriate
polices will be set out in the
West Northamptonshire Site
Allocations Development
Plan Document.
The final masterplan will set
out the key issues facing
Towcester and look at ways
of addressing these as the
town grows in order that it
become a 21st century
sustainable market town. The
masterplan sets out a
strategic framework for the
future development of
Towcester and seeks to
ensure that it includes
provision for the key
physical, social and Green
infrastructure that will be
required to meet the needs of
both existing and future
residents.
The final masterplan will
recognise the need to
undertake a parking strategy
for Towcester to address
what car parking there is,
and to examine what need
there will be for additional
provision of car parking in
Towcester to address current
demand and demand in the
future as a result of the
growth agenda. The
redevelopment of Moat Lane
will include additional car
parking. Add text to final
masterplan regarding car
parking issues.
Car Parking - 1. Car Parking is only
mentioned as "ample" at present. An
expanded population and associated
policies that will increase community
spend in the town centre are not
considered. 2. It is a specific and vital
issue for the town centre that cannot be
avoided, especially as the indicative bus
network is ever likely to be inadequate.
055
023
The Towcester
Partnership
012
3 21st Century
Market Town
Diagram 3 Towcester
Town Centre
Need for the retention of free parking in
Towcester is an important way of
attracting both business and visitors to
the town. This will mean finding ways of
supplying and maintaining the parking
without charging.
056
025
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
002
3 21st Century
Market Town
Diagram 3 Towcester
Town Centre
43
The final masterplan will
recognise the need to
undertake a parking strategy
for Towcester to address
what car parking there is,
and to examine what need
there will be for additional
provision of car parking in
Towcester to address current
demand and demand in the
future as a result of the
growth agenda. The
redevelopment of Moat Lane
will include additional car
parking. Add text to final
masterplan regarding car
parking issues.
The final masterplan will
recognise the need to
undertake a parking strategy
for Towcester to address
what car parking there is,
and to examine what need
there will be for additional
provision of car parking in
Towcester to address current
demand and demand in the
future as a result of the
growth agenda. The
redevelopment of Moat Lane
will include additional car
parking. Add text to final
masterplan regarding car
parking issues.
057
058
014
033
Northamptonshire
Archaeology
English Heritage
003
003
3 21st Century
Market Town
Photo
4 Shaping the
Future
44
The photo on page 17 entitled '
Example of a Thriving Town Centre' is
totally and utterly out of place as it is the
Duke of York Square, Chelsea,
adjacent to the Saatchi Gallery and not
relevant to the market place of
Towcester. Please find a more suitable
example!
National guidance places emphasis on
understanding the significance of the
historic assets of an area and promotes
the role of heritage in inspiring good
design and place-making. These are
particularly relevant to Towcester.
Guidance suggests that local planning
authorities should set out a positive,
proactive, strategy for the conservation,
enhancement and enjoyment of the
historic environment in their area. They
should particularly focus on the local
distinctiveness for the historic
environment and how this can be used
to promote a sense of place. They
should include consideration of how
best to conserve individual, groups or
types of heritage assets that are most at
risk of loss through neglect, decay or
other pressures.
Agreed. The final masterplan
will include photos that relate
to Towcester as a historic
market town.
The final masterplan will
recognise that new
development must reflect the
historic character of
Towcester. New
developments within
Towcester will be expected
to be of the highest quality
and meet design standards,
to ensure that they are well
integrated into the existing
town, and meet all material
planning considerations.
Development will be locally
distinctive and create a
sense of place. In particular,
careful attention will be paid
to character, scale, form and
architectural style/ detailing
in any new building designs.
The masterplan will also
include reference to the need
to protect existing historical
assets within Towcester.
Text to be added to final
masterplan.
059
060
016
025
Barton Willmore
acting for
Waitrose Ltd
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
004
005
4 Shaping the
Future
4 Shaping the
Future
Diagram 4 Concept
Diagram
Diagram 4 Concept
Diagram
45
The Concept Diagram at the end of Part
1 page 19 could be clearer particularly
in terms of the town centre expansion
area. It is not clear what the difference
is intended to be between the
'opportunity areas' and the 'town centre
expansion area'. Clearer annotation and
the use of colour on the diagram would
assist, together with a greater
explanation in the supporting text. In
general however we support the
expansion of the designated town
centre area to include Moat Lane, the
area west of Watling Street, and
Waitrose to the north.
On pg 19 there needs to be a gateway
to the town marked for the Brackley
Road entrance. Both this and the A5
southern gateway need landmark
entrances as well as the A5 northern
gateway.
Comments noted. The text
and supporting diagrams will
be amended to show clearly
where there are any
proposals for increasing the
town centre area along with
details of the opportunity
sites that are available within
the town centre, eg. Moat
Lane area, Market Square
and Towcester Lanes.
The final masterplan will
highlight the need for
gateways with landmark
entrances to the north and
south of Towcester - at the
A5/ A43 roundabout adjacent
to Tove Valley Business Park
and opposite the
Racecourse. A landmark
public art feature is
suggested for the roundabout
such as a statue of Nicholas
Hawksmoor to give a 'sense
of place'.
Concern at the representation in the
Concept Diagram that the two
development areas in Towcester Vale
do not conjoin is unfortunate and runs
the risk of a disjointed form of
development lacking cohesion.
061
062
028
028
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
003
4 Shaping the
Future
Diagram 4 Concept
Diagram
Concerned by the indication (by a single
dashed line) that there should be a road
link to both Carey Road and Rowan
Close. The potential for an additional
link on Rowan Close to be for
pedestrians and cycles only may be one
worthy of more detailed consideration.
005
4 Shaping the
Future
Diagram 4 Concept
Diagram
46
Noted. It is considered to be
fundamental that the
southern development area
connect to the existing town
of Towcester so that they
form a co-ordinated
integrated whole. It is vital
that the southern extension
be part of the existing town in
order to reduce the amount
of out-commuting currently
taking place from Towcester
to neighbouring towns. For
example, pedestrian and
cycling linkages will be
required from the
development area to the
town centre in order that the
town and the development
area become a cohesive
development.
The road linkages between
the development area and
the existing town will be
determined through the
planning application process.
Pedestrian and cycling
linkages will also be required
from the development area to
the town centre in order that
the town and the
development area become a
cohesive development.
063
064
028
013
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
012
001
4 Shaping the
Future
5 A Vibrant
Town Centre
Diagram 4 Concept
Diagram
2.1A
47
The Concept Diagram shows two
strategic opportunity areas which
broadly coincide with the western part
of the Persimmon/ Bloor Towcester
Vale Masterplan, in the western slope
area and an area to the east which
broadly coincides with Persimmon/
Bloor Towcester Vale Master Plan.
Living in an outlying village, and tries to
shop with the least environmental
impact which coincidentally also means
the least cost to me and the least wear
and tear on my car. So if I can buy a
product in the village I do, if not I buy it
in Towcester if it is available but
otherwise goes to Milton Keynes.
Although a small range of shops in
Towcester, the staff in these are friendly
and knowledgeable and you leave with
a satisfied feeling and a suitable
product. These shops provide a much
more personal service. However
Towcester does lack various shops,
including a book shop, a men's tailors, a
camera shop, a music shop, and a
mobile phone shop.
Noted. It is vital that the
southern extension be part of
the existing town and will be
planned so that it becomes a
coordinated and integral part
of the town.
Noted. The masterplan
recognises the need to widen
the retail offer in Towcester
to reduce the amount of outcommuting and loss of retail
spend currently taking place
as this is having a
detrimental impact on the
economy of the town which is
underperforming
economically. The final
masterplan will include an
action plan that seeks to
address the improvements
needed to the town centre in
order to encourage its
revitalisation.
PPS4 proposes encouraging a positive
and proactive approach to planning for
sustainable economic development in
urban and rural areas and promotes
investment, competition and innovation.
It recognises that continued growth and
prosperity of town and village centres
will require all regions and local
authorities to review their own visions
and strategies for their key centres.
Growth in Towcester should be planned
and delivered in accordance with the
emphasis on delivering strong
economic development and town centre
regeneration activities that enhance the
largely rural setting of the town.
065
066
017
025
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
004
008
5 A Vibrant
Town Centre
5 A Vibrant
Town Centre
2.1A
Totally agrees with what is said in paras
2.2 and 2.3 - both are very important.
2.2 & 2.3
48
Noted. The final masterplan
will stress the need for the
revitalisation of the town
centre in order to reduce the
loss of retail spend and to
address the outcome of the
Chase & Partners Retail
Study carried out for the
Council which found that the
town was underperforming.
The masterplan sets a
strategy for development and
renewal of the town centre
which includes encouraging
a mix of uses and
enhancements to the street
scene that will be possible
after once the bulk of traffic
has been removed from the
A5 and the road has been
detrunked in order to improve
the town centre environment
with less heavy traffic going
through the centre of the
town. The masterplan
recognises the role of
Towcester as a historic
market town, and new
development will be required
to respect this.
Support welcomed and
noted.
Para 2.4, pg 23 refers to 'opportunity
areas', although goes on to suggest that
these should not be seen as
'development sites'. In our view it is
unclear what the Council's intentions
are for these 'opportunity areas' and
that in reality they are likely to be seen
as development sites. Therefore a fuller
explanation of the Council's intentions
for the sites should be provided.
067
016
Barton Willmore
acting for
Waitrose Ltd
005
5 A Vibrant
Town Centre
2.4A
49
A number of opportunity sites
are identified as sites where
redevelopment is possible
due to them coming forward
for sale, eg. the use of the
Magistrates Court is ceasing
in 2011 and therefore this
site will be available for
redevelopment; Moat Lane
and surrounding area is
currently a major
redevelopment project being
undertaken jointly between
SNC & WNDC. The
opportunity sites also include
Easton Neston Water
Meadows and Wood Burcote
Parkland which are both
being made available for
public recreation use. The
masterplan seeks to set out
principles for the
development of most of the
opportunity sites and
suggests end uses although
it is not prescriptive on these
since this will be the result of
investment and the planning
application process. The
masterplan also identifies the
need for improvements within
the town, eg. through
providing additional green
space, and some of the sites
put forward provide
opportunities for these issues
to be dealt with.
068
069
033
016
English Heritage
Barton Willmore
acting for
Waitrose Ltd
007
006
5 A Vibrant
Town Centre
5 A Vibrant
Town Centre
2.1A
2.4A
50
A Vibrant Town Centre & Retail
chapters - We recognise that with the
level of population growth proposed,
there will be a need to expand the town
centre. However, we do have some
concerns about how the independent
sector will be protected from
competition; careful phasing and
management of this process will be
needed. PPS4 'Planning for Prosperous
Economies' recognises that smaller
shops can significantly enhance
character and vibrancy of a centre and
make a valuable contribution to
consumer choice and indicates that
local planning authorities should take
measures to conserve and, where
appropriate, enhance the established
character and diversity of their town
centre, but the local planning authority
will need to consider mechanisms to
achieve these objectives.
Graphics and detail on opportunity sites
are not clear and need to be more
defined eg Towcester Lanes. Would be
useful to have more detailed graphic
information on the extent of the sites
and the suggested opportunities for
each site. The supporting text and the
graphic information is too general and
non-specific at present. Unclear where
these sites are located and there needs
to be a clearer understanding of the
Council's Intentions for the sites and
how they are to be taken forward.
It is recognised that in many
ways it is not possible to
restrict the use of retail units
so that they are kept for
independent niche shops.
However it is possible to
make the town centre an
attractive location where
such retailers will thrive. The
masterplan therefore
includes a strategy for
revitalising the town centre to
increase its attractiveness. It
also refers to the
establishment of a Town
Fund which will be set up for
contributions from new
developments within
Towcester to enable this
strategy to be implemented.
Noted. See rep 067. The
purpose of the masterplan is
to ensure that it is delivered
in a coordinated way that
benefits both existing and
future residents. The final
masterplan will include an
appendix setting out all the
opportunity sites and
principles that should be
taken into consideration in
their development.
070
071
036
016
Governing Body
of Towcester CE
Primary School
Barton Willmore
acting for
Waitrose Ltd
005
005
5 A Vibrant
Town Centre
5 A Vibrant
Town Centre
2.4A
We support and recognise the
importance of the 5 opportunity areas
for the Towcester Town Centre pg 23 to
26 and the strategic clarity that this can
help bring to future development.
Comments Noted.
Para 2.4, pg 23 refers to 'opportunity
areas', although goes on to suggest that
these should not be seen as
'development sites'. In our view it is
unclear what the Council's intentions
are for these 'opportunity areas' and
that in reality they are likely to be seen
as development sites. Therefore a fuller
explanation of the Council's intentions
for the sites should be provided.
Noted. See rep 067. The
purpose of the masterplan is
to ensure that it is delivered
in a coordinated way that
benefits both existing and
future residents. The final
masterplan will include an
appendix setting out all the
opportunity sites and
principles that should be
taken into consideration in
their development.
See rep 067 above. However
whilst growth is necessary
the purpose of the
masterplan is to ensure that
it is delivered in a
coordinated way that benefits
both existing and future
residents. The final
masterplan will include an
appendix setting out all the
opportunity sites and
principles that should be
taken into consideration in
their development.
2.4A
Opportunity sites - a number of potential
opportunity sites were identified during
consultations and workshops. These
should be included in the final
masterplan after pre-consultation with
landowners.
072
023
The Towcester
Partnership
024
5 A Vibrant
Town Centre
2.4A
51
Aldi supports the extension of the town
centre boundary as indicated on the
various plans in the Masterplan. The
proposed new boundary is over 100m
closer to the CWG site and will help to
integrate it more closely with the town
centre.
073
029
White Young
Green on behalf
of Aldi Stores Ltd
004
5 A Vibrant
Town Centre
2.4A
The Chamber's primary interest,
unsurprisingly, are those aims most
relevant to local business community.
The Chamber roundly supports the
ambition set out in the section on
"Vibrant Town Centre", reiterating the
observation that central to achieving
this aim is the construction of the
southern Towcester Bypass. The
opportunity areas would seem to be the
right ones, Moat Lane, Market Square
etc, and the building up of the
Towcester Lanes as a location for a
niche shopping and dining experience
could provide a very interesting strength
and selling point for the developing
town.
074
039
Northamptonshire
Chamber
009
5 A Vibrant
Town Centre
2.4A
52
Comments noted. It is not the
role of a Masterplan to
amend the boundary that is
currently set out in the Local
Plan. This needs to be
undertaken through the
statutory LDF planning
process. Therefore, a revised
Town Centre boundary for
Towcester together with
appropriate polices will be
set out in the West
Northamptonshire Site
Allocations Development
Plan Document.
Comments noted. The final
masterplan will include a
town centre strategy which
will strengthen the town
centre and promote the town
and provide support to
retailers and employers as a
part of active town centre
management. Funding will be
secured from development
schemes within the town to
deliver the aims of building a
vital, vibrant town. The aim is
to strengthen Towcester's
role as a historic market town
so that it becomes a
destination that people want
to visit and spend time. This
will enhance the local
economy.
075
076
077
009
012
020
Northamptonshire
Police
Towcester &
District Local
History Society
County Councillor
Rosemary
Bromwich
004
008
001
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 1 - Moat
Lane
Site 1 - Moat
Lane
Site 1 - Moat
Lane
53
Moat Lane is clearly a key regeneration
site for the town. However its location is
away from the main through flow of the
town centre and as such the area can
become very quiet in the evening and
susceptible to anti-social behaviour. It is
vital that the design of this area is high
quality and ensures that opportunities
for crime and anti-social behaviour are
designed out to ensure the full potential
of this site is reached.
We would only agree with one
"opportunity area", because we do not
understand the exact meaning of the
"opportunity area" a glossary would
have been a useful addition to the
Master plan. The Moat Lane
"opportunity area" is acceptable. But we
have historic or environmental concerns
about the other four areas, so at this
stage we cannot agree with them.
The Moat Lane development is good
news for Towcester and currently under
construction. It is important the whole
project runs continuously, so that there
is no 'gap' in the development. A
development plan/ map should be
erected adjacent to the garage enabling
the public to see visually what the end
product will look like.
Noted. The intention is that
the Moat Lane development
will be designed to be high
quality and a place where
people want to visit at night
as well as during the day.
The need to ensure that it
does not become a place for
crime and anti-social
behaviour are noted.
Comments noted. Add a
glossary of terms in the final
version of the masterplan.
Comments Noted. The
phased development of Moat
Lane is considered to be
beyond the scope of the
masterplan which is intended
to set a strategic framework
for the development of the
town to ensure that growth
provides benefit to all that
are connected with the town,
and to set principles for the
overall growth of the town
over the next 15 years.
Bury Mount - 1. Excellent and in the
process of delivery. Note: some
confusion exists on the usage of Moat
Lane and the Market Square. The
market square cannot act as a car park,
a bus hub, and a market place at the
same time not is it desirable that it
should. The Moat Lane scheme
envisages a street market for the town
in Moat Lane and not in the Market
Square where there are obstacles in
doing so. The identification and location
of a bus hub in the town centre is a key
strategic master planning decision that
has to be made and is missing from this
document.
078
023
The Towcester
Partnership
019
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 1 - Moat
Lane
54
The masterplan sets
principles for the overall
growth of Towcester. The
confusion between the uses
of the Market Square and
Moat Lane is noted. The
exact details of the use of
each location is outside the
scope of the masterplan
which is intended to provide
a strategic overview of
development, however it is
likely that the Market Square
will be returned to its original
use as a market place at the
heart of the town. However
this cannot happen until the
relief road for the A5 has
been constructed and the
road detrunked. Some limited
parking may be required to
be retained at the Market
Square. Moat Lane is
intended as an area for civic
and tourism uses, and any
open space is more likely to
provide a place where cafes
can overflow into and street
entertainment be held.
079
080
032
033
003
English Heritage
008
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 1 - Moat
Lane
Site 1 - Moat
Lane
55
Moat Lane development - a) The
provision of various facilities is badly
needed, (small shop units, other small
business units, leisure facilities, e.g.
Cafes), but civic development of the
size suggested is not required. The
purpose built office in Springfield
already has parking and is within easy
walking distance of the Town Centre. b)
This will only result in major traffic
problems around the Chantry Lane area
with many additional traffic movements
per day as they attempt to access this
area. There are many near miss
accidents (car accident & pedestrian) at
present; more will result from this
scheme. c) suggestions for widening of
pavements and a pedestrian friendly
Market Square do not combine into a
sensible suggestion with the additional
traffic d) it was suggested that parking
for this civic building (including library,
art gallery etc) could be provided
elsewhere, being the other side of
Northampton Rd (Masonic Lodge site.)
Is this practical? Would be unlikely to
encourage wide use of these facilities,
especially when raining or by the
vulnerable.
English Heritage has been involved in
the development of the Moat Lane
project, but there will be a continuing
need for involvement, particularly with
regard to the implementation of the
proposals for the Bury Moat scheduled
monument.
See rep 079. The
developments at Market
Square and Moat Lane area
will both require careful
engineering to ensure that
they are safe and accessible
for any cars and other
vehicles that may need to
access them. This is outside
the scope of the masterplan
which is intended to provide
a strategic overview of the
growth of Towcester and to
set out principles for
development within the town
and identify the need for
improvements within the
town. Issues relating to
accessibility into these areas
and their specific use would
be the subject of planning
applications or specific
Development Briefs for these
areas such as the Moat Lane
Adopted Supplementary
Planning Document which
SNC adopted in 2007.
Comments noted.
Town Centre Opportunities - We
welcome the identification of these
areas, building on what has already
begun at Moat Lane, but there appear
to be many different and contradictory
aspirations for the Moat Lane area
(compare the 'civic building'
expectations on pg 24, section 1 with
para 2.8 of pg 34. We feel there needs
to be more firm detail in the proposals
for this site.
081
082
083
035
Churches
Together in
Towcester
015
025
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
004
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 1 - Moat
Lane
p38 Opportunities for Employment
Development 2-4 Town Centre - there
implies an acceptance that the current
town centre should be for the
professional services and personal
services which is contrary to the SNC's
current policy that retailers have priority.
004
Opportunities
for
Employment
Development
Sites 2-4
Town Centre
009
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 2 Market
Square
56
page 26 Market Square - the market
does not have to be held in the current
Market Square and this should be made
clear.
The proposals for Moat Lane
are set out in the Moat Lane
Adopted Supplementary
Planning Document (SPD)
produced by South Northants
Council. The site is being
project managed on behalf of
WNDC and SNC by a
company called Urban
Delivery. The exact
proposals for the Civic
Building and some of the
other elements of the site are
still not decided due to the
current economic climate and
the fact the elements of the
site need to be financially
viable hence there is no
exact detail prescribed in the
Draft Masterplan. They are
outside the scope of this
masterplan which is intended
to set the strategic
development of the whole of
the town and to identify the
need for improvements to the
town.
The final masterplan will
stress that there should be a
greater diversity of uses
within the town centre, but
that at the same time there is
a need to ensure that these
support the retail function,
and do not outnumber the
number of retail units.
Comments noted, but conflict
with other comments
received. It is recognised that
the market does not have to
084
028
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
It is agreed that the removal of through
traffic will allow the Market Place to
regain its role as the heart of the town.
014
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 2 Market
Square
We would also wish to be consulted
about proposals for the Market Square,
as the town centre has a large number
of listed buildings, including the Grade 2
Chantry House, where setting could be
an issue.
085
033
English Heritage
009
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
be held in the Market Square
however it would be good for
this to return to its original
location within the heart of
the town.
Support noted.
Site 2 Market
Square
57
The masterplan sets out
general principles for
improvements to the town.
However many of the public
realm improvements
suggested in the action plan
to be included in the final
masterplan will be the
subject of a Development
Brief and/ or planning
permission for which English
Heritage would be a statutory
consultee. SNC is aware that
the Market Square is within
the Conservation Area and
surrounded by Listed
Buildings and that the setting
of these would need to be
taken into careful
consideration.
We note the needs expressed for
Sponne School pg 26 and emphasise
the need for new school premises
worthy of the achievements of this
school and essential to its continuing
success in an expanded town. At
present the school is under equipped,
even for the present number of pupils
and its facilities do not even come to the
standard of other secondary schools in
the area with considerably smaller pupil
numbers. We also call for an early
decision on the expansion of secondary
education; one school on the current
site of Sponne; one new school on spilt
sites, or two schools (p.42 - section
2.21). This has been talked about for
some time and to achieve whatever is
decided will take several more years.
086
087
036
009
Governing Body
of Towcester CE
Primary School
Northamptonshire
Police
010
005
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 3 Sponne
School
Site 3 Sponne
School
58
The Sponne School site also includes
the current police station site. We are in
the process of developing an Estates
Strategy from an agreed Vision. The
removal of the police station fits with the
vision provided alternative
accommodation can be found in the
town centre for the Safer Community
Teams in a One stop shop facility and
an Incident Resolution Team base can
be secured on the strategic road
network. The removal of the current
police station would also require cooperation from the courts service who
have a long lease on part of the
building.
Comments noted. The final
masterplan will note that
Sponne School needs to
expand but that there are
several options for this.
However ultimately the
decision on the future of the
school will be up to
Northamptonshire CC to take
as Education Authority, or
the school itself if the school
achieves its aim of becoming
an Academy. The masterplan
examines the social and
physical infrastructure
required to support the
required increase in housing
provision. The precise detail
will be for service providers
to decide. Add text to final
masterplan updating
Sponne School's quest to
become an Academy and
the options for its future.
It is understood that the
Magistrates Court is closing
their part of the building in
2011. The Police Station and
Magistrates Court therefore
provides a site that will
shortly be available for
redevelopment.
As a governor of the school for the past
10 years, I support the sale of the land
and buildings at Sponne School to be
used for other purposes. The present
school is no longer 'fit for purpose' and
pupils deserve a more modern school
that matches today's technological age.
A new secondary school should be built
(through a PFI/ Trust Status
arrangement) within the new
development thus ensuring that
Towcester remains as one town not
two.
088
020
County Councillor
Rosemary
Bromwich
003
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 3 Sponne
School
Sponne School - I would have expected
Sponne School and the associated
retail area to be considered as part of
the town centre. On Page 19 it is
implied that it will be in the future.
089
025
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
012
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 3 Sponne
School
59
The final masterplan will note
that Sponne School needs to
expand but that there are
several options for this.
However ultimately the
decision on the future of the
school will be up to
Northamptonshire CC to take
as Education Authority, or
the school itself if the school
achieves its aim of becoming
an Academy. The masterplan
examines the social and
physical infrastructure
required to support the
required increase in housing
provision. The precise detail
will be for service providers
to decide. Add text to final
masterplan updating
Sponne School's quest to
become an Academy and
the options for its future.
Comments Noted. The final
masterplan will note that
Sponne School needs to
expand but that there are
several options for this.
However ultimately the
decision on the future of the
school will be up to
Northamptonshire CC to take
as Education Authority, or
the school itself if the school
achieves its aim of becoming
an Academy. The masterplan
examines the social and
physical infrastructure
required to support the
needed increase in housing
090
091
028
032
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
015
004
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 3 Sponne
School
Site 3 Sponne
School
60
It is noted that Sponne School can
accommodate some of the growth but
there is a need for consolidation,
hopefully by a new replacement high
density school on the current site. The
Persimmon / Bloor masterplan allows
for flexibility by also enabling a new
school to be incorporated within the
Towcester Vale scheme, should that be
necessary or preferred.
Sponne site - yes Sponne could benefit
from updating or replacing a number of
its buildings. However is a site in the
centre of a residential area really
suitable for additional large-scale (as it
appears to be suggested)
development? B) Traffic. This area is
already busy, especially at School
times. Additional commercial &/ or retail
provision would make this even worse.
How many children would end up in
accidents? c) the provision of "key
anchor stores" - I assume this means a
national retailer would have the effect of
drawing trade away from the town
centre shops ruining the effect the town
centre regeneration is meant to provide.
provision. The precise detail
will be for service providers
to decide. Add text to final
masterplan updating
Sponne School's quest to
become an Academy and
the options for its future.
See rep 089
See rep 089. The current
town centre is declining with
increasing vacant units and
high levels of outcommuting
to nearby centres. The
masterplan sets out
possibilities and principles for
the future development of
Sponne School site if the
school chooses to relocate.
This includes employment or
retail uses, and it is
recognised that there is a
need to provide a choice of
retail, leisure, community,
business uses in the town
centre to increase choice and
encourage local shopping.
The implications of traffic
would need to be taken into
account in the determination
of any planning applications
on the Sponne school site.
092
093
035
040
Churches
Together in
Towcester
DPP on behalf of
Tesco Stores Ltd
005
002
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 3 Sponne
School
Site 3 Sponne
School
61
Particularly we would want to
emphasise the importance of early
development in the Islington Rd and
Sponne School opportunity areas. The
two schools in these areas have
buildings which are presently not
'modern fit-for-purpose learning
environments' (pg26) - both schools
need to achieve such new facilities in
advance of receiving additional children
from the growth of housing. In view of
finance constraints we look to the
Regeneration Partnership Board to
work closely with both schools and their
Governing Bodies to make this
possible. We also believe that within an
expanded Towcester, Islington Rd
should not be the sole focus for the
town's community and social clubs, or it
will become congested and
overcrowded.
The key opportunity site for larger scale
development in the town centre is the
Sponne School site as indicated by the
'Towcester Town Centre Opportunities'
section. We are supportive of the
redevelopment of this site, and the
inclusion of a new retail opportunity
within the site is a welcome addition,
but the Masterplan suggests a wide
range of uses as aspirations to be
incorporated into the redevelopment.
Whilst this does present a variety of
opportunities, consideration should be
given to the space available to achieve
sufficient 'enabling development' in
order to make the scheme viable, which
may entail a rationalisation of the uses
being suggested in the Masterplan.
See reps. 046 & 089.
See rep 089.
The area called Towcester Lanes (area
4 on p25) is in the Conservation Area
so its character must be retained. It
includes the Somerfield site and car
park and under these lie significant and
important Roman remains which were
only partly uncovered during the original
development. Among the discoveries
was a Roman water conduit which still
had flowing water after 2,000 years.
094
095
096
097
012
Towcester &
District Local
History Society
025
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
006
013
South
Northamptonshire
Volunteer Bureau
002
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 4 Towcester
Lanes
010
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 4 Towcester
Lanes
002
003
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 5 Islington
Road
Site 5 Islington
Road
62
Towcester Lanes - the archaeology of
this area needs to be mentioned.
The Community Centre in Islington Rd
needs redeveloping to meet the needs
of the town. If you look at the area
around Islington Rd plus the proposed
changes to the schools there is an
opportunity to build on the concept of
Extended Schools so that school
facilities can be utilised by the whole
community.
The facilities in Islington Road could be
improved but any road widening would
increase the traffic speed and
potentially increase the risk of
accidents. Concerned that creating
active frontages to the recreation
ground would encroach on its area and
reduce its usefulness for football
practice, big fêtes and firework displays.
Comments noted. The final
masterplan will include more
specific details of the key
opportunity sites setting out
their constraints and the key
issues that will need to be
taken into account in their
future development. However
archaeology can only be
taken into account if ground
disturbance is involved in
future schemes. Text to be
added to final masterplan
in respect of Towcester
Lanes, that archaeology
should be investigated if
redevelopment of sites
including disturbance of
the ground is proposed.
See rep 094.
Comments noted. However
the decision on whether
schools can also be used for
community use is a matter
for the school and the
Education Authority and
outside the scope of the
masterplan.
Noted. The purpose of the
masterplan is to set a
strategic framework for the
future development of
Towcester and to identify the
need for improvements within
the town, including at
Islington Road. However
specific proposals would be
The Riverside Centre for Disabled
Persons will be less used due to the
changes for those with Learning
Disabilities being helped to be part of
the community and have activities
within the wider community. My work
with Learning Disabilities organisations
and the 'Valuing People Now' proposals
support the move away from day
centres. Work should be co-ordinated
with the County Council to rejuvenate
the site of these two buildings.
098
020
County Councillor
Rosemary
Bromwich
005
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 5 Islington
Road
The Area bordering the Recreation
Ground is often subject to vandalism.
Widening Islington Road and improving
crossings will not solve the problem. It
actually needs good lighting all around
the Recreation Ground. At the far end of
the Recreation Ground is Meadow
Court and Plank Houses, where very
elderly people reside, who should not
have to witness noise and vandalism
outside their homes.
099
020
County Councillor
Rosemary
Bromwich
006
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 5Islington
Road
63
subject to planning
applications which would
require consultation with the
Highways Authority. Road
widening would also be
subject to decisions by the
Highways Authority who
would also need to take into
consideration the impact on
road and pedestrian safety
Comments Noted. The
Masterplan sets out a
strategic framework for
development and identifies
the need for improvements to
the town. The use of specific
buildings such as Riverside
Centre for Disabled are
within the remit of the service
provider who will have to
take note of the relevant
current and forthcoming
legislation and guidance in
relation to the needs of
individuals with disabilities.
Comments Noted. The
purpose of the masterplan is
to set a strategic framework
for the future development of
Towcester and to identify the
need for improvements within
the town, including at
Islington Road. Road
widening would be subject to
decisions by the Highways
Authority who would also
need to take into
consideration the impact on
road and pedestrian safety.
Islington Road needs to be
widened to improve the
safety and accessibility for
the local people especially
the local children, school
children and the elderly and
to improve accessibility to the
area as a whole.
100
101
025
032
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
011
005
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 5 Islington
Road
Site 5 Islington
Road
64
Islington Road - I completely agree with
the widening of Islington Road, it would
be useful to have some indication of
how this would be done.
See rep 099.
Islington Road - a) yes, the road has
more potholes than the moon craters,
and with parking as now access to
Riverside and the Community Centre is
very difficult. Opening up this area
either to access the previously
mentioned facilities, or to allow for other
improvements or developments does
make sense. However widening the
road could only be effected at the
expense of either properties on the
western side eg demolishing houses, or
taking land away from the school.
Islington Road has potential
for improvement. The
schools have recently
merged and formed
Towcester Primary School
and they have aspirations for
a new build school so they
will have some surplus land
which could assist with
funding that school. There is
a need to widen the road in
order to improve the
accessibility and safety of
that area and make the area
more attractive and viable
and also during evening
periods this will make the
area safer as it will be more
open to enable natural
surveillance. However road
widening would ultimately be
subject to decisions by the
Highways Authority who
would also need to take into
consideration the impact on
road and pedestrian safety.
102
103
104
033
036
036
English Heritage
Governing Body
of Towcester CE
Primary School
Governing Body
of Towcester CE
Primary School
010
006
007
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 5 Islington
Road
Site 5 Islington
Road
Site 5 Islington
Road
65
Although the primary school at Islington
Road is not listed, it may warrant local
listing. National guidance encourages
the protection of significant heritage
assets, whether designated or not.
Local planning authorities should
particularly seek the views of the local
community where the evidence
suggests that the asset may have a
historic, archaeological, architectural or
artistic significance to the local
community that may not be fully
understood from records or statutory
consultees alone. There is also the
issue of 'embodied energy', when
decisions about demolition or reuse are
being considered.
Islington Rd pg 26 and pg 47 we
confirm that the aspirations for the
Islington Rd area fit with the Governing
Body's and school's requirements for a
modern, fit-for-purpose learning
environment, central to the community.
SNC is examining the
possibility of designating a
Local List of Historic
buildings and sites. If and
when the List is proposed the
school will be given
consideration as to whether
or not it should be included.
The Masterplan rightly recognises that
upgraded modern community facilities
in this area would benefit the school
and the clubs and other groups
currently located on Islington Rd
neighbourhood. Better access, widening
of the road and links with the rest of the
town centre all benefit the school as
well as the wider community. At present
the surroundings are too cramped,
unattractive and dangerous.
Comments noted. See reps
046 & 097.
Comments Noted. See rep
046.
The development of the Islington Road
area as the central and accessible
home of community facilities is also in
tune with the Extended Schools
provision, a key element of 'Every Child
Matters', as outlined in the section on
Schools pg42. Our school already hosts
a number of independent clubs, as well
as providing a Breakfast Club and AfterSchool Club.
105
036
Governing Body
of Towcester CE
Primary School
008
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
Site 5 Islington
Road
Both Towcester Lanes & Islington Road
have a degree of anti-social behaviour
and criminal damage. Therefore it is
vital that any alterations of the area take
into account the opportunity to design
out crime. Schemes should therefore
include the input of the Crime
Prevention Design Advisor.
106
107
009
030
Northamptonshire
Police
Northamptonshire
Fire and Rescue
006
004
Towcester
Town Centre
Opportunities
7 Excellent
Connectivity
Sites 4 & 5 Towcester
Lanes &
Islington
Road
2.2
66
We note the emphasis on improving the
connectivity and road networks
throughout Towcester in the
masterplan. When developers and local
planning authorities work on detailed
plans, it is important that emergency
appliance access is considered. It is
essential that fire and rescue
appliances, along with other emergency
service vehicles, can reach their
destination within operational response
times.
Comments noted. Islington
Road is recognised in the
masterplan as a key
opportunity area for the
community and education
facilities. The masterplan
examines the social and
physical infrastructure
required to support the
required increase in housing
provision. The precise detail
will be for service providers
to decide. The use of the CE
Primary School for
independent clubs is noted.
Noted. New schemes will
require planning permission
which will be subject to
consultation including with
the Crime Prevention Design
Advisor. Schemes will need
to be designed in accordance
with the Council's planning
guidance in SPGs and SPDs
which include 'Planning Out
Crime in Northamptonshire'
written by Northamptonshire
CC.
Noted. Whilst the masterplan
highlights key opportunity
sites that are available,
schemes for these will
require planning permission.
The masterplan will require
that schemes be built in
accordance with design
standards which will include
highway design standards
such as access for
emergency vehicles.
Today there needs to be a suitable
crossing for pedestrians to the Bell
Plantation. Not everyone has a car and
since we will be looking at healthier
lifestyles in Towcester, less smelly
traffic and safer crossings are on the
agenda.
108
002
017
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.3
Open spaces - 1. With the acquisition of
the Water Meadows, the town now has
excellent open spaces. 2. However, the
provision of cycle networks is poorly
presented and appears to ignore the
project piloted by the Partnership in
conjunction with NCC and TC and
recently funded by NCC.
109
023
The Towcester
Partnership
011
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.3
67
However, given that there
are a number of design
standards that schemes will
need to meet it will not be
possible to list all within the
masterplan. The highways
authority are consulted on all
schemes requiring planning
permission that include
highway access.
The masterplan sets out the
strategic framework for the
future development of
Towcester, going through
principles for the
development of key
opportunity sites. It examines
the social and physical
infrastructure that the town
will require. The comments in
respect of a crossing to Bell
Plantation are noted, and will
be included within the final
masterplan as a proposal
that would be like to be seen;
however there are no details
for its delivery and therefore
such an idea cannot be set in
stone at this stage.
Support in respect of Water
Meadows noted. The final
masterplan will include more
detail in respect of cycle
networks which provide
important alternatives to
roads. SNC will work with
Northamptonshire County
Council to deliver these links
to ensure connectivity and
safer routes throughout the
town. This will be highlighted
through the Transport
Strategy.
110
111
037
001
South
Northamptonshire
Constituency
Labour Party
001
002
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
The plans include sensible proposals
for a network of cycle routes throughout
the designated Towcester development
area. What is missing is a plan to
extend the cycle routes into the
surrounding countryside. From the old
Towcester railway station - now the site
of Tesco's - four disused railway lines
radiate in the directions of Northampton,
Bedford, Banbury and Woodford Halse.
Although they are now overgrown with
vegetation, the lines are almost entirely
intact and could be converted into safe,
off-road cycle routes if the money was
made available. Such routes do
wonders for health, local
communications and eco-tourism. I
appreciate that the old railway lines are
largely outside the designated
development area, but surely joined-up
thinking is not impossible?
Noted. The final masterplan
will stress the need to
encourage the development
of cycle routes that link into
the countryside making use
of green corridors that
provide important links
between the town centre and
the surrounding countryside.
Further development envisaged in the
masterplan is entirely dependant on the
construction of the bypass,
acknowledged in paras 1.7 and 2.4 but
need implicit assurance that funding for
this will be forthcoming. What happens
if the bypass does not happen?
The construction of the relief
road will be a fundamental
prerequisite to any future
growth of the town.
2.3
2.4
68
Whilst necessary to remove through
traffic from Towcester town centre and
especially HGVs the Southern
Towcester A5 bypass will need to be
designed carefully to prevent moving
the Air Quality Management Area, from
Towcester town centre to the Belle
Baulk estate adjacent to the A43/
Abthorpe Road roundabout. Modelling
undertaken has shown that, should
HGV's currently using the A5 be
diverted onto the A43 through a link
road/bypass, due to the current
congestion at the A43/ Abthorpe Road
roundabout, Nitrogen Dioxide would
exceed levels required in the Belle
Baulk estate adjacent to the A43. The
design of junctions on the A43 must
therefore be seriously considered and
ensures the free flow of traffic as part of
the whole scheme so that the problem
of pollution is resolved rather moved
from one area to another.
112
113
031
015
Environmental
Health, South
Northamptonshire
Council
003
003
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.4
2.5
69
We should also take care in defining
where the location of a bus hub will be
in the town centre - most people
translate this as being the Market
Square; this does not sit alongside the
proposal to pedestrianise this area.
The route of the relief road is
being examined by a
transport study being
undertaken on behalf of
SNC, NCC, the Highways
Agency and the West
Northamptonshire Joint
Planning Unit. It has been
undertaken to identify the
scale of the transport issues
for the town including the
optimal locations for housing
and employment growth that
will support more sustainable
transport patterns. The
Towcester Transport Study
will provide guidance on
likely volumes of traffic that
new growth and development
will generate. Critically it will
address the trigger points for
key infrastructure to ensure
that improvements are
phased and take the key
highway capacity and
connections issues into
account. It will also examine
the route that the relief road
should take. The solution
needs to be appropriate,
affordable and deliverable.
Noted. Whilst it is recognised
that there is a need within
Towcester to provide
enhanced bus facilities there
are no proposals within the
masterplan for a bus hub.
Currently there is limited amount of
sustainable, public transport travel
options.
114
017
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
009
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.5
People of Towcester who use public
transport want a bus station that is safe
for the young and old to use. Those
over 60+ with free bus travel in the UK
want to use it, but Towcester has a
limited service. The draft talks about
radically improved bus services and
access to rail stations.
115
020
County Councillor
Rosemary
Bromwich
007
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.5
70
Noted. However, the
masterplan will stress the
need for an improved bus
service as an alternative to
private motor transport. This
will include working with
transport providers to
improve connections from
Towcester and other
locations within the District to
local railway stations.
Comments Noted. Public
Transport is the responsibility
of Northamptonshire County
Council. The document
seeks to influence
investment in the town and
will highlight the need for
better links between the
Shires and the town,
including flagging up to bus
companies the need for
better bus services to provide
this link. The Council will
press for improvements to
bus routes, recognising
however that in the current
fiscal climate public funding
will not support new transport
provision which will affect
possible new routes.
116
020
County Councillor
Rosemary
Bromwich
008
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.5
71
We must have a bus service from
Towcester to Daventry so that access to
Dantree Hospital is direct. At present
passengers have to go to Northampton
and then get a bus back to Daventry! It
takes one hour 30 mins to travel by bus
when a direct service could do it in 30
minutes. The hospital are transferring
appointments to Dane tree Hospital to
save people in the south of the country
travelling to Northampton. Buses should
be available to Milton Keynes and
Northampton for youngsters to access
job/ college/ evening entertainment, and
therefore buses should be available for
them to return to Towcester all day and
evening. Should also be bus services
enabling people to go to Oxford. We
should not expect everyone to use a
car, and there should therefore be
excellent bus services 7 days a week
from 7am - late evening.
Comments Noted. The final
masterplan will mention the
need for more regular bus
services to and from
Towcester to the main
centres within and outside
the District including
hospitals at Daventry and
Northampton. The Council
will press for improvements
to bus routes, recognising
however that in the current
fiscal climate public funding
will not support new transport
provision which will affect
possible new routes.
117
118
119
020
023
035
County Councillor
Rosemary
Bromwich
The Towcester
Partnership
Churches
Together in
Towcester
009
004
008
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
The residents of Towcester are unified
in requesting a bypass. It is not clear if
this is to be a link-road which is not
duelled and has pedestrian crossings at
intervals. This would be extremely
dangerous and would need to have
bridges across for pedestrians/ cyclists/
pushchairs. The current situation means
that people cannot cross the A43 at the
A5 roundabout as there is no crossing,
and many people cross it and report
how 'at risk' they feel. Bridges are
essential over a trunk road that carries
large lorries travelling at high speeds
between the M40 and the M1. This
issue is key to all residents in
Towcester and must be resolved with
safety issues made clear. They are not
in this draft document.
Comments Noted. The
provision of a relief road will
be a fundamental
prerequisite for the future
development of Towcester.
See rep 112. The need for
pedestrian and cycle links to
the surrounding countryside
is recognised.
The Bus service: 1.does not relate to
other transport strategies as developed
by SNC and LSP. 2. It does not reflect
and improve upon the existing bus
system in town, 3. stronger links to
national networks are required.
Comments Noted. The
masterplan recognises the
need for better public
transport provision, and flags
up to bus companies the
need for better bus services.
The Council will press for
improvements to bus routes,
recognising however that in
the current fiscal climate
public funding will not
support new transport
provision required which will
affect possible new routes.
Comments Noted. SNC will
work with Northamptonshire
County Council who are
responsible for the provision
of bus services in the District
and encourage better bus
2.5
2.5
2.5
72
We agree strongly that vastly improved
public transport (i.e. bus services) is
vital for Towcester already, let alone as
it grows further. This means more and
better services, evening services and
faster services to main centres - Milton
Keynes, Northampton, Daventry (with
proper access to railway stations in the
first two of those). Currently, visiting
significant medical facilities in Daventry
by public transport requires a journey
into Northampton first! Good links for
the villages into Towcester must also
figure in this project, which must not just
be an aspiration but become reality. We
are surprised that the 'circular' bus route
around Towcester does not include the
Shires, and urge that it is added in. We
also point out that there needs to be
some kind of coach/ bus interchange for
the A43, where various express coach
services run (but at present pass by
Towcester without stopping!) this might
mean that the 'circular’ route needs to
link with the A43 as well.
120
017
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
012
7 Excellent
Connectivity
NEL welcomes the Masterplan's 'virtual
network' proposals and recommends
further investigation into the issues
highlighted - high speed broadband,
home working, enterprise units - as
potential sustainable solutions for
business, leisure and communication
based activities.
2.6
73
provision. Towcester does
need a more frequent range
of bus services within
Towcester, to and from the
villages and to the main
nearby centres for all users
eg for access to towns,
railway stations, education,
further education colleges,
hospitals and places of
employment. The document
seeks to influence
investment in the town and
will highlight the need for
better links between the
Shires and the town,
including flagging up to bus
companies the need for
better bus services to provide
this link. The Council will
press for improvements to
bus routes, recognising
however that in the current
fiscal climate public funding
will not support new transport
provision required which will
affect possible new routes.
Support welcomed and
noted. High speed
broadband and a 'virtual
network' is recognised in the
masterplan as key to being
able to work from home
which would provide an
alternative sustainable
transport solution.
121
122
017
017
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
013
014
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
NEL recommends the regional ICT
toolkit www.emda.org.uk/icttoolkit as a
useful means of implementing
innovative ICT devices and ensuring
that new developments and
regeneration projects are planned,
designed and implemented with ICT
from the outset, based on best practice
guidance. Supporting the inclusion of
ICT infrastructure within the new areas
of opportunity should be a goal of the
masterplan, as this will have significant
impacts in attracting businesses and
residents to the area, as part of being a
21st century market town. Relating
these opportunities to the Silverstone
Innovation Centre and wider Silverstone
Circuit Masterplan will also be essential
in providing a broad range of high
quality innovation units for start-up as
well as SME companies.
Comments noted. Add text to
final masterplan stressing the
need for greater ICT
opportunities as a way of
providing an alternative
sustainable transport
solution.
Relating these opportunities to the
Silverstone Innovation Centre and wider
Silverstone Circuit Masterplan will also
be essential in providing a broad range
of high quality innovation units for startup as well as SME companies. Relate
ICT Opportunities to the Silverstone
Innovation Centre and the Silverstone
Masterplan.
Noted. Amend masterplan to
include cross reference to
Silverstone Innovation
Centre and Silverstone
Masterplan.
2.6
2.6
74
With regard to technology for instance,
there is a small paragraph on virtual
networks and home-working, but the
document could be more expansive and
creative here (still in keeping with its
21st Century market town ambition)
perhaps advocating the generation of
"shared remote-working hubs" with
access to Wi-Fi internet connectivity, to
office support, to meeting space both
real and virtual/ eco-conferencing, and
emphasising the importance of
replicating these facilities, or access to
them, for businesses/ homeworkers in
the surrounding villages.
123
039
Northamptonshire
Chamber
013
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.6
It is noted and agreed that Towcester
needs investment in the round including
a bypass and improved bus services.
124
028
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
016
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.1B
75
Agreed. Add text to final
masterplan recognising the
importance of providing
ICT within the town as a
way of increasing working
from home. Also that
ensuring the highest speed
internet, networking cafés
and start up enterprise
units will all play a role in
ensuring Towcester will
maximise business
opportunities. Meeting
space for business will be
available in Moat Lane’s
new civic building or
boutique hotel, in local
cafés, and at Towcester
Racecourse for larger
events.
Support noted. The final
masterplan will make clear
that the provision of a relief
road will be a fundamental
prerequisite to the future
growth of Towcester. The
document will also flag up to
bus companies the need for
better bus services to provide
this link. The Council will
press for improvements to
bus routes, recognising
however that in the current
fiscal climate public funding
will not support new transport
provision required which will
affect possible new routes.
125
126
031
039
Environmental
Health, South
Northamptonshire
Council
Northamptonshire
Chamber
004
012
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.2B
2.2B
76
Towcester is presently well served by
trunk roads and this has a detrimental
effect on those attempting to travel by
alternative means. Currently the car is
the most appropriate/ safest mode to
travel round Towcester as whilst there
are cycle boxes by the Saracens Head
junction there are very few dedicated
cycle paths out of the way of traffic.
Many footpaths and links through to the
town are unlit and not well sign posted
which does not encourage the use of
alternative means of transport i.e. the
use of cycles and on foot. Secure
facilities in key locations to enable bikes
to be locked would help to encourage a
shift from the use of the car.
Agreed. The masterplan will
stress the need for
alternatives to the private
vehicle including the
provision of cycling and
pedestrian routes and
facilities for these.
In the chapter on Excellent
Connectivity", the Chamber was
surprised to see no mention of
Towcester's excellent connections
being both a blessing and a curse highlighting in this regard, the issue of
out-commuting in the local area and
how this might be addressed through
various mechanisms in the town's future
development. We understand that near
to 70% of Towcester's working
population currently out-commutes, so
in the Chamber's view it would be
useful for the Masterplan to consider in
greater detail how the provision of
technology, land use and facilities in the
town might begin to address this and
retain both the knowledge and skills of
its population, but its buying power and
value as a local consumer.
The masterplan will reflect
the need to provide
sustainable alternative
methods of transport to
reduce the number of people
currently out-commuting.
Such methods will include
encouraging public transport,
the creation of cycling and
pedestrian routes and
facilities, virtual networks in
order to allow people to work
from home, the provision of a
better and broader range of
retail, employment and
health services, together with
careful consideration of the
interrelationship between
housing, employment and
transport.
Walking and cycling are also important
in ensuring a healthy environment but
for this the facilities to be used, safety
needs to be factored in from the outset.
127
128
009
021
Northamptonshire
Police
Towcester
Neighbourhood
Watch
010
010
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.3B
2.3B
We agree with the ambition to improve
walking and cycling routes. However, in
our experience caution and expert
design is necessary to avoid the current
"rat-run" of narrow paths and fenced
alleyways ("pedestrian connections" in
the Masterplan?) squeezed between
housing blocks that the Police and
Safer Community teams say are
virtually impossible to control. We need
more visible open access routes that
are carefully landscaped such as in
Milton Keynes.
It is noted and supported that cycling
and walking should be encouraged to
flourish, the town already has an
extensive network of traffic free/ quiet
routes.
129
028
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
017
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.3B
77
The final masterplan will
recognise that walking and
cycling routes need to be
safe in order that they be
used. This will include for
instance the provision of
convenient secure cycle
parking and related facilities
within the town centre that is
convenient to use, secure
and in areas of good
surveillance.
Comments Noted. Walking
and Cycling Routes are the
responsibility of the
Northamptonshire County
Council. SNC however will
seek to ensure that walking
and cycling routes are safe
and accessible. This will be
noted within the masterplan.
Agreed. A network of green
corridors between the town
centre and residential areas
and the surrounding
countryside will provide
routes for cycling and
walking. The masterplan
recognises that green
corridors and key linkages
between these areas are vital
to encouraging alternative
forms of transport to private
motor vehicles.
130
131
028
013
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
018
004
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.1C/ 2.2C
It is noted and agreed that local
permeability for walking and cycling
should be encouraged and extensions
such as the Silverstone Brook corridor
should link the development areas and
town (as proposed in the Persimmon /
Bloor Towcester Vale Masterplan).
Noted.
The crossings over the Silverstone
Brook seem adequate to me at present,
although they could no doubt be
improved, the cost to the taxpayer
would outweigh any benefit. I suppose
that by a "modern fit-for-purpose
learning environment" is meant a
"school".
The masterplan sets out a
framework for the
development of Towcester
and seeks to ensure that it
includes provision for the
expansion of new
employment opportunities
and the provision of
necessary improved social
and physical. This includes
the provision of Green
Infrastructure such as Green
corridors. Planning
obligations will be sought
from developers for the
necessary infrastructure.
Support welcomed and
noted.
2.2C
Supports safe cycle routes
132
015
002
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.2C
78
The section on Connectivity could be
strengthened to acknowledge that
contributions may be sought from
developers, as part of any development
proposals to secure improvements to
public transport services, cycle routes
etc. in and around the town. It should
also highlight the requirements for
future development proposals to
incorporate Green Travel Plans, to
ensure that opportunities for reducing
car use and achieving other sustainable
transport objectives are maximised.
133
018
Highways Agency
008
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.2C
79
Comments Noted. Add text
to final masterplan to state
that planning obligations
will be sought towards the
improvement of public
transport and cycling and
walking routes and
facilities. Green travel
plans will also be sought
from developers to ensure
that opportunities for
reducing car use and
achieving other
sustainable transport
objectives are maximised.
134
135
038
008
004
005
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.2C
2.3C
80
I also note that it is proposed to enforce
a 20mph speed limit on the main routes
through the town and question the
motivation for such action. Could it be
that my concerns as to the utilisation of
the 'bypass' have already been raised
and such a move might be required to
'encourage' through traffic to take up
the alternate routing? Having worked
extensively on the Powertrain research
and development I can advise, with
some conviction, that such a move will
most likely lead to an increase in both
Nox and Particulate Pollution. To
explain, the modern motor vehicle
engine is highly inefficient at low engine
speeds, due to fuel droplet problems
experienced at low gas velocities in the
inlet port. Additionally gas exchange at
valve overlap and combustion
associated issues. This again appears
to be an ill advised Central Government
directive, more associated with an
obsessive mission to rid our town of
motor vehicles, rather than to undertake
well researched and thought out
initiatives.
The concept of local centres has been
proven to be totally outdated and
useless in Milton Keynes. Local centres
just attract trouble and the shops that
open there usually go bust quickly.
The requirement to move
towards modal shift and
alternative more sustainable
forms of transport is set out
in national policy, the
Northamptonshire County
Council Local Transport Plan
and the South
Northamptonshire Council
Transport Strategy.
Sustainable transport is
encouraged in order to
address issues of climate
change such as pollution and
the rising price of oil and the
resultant rise in petrol which
over the years will result in
alternative means of fuel and
transport choice being
sought. The other reason for
promotion of cycling and
walking is in line with the
health living agenda to
encourage people to
undertake exercise.
The masterplan recognises
that local centres will be
required in new residential
development areas, including
a range of small shops of a
local nature, serving a small
catchment in order to reduce
the amount of travel to the
town centre for day-to-day
needs through providing
services such as a small
supermarket, a newsagent, a
sub-post office, a hot-food
136
137
029
032
White Young
Green on behalf
of Aldi Stores Ltd
005
008
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.3C
2.3C
81
Aldi supports the designation of an
Activity Node in the vicinity of the CWG
site. Aldi considers its proposal to be
consistent with this designation in that it
will re-enforce existing commercial
activity in the north of Towcester,
creating around 50 new jobs in the
process.
Local hubs - this is planning jargon
again. I assume this means small local
shopping areas, and / or other facilities.
Similar to the Local Centres in Milton
Keynes. Would these work given the
intention to concentrate shopping in
major areas (Sponne, Southern
development area)? or will they much
like the proposed local centre once in
the plans for the Shires end up being
developed into additional housing in 10
to 15 years time but left undeveloped in
the meantime.
takeaway, launderette and a
pharmacy. However the
masterplan also stresses that
they must not compete with
the retail provision in
Towcester town centre and
need to be safe places with
natural surveillance in order
that there is less possibility of
youngsters congregating
there.
Support noted.
Comments Noted. The final
masterplan will seek to
reduce the use of planning
jargon and will include a
glossary where such words
or phrases do need to be
used. Whilst local centres
which include a range of
small shops of a local nature,
serving a small catchment,
will be sought within new
residential developments to
reduce the amount of travel
to the town centre for day-today needs through providing
services such as a small
supermarket, a newsagent, a
sub-post office, a hot-food
takeaway, launderette and a
pharmacy it is recognised
that there must not compete
with existing retail facilities
within the town centre.
138
139
140
002
002
008
005
010
003
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.4C
The bypass is an essential, not
something to be built "as funds permit".
Objects to any further delay in its
construction. There is a need to have
the bypass built first to give Towcester
the relief from the pollution of smell and
noise from the HGV's. HGV's speed on
the current A5, making it dangerous to
cross the road. The A5 is a very narrow
road and HGVs almost touch people on
the very narrow pavements. Possibly
the bypass will not be finished for years.
Agreed and noted. The final
masterplan will make clear
that the provision of a relief
road will be a fundamental
prerequisite to the future
growth of Towcester.
Object to limiting the number of access
points under or over the bypass to 2.
With the current emphasis on healthy
living the new build should provide
easy, safe access out into the
countryside.
The decision on the number
of access points on the relief
road will be up to the
Highways Agency. The
masterplan recognises the
importance of providing cycle
and pedestrian linkages from
the town centre and
residential areas to the
surrounding countryside.
There is a significant air
quality issue in the centre of
Towcester as a result of
pollution from traffic using the
A5, particularly HGVs. The
creation of a relief road will
remove these vehicles from
Watling Street except for
local service vehicles that
serve the local shops and
businesses. Following the
implementation of the A5
Relief road Watling Street will
be de-trunked and traffic
calming/ weight restrictions
2.4C
I do not believe the case is proven for
the need for a bypass. Traffic through
the town brings money into the town.
Also, you rarely have to queue for a
couple of minutes going through the
town. Building new roads simply does
not FIT to an environmental agenda.
Over the next 20 years less cars will be
on the road due to increasing fuel costs.
At some point we will no doubt find
other ways of working (i.e. home
working). Either way we do not need a
bypass, and local people do not want
the local countryside decimated.
2.4C
82
141
017
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
010
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.4C
The Proposed A5/A43 bypass for
Towcester is recognised as an
important improvement in the road
infrastructure in the area, and will be
vital to delivering and securing the long
term growth potential of the town.
It is important that locations adjoining
the new bypass will be attractive to the
commercial market and as such
consideration to providing limited
opportunities for development at key
nodes along this corridor should also be
considered.
142
143
017
018
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
Highways Agency
011
010
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.4C
2.4C
83
The aspirations of the Masterplan are
clearly dependant on the
implementation of the bypass. Whilst
the consultation leaflet provides some
clarity in relation to the current planning
application and to the Highway
Agency's role in this, there is no firm
commitment to deliver this.
will be introduced. The
construction of the relief road
is essential to allowing
improvements to the street
scene in Towcester so that it
is able to accommodate
economic development that
increases the vitality and
viability of the town.
Noted.
Gateways to the north and
south of Towcester are
proposed within the
masterplan and highlighted
as key opportunity sites. It is
recognised that they will
have an important role to
play in giving Towcester a
'sense of place' and that they
will need to be developed
with high quality design and
materials.
The final masterplan will
make clear that the provision
of a relief road will be a
fundamental prerequisite to
the future growth of
Towcester.
Would like confirmation that the Current
A5 Watling Street will be de-trunked as
stated since page 30 says this is 'likely
to result' in de-trunking. There should
only be reserved places in the Market
Square for disabled drivers and the
area made into a pedestrian walkway.
There is great public anger that non
disabled people use disabled spaces
and Market traders park all day in the
Square when they are exhibiting/
trading in the Town Hall thus reducing
the number of spaces for drivers.
144
145
020
021
County Councillor
Rosemary
Bromwich
Towcester
Neighbourhood
Watch
002
007
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.4C
The fundamental solution to help create
a safer Towcester must be to de-trunk
the A5 Watling Street with a bypass
south of the town however ensuring that
the necessary road design and
easements at the pressure points on
the existing A43 and its roundabout and
access roads is gauged and countered.
2.4C
Redevelopment of the shopping centre
and Watling Street in the wake of the
bypass to create a shopper-friendly
(and commercial friendly) zone.
146
021
Towcester
Neighbourhood
Watch
008
7 Excellent
Connectivity
The masterplan will make
clear that following the
construction of a relief road
the existing A5 will be
detrunked as this will
alleviate the town centre from
traffic and enable the street
scene to be improved. The
need for removing the
majority of car parking from
the Market Square is
recognised so that the
Market Square can provide a
market area and public open
space within the heart of the
town. However, the need for
a limited amount of disabled
parking here is also noted.
The final masterplan will
make clear that the provision
of a relief road will be a
fundamental prerequisite to
the future growth of
Towcester. See reps 112 &
144.
2.4C
84
Comments Noted. The
masterplan notes that the
construction of a relief road
for the A5 will enable the
removal of HGVs from the
town centre, which will then
in turn allow the full potential
of Market Square and
Watling Street to be realised.
This will improve the
potential for establishing an
attractive retail offer and an
improved environment.
Acknowledges the need, and the
corridor, of the A5 bypass, but does not
address issues of this currently live
subject, including de-trunking Watling
Street through the town centre.
147
148
149
150
023
The Towcester
Partnership
024
025
028
003
008
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
006
001
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.4C
2.4C
2.4C
2.4C
85
Traffic on the A5 is a major drawback
and the Masterplan should address it in
unequivocal terms. Resolution of this
should be a pre-condition to any
significant development in the town. an
easterly alignment of a bypass, via
Eastern Neston, should be at least
considered as it would direct traffic
towards the M1.
The area for the bypass should start at
the junction of the A5 and the road to
Pury End and Whittlebury and end at
the junction of the Whittlebury Rd and
the A43. This way it would mean that a
proper bypass could be built and the
junction revamped to allow traffic to exit
and enter from each side of the A43 in
both directions.
Support and endorse the recognition of
the need for and benefits of the
proposed southern bypass. The bypass
will enable the consequential diversion
of much of the more strategic and
heavy vehicle traffic, and underpins
many of the opportunities which the
draft Towcester Masterplan document
quite properly seeks to exploit.
See reps 112 & 144. The
final masterplan will make
clear that the provision of a
relief road will be a
fundamental prerequisite to
the future growth of
Towcester.
The final masterplan will
make clear that the provision
of a relief road will be a
fundamental prerequisite to
the future growth of
Towcester. See reps 112 &
144.
See reps 112 & 144.
The final masterplan will
make clear that the provision
of a relief road will be a
fundamental prerequisite to
the future growth of
Towcester. See reps 112 &
144.
151
152
153
028
031
031
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
Environmental
Health, South
Northamptonshire
Council
Environmental
Health, South
Northamptonshire
Council
019
001
002
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
It is noted and agreed that the southern
bypass "offers a unique opportunity to
create a people focussed town centre
and divert long distance traffic
(including HGV)".
See reps 112 & 144.
Air Quality in Towcester is currently
exceeding the Air Quality Standards.
Nitrogen dioxide in particular being
exceeded along Watling Street from
Richmond Road through to the
Saracens Head junction. The problem is
caused by slow moving and
stop/starting traffic and subsequent
congestion which is not helped by illegal
and inconsiderate parking in bus stops
and loading bays on the A5. The Market
Square car parking also slows down
and increases emissions in the area.
Noted. See reps 112 & 144.
Air Quality Modelling work which was
undertaken for SNC and reported on in
October 2008 showed that should
parking in the Market Place be reduced
to just 10 spaces, including making it
easier to pull off the A5 and park
without interrupting the traffic flow, and
all illegal and inconsiderate parking be
enforced, then the flow of traffic could
be improved to such an extent that the
air quality objectives / standards would
be met through Towcester. Obviously
improvements in parking in Towcester
and signage directing people to
alternative parking spaces in Towcester
would be required as well as the use of
enforcement to discourage parking in
loading bays and bus stops.
Following the construction of
the A5 relief road and the detrunking of the A5 through
the town the masterplan
recognises that there will be
a need to address the future
of Market Square. It is
intended that the majority of
car parking be removed from
Market Square so that it can
be returned to its original use
as a market area and public
open space within the heart
of the town.
2.4C
2.4C
2.4C
86
154
155
032
035
009
Churches
Together in
Towcester
007
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.4C
2.4C
87
The Bypass - the booklet refers to the
bypass "accommodate existing and
future capacity requirements", does this
mean that it will be duelled, or will we
be left with an inadequate road that will
not provide the required level of relief
for the town?
The Bypass is essential and long
overdue; it is already necessary, not
just in the future when the housing
growth happens. The town centre
cannot thrive or become a pleasant
public space until the HGV traffic is
banished from this part of Watling
Street. We welcome the further
discussion of the alignment of the
bypass and the idea that it does
become the boundary to a larger town.
We urge that the A5 is de-trunked
through the town once the bypass is
complete, as there are still some voices
saying this is not possible. We feel it is
important that this road is designed to
be easily upgradeable to accommodate
future capacity. What is needed is
answers to the questions 'When? How?
By Whom?' in reference to the
decisions, and delivery of this project;
Towcester has waited far too long for it.
See reps 112 & 144.
The final masterplan will
make clear that the provision
of a relief road will be a
fundamental prerequisite to
the future growth of
Towcester. See reps 112 &
144.
156
036
Governing Body
of Towcester CE
Primary School
004
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.4C
88
We welcome the emphasis (p18) on the
provision of a southern bypass as
necessary, and in our view nonnegotiable, with future developers. A
bypass and the subsequent de-trunking
of the A5 through the town will make
possible the renewal of Watling Street
and the Town Centre. As the school is
currently located in this area at the
heart of the town many young pupils
and their families have to walk along
and across the A5 at peak times of
heavy and polluting traffic. Our school
staff and children currently face the
daunting experience of negotiating this
busy road on their regular school visits
to St Lawrence Church, and no doubt in
the future will wish to make regular
visits to the open parkland features of
the new Moat Lane Regeneration
Development.
The final masterplan will
make clear that the provision
of a relief road will be a
fundamental prerequisite to
the future growth of
Towcester. See reps 112 &
144.
157
038
003
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.4C
89
The proposed 'by-pass' appears to be
little more than a service road for the
proposed southern development. As
such, traffic will still prefer to continue
along the A5. I am of the opinion that
any such 'bypass' will simply shift any
traffic congestion to the location of the
A43, adding to the already very serious
bottleneck condition at the intersection
of the two main highways, the A43 and
the A5. As a resident of Belle Baulk, I
am particularly concerned as to this
aspect, as the resultant increase in
traffic density and associated noise and
air pollution will impact on my quality of
life, well being and health. It is with
some sadness and incredibility of the
intent to move towards a policy of
demonising the motor vehicle, currently
favoured by the present Government,
which will generate a climate where
access to the town will become more
difficult, especially for the elderly. It is
not particularly that which is written but
the underlying message. eg.'raising the
profile of walking and cycling as a
normal transport choice' and 'a
pedestrian friendly market square'.
See reps 112 & 144. The
requirement to move towards
modal shift and alternative
more sustainable forms of
transport is set out in national
policy, the Northamptonshire
County Council Local
Transport Plan and the South
Northamptonshire Council
Transport Strategy.
Sustainable transport is
encouraged in order to
address issues of climate
change such as pollution and
the rising price of oil and the
resultant rise in petrol which
over the years will result in
alternative means of fuel and
transport choice being
sought. The other reason for
promotion of cycling and
walking is in line with the
health living agenda to
encourage people to
undertake exercise.
158
159
160
039
028
035
Northamptonshire
Chamber
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
Churches
Together in
Towcester
008
020
009
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
2.4C
In response to the question of
achievability, the Masterplan is right to
highlight the delivery of the southern
bypass of premium importance to the
local economy and to realising the
potential of Towcester as a true market
town. It would unlock the real heart of
the town, freeing it from the current
stranglehold on the centre created by
the A5 through-traffic, allowing a
redefinition of the market square and a
refocus of the retail, cultural and
hospitality offer. It is difficult to see how,
without the bypass and resultant detrunking of the main route through the
town centre, these aspirations might be
accomplished.
It is accepted that improving access to
public transport will be important and
that the proposed growth in population
can help fund improvements and make
future services more economically
sustainable to provide in the future. The
improved bus network is shown from a
"hub" on Watling Street through to
Burcote Road (as per the Persimmon/
Bloor Towcester Vale Masterplan).
See reps 112 & 144.
We are surprised that the 'circular' bus
route around Towcester does not
include the Shires, and urge that it is
added in. We also point out that there
needs to be some kind of coach/bus
interchange for the A43, where various
express coach services run (but at
present pass by Towcester without
stopping!) this might mean that the
'circular' route needs to link with the
A43 as well.
The document seeks to
influence investment in the
town and will highlight the
need for better links between
the Shires and the town,
including flagging up to bus
companies the need for
better bus services to provide
this link. The Council will
press for improvements to
bus routes, recognising
however that in the current
Whilst it is recognised that
there is a need within
Towcester to provide
enhanced bus facilities there
are no proposals within the
masterplan for a bus hub.
2.5C
Diagram 6 Proposed
Bus Network
for
Towcester
90
fiscal climate public funding
will not support new transport
provision required which will
affect possible new routes.
161
162
013
015
005
001
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
Diagram 7 Proposed
Cycle Route
Network for
Towcester
Diagram 7 Proposed
Cycle Route
Network for
Towcester
91
The masterplan claims a catchment
area of 29,000 people, but the cycle
map on page 32 only considers the
10,000 people living in the town centre.
Cycle and walking routes are needed so
that all 29,000 can access Towcester
town centre safely without having to use
their car. The map on page 32 should
include the complete catchment area,
showing the potential cycle and footpath
connections to the villages.
Comments noted.
Town Centre Access - The current draft
proposals (p 32 Proposed Cycle Route
Network for Towcester) have all routes
into the town centre designated as 20
mph limit ie the full extent of Brackley
Road, the whole of Northampton Road,
Watling Street and Bickerstaffes Road.
This will most definitely kill all local
trade in the town centre and contribute
to even more pollution.
Noted. The inclusion of
20mph routes around
Towcester will be deleted
from the final masterplan.
The masterplan sets out the
need for the new relief road
to reduce the amount of
heavy traffic using the A5
through the town centre and
the subsequent detrunking of
the A5 through the town
centre which will improve its
environment. However the
inclusion of speed limits will
be a matter for decision by
Northamptonshire County
Council as local traffic
authority.
163
164
165
025
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
028
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
034
013
021
001
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
Diagram 7 Proposed
Cycle Route
Network for
Towcester
Diagram 7 Proposed
Cycle Route
Network for
Towcester
Diagram 7 Proposed
Cycle Route
Network for
Towcester
92
Puzzled as to why some of the A5
through the town is 20mph, some off
road or quiet streets and some neither.
There are 3 instances where the off
road or quiet streets route crosses the
A43. How is this going to be achieved especially since it will be even busier
once the bypass is built?
See rep 162.
The proposed cycle network is broadly
consistent with the Persimmon/ Bloor
Towcester Vale Masterplan, as is the
pedestrian network.
Comments noted.
The Towcester Masterplan includes the
construction of a 'quiet street' skirting
the present Towcester boundary with
the Towcester Vale development and
the re-routing of Grafton Way through
the new urban area. Nowhere is the
nature of this "off road or quiet street"
fully defined but, since it has the
potential to have a substantial negative
effect on the current residents of this
area, their outlook and access to the
countryside, much more detailed
information on the nature of these
proposals should be provided before
any further proceedings are undertaken.
The interests of the current residents of
the town need to be safeguarded within
the plans for expansion to ensure a cooperative spirit and united community.
The final masterplan will not
include reference to "Quiet
Streets". However, the
masterplan will refer to
Green corridors which are
routes that link the town to
the surrounding countryside
and provide routes for cycling
and walking. SNC will work
with Northamptonshire
County Council to deliver
these links to ensure
connectivity and safer routes
throughout the town.
166
167
025
009
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Northamptonshire
Police
015
007
7 Excellent
Connectivity
7 Excellent
Connectivity
Diagram 8 Proposed
Pedestrian
Network for
Towcester
Diagrams 7
&8
93
Several more green connections are
needed to provide circular walking
routes around and through Towcester.
One needs adding in order to link the
route from the west Tesco through Belle
Baulk, along Green Lane to join up
Grafton Way. There needs to be a route
linking the Grafton Way around the
'Bird's Estate' area, through the
Jackson-Stops land, across the A5 and
into the route through the Racecourse.
If this route could end with an avenue of
trees in line with the gates of the
Racecourse it would be visually
impressive. Finally routes through
Rowan Close and Carey Road would
increase people's options even more.
Comments Noted. The final
masterplan will recommend a
series of green corridors that
will provide links from the
town to the surrounding
countryside and provide
routes for cycling and
walking. However the final
decision on routes lies with
Northamptonshire County
Council as they are the body
with responsibility for Rights
of Way.
Overall the section of connectivity is
encouraging as it broadly follows the
principles of Manual for Streets in
ensuring active frontages and ensuring
that walking and cycling are
encouraged. However, the maps with
the proposed cycling and walking
networks do not coincide, and it is
unclear why this is the case. Ideally the
two should coincide to ensure that
shared spaces are encouraged as
much as possible. This will help to
create a greater level of activity that will
help to ensure the safety and therefore
quality of life of the town.
The masterplan sets a
strategic framework for the
growth and development of
Towcester and seeks to set
out principles which such
development should meet,
together with details of the
social and physical
infrastructure that will be
required. SNC will work with
its partners and developers
to ensure that future
development accords with
the masterplan. However, the
final decisions in relation to
cycling and walking routes
lies with Northamptonshire
County Council as the body
with responsibility for Rights
of Way.
168
169
018
039
Highways Agency
Northamptonshire
Chamber
009
015
7 Excellent
Connectivity
Diagrams 7
&8
8 Successful
Local
Businesses
94
The pedestrian/ cycle/ green routes, as
shown indicate that access across the
A43 will be necessary in up to 3
locations to the north west of the town.
Given the levels of traffic on the A43 will
be high, particularly once the bypass is
built, then consideration should be
given within the masterplan for bridges
or other defined crossing points. It may
be appropriate for pedestrian routes to
be funnelled into one well placed
crossing.
It would be useful also for this section of
the Masterplan to include some local
planning of how this growing town
centre economy and business
community will be supported, through
what services, facilities, skills provision,
advice, incentives, engagement
mechanisms, etc.
Comments Noted. Amend
the walking and cycling route
diagrams within the
masterplan to reflect this
point. The location of green
corridors/ pedestrian and
cycle routes will be a matter
for discussion between
Northamptonshire County
Council and SNC.
The masterplan will examine
the key issues facing
employment today in
Towcester, for example the
impact of the recession on a
highly educated workforce
and a large proportion of
outcommuting for
employment which needs to
be reduced. The final
masterplan will refer to the
employment opportunities
offered within and
surrounding Towcester, for
example in retail and tourism,
and at Silverstone. New
employment development is
to be provided within the
Towcester South
development. The issues
mentioned are felt to be too
detailed to be included in the
masterplan although there
may be general mention, but
are included within the SNC
economic development
strategy. Each document
needs to point to the other
but not duplicate each other.
The district is one of the most
prosperous areas of the county, with a
high concentration of businesses
coupled with a high employment rate.
Towcester has been identified as an
important area for large-scale growth
through the MKSM sub regional
strategy. The Strategic
Northamptonshire Economic Action
Plan (SNEAP) highlights the importance
of the area as a centre for high-skilled
employment in innovation and
technology sectors, particularly in the
motorsport, research and development,
and finance as well as contributing
significantly to the tourism offer of the
county. The growth of Towcester should
support the businesses and sectors
already embedded in the district.
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95
The employment section in
the final masterplan will be
broadened to include detail
of the key issues facing
employment today with
Towcester together with
broad principles as to how
these will be overcome. The
final masterplan will refer to
the employment
opportunities offered within
and surrounding Towcester,
for example in retail and
tourism, and at Silverstone.
This will include the
importance of the area as a
centre for high-skilled
employment in innovation
and technology sectors,
particularly in the motorsport,
research and development.
Mention will also be made of
the growing impact of tourism
within the economy in the
area.
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Traditionally South Northamptonshire
has seen low levels of unemployment
and high levels of economic activity,
some of the highest nationally. Despite
this, the effect of the recession on the
area has been significant. New
community and education services are
required in the area and NEL would
welcome the inclusion of elements of
business support services, such as
outreach services within these. These
could be utilised by existing business
support agencies and build on work
already underway to support existing
businesses and attract new investment
over the longer term.
2.7
Lastly, with fundamental ethos of a
sustainable community being
somewhere 'people want to live and
work, now and in the future', again more
emphasis should be in this section on
addressing the current need for
residents to commute out to work.
Clearly, with the area already having a
deficiency in the amount of jobs
available in its vicinity, we suggest any
measures that will seek to improve the
employment landscape of South
Northamptonshire should be prioritised.
2.7
96
The masterplan will examine
the key issues facing
employment today in
Towcester, including the
disproportionate impact that
the recession is having in an
area that has a highly
educated workforce. The
issues mentioned are felt to
be too detailed to be included
in the masterplan although
there may be general
mention, but are included
within the SNC economic
development strategy. Each
document needs to point to
the other but not duplicate
each other.
The final masterplan will
address the need to reduce
the current amount of
outcommuting from
Towcester. This includes the
need both to protect existing
employment sites so that
employers within the town
are encouraged to remain
here, and to provide
additional employment
through the Towcester South
and Silverstone
developments.
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97
Hence, infrastructure improvements that
are required to attract inward
investment and facilitate indigenous
enterprises should be of paramount
importance and delivered at the earliest
possible instance. This should include,
the provision of diverse business
premises, from incubator space to high
quality larger office space to workshop
and engineering facilities around the
high performance engineering/
motorsport cluster; a mix of employment
sites to nurture existing businesses
encourage start-up and attract inward
investment, would be appropriate,
alongside transport links such as the
afore-mentioned A5 Towcester bypass,
and the policy to improve public
transport provision from residential
areas to the town centre and
employment sites. The section on
Opportunities for Employment
Development makes some useful
suggestions for new areas of
employment land, but the Chamber
would like to see the Masterplan not
being too prescriptive in this regard and
proffering a general openness to other
sites / ideas for job-creating schemes.
The masterplan examines
the infrastructure
requirements that will result
from the future development
of Towcester. will make
reference to the need for a
variety of employment sites
together with protecting
existing employment sites so
that employers within the
town are encouraged to
remain here, and to provide
additional employment
through the Towcester South
and Silverstone
developments.
Towcester Racecourse - How would
development of the racecourse fit in
with its landscape preservation status?
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2.9
Diagram 9 Employment
Opportunities
in Towcester
98
The plan suffers from 'design creep'.
What do I mean by that? The bypass
route seems to have been pushed even
further out - so that it will threaten
nearby villages even more. This simply
is unacceptable and will be challenged
at every stage. The route previously
presented to the Lords should be
respected. Whilst I am in principle
against expanding our road network yet
further, the design proposed previously
was at least adequate as a bypass
route.
Towcester Racecourse is a
key opportunity site within
the masterplan. The
Racecourse is recognised as
a major tourism attraction for
the District, and an asset to
Towcester for the community
and visitors. The masterplan
points out that it is currently
underused and has potential
for an intensification of the
site for recreation and
tourism. However the site's
constraints are also detailed,
and it is recognised that new
development must be in
keeping with its location
within the grounds of Easton
Neston House which is a
Special Landscape Area and
a Registered Grade II*
Historic Park and Garden.
Add text to final
masterplan giving details
of constraints affecting the
key opportunity sites.
See reps 112 & 144. The
proposed route for the relief
road will be determined
through the Towcester
Transport Study. The extent
to which the boundary of the
development area at
Towcester South will be
defined by the relief road and
the amount of open space
will be negotiated as part of
the discussions on the
planning application for this
development.
South Northamptonshire has a high
concentration of High Performance
Engineering and Motorsports
businesses. While this focuses on
Silverstone it is important to include in
the masterplan mention of a positive
planning framework for support in this
sector.
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The Towcester
Partnership
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2.10
99
Serving the Hinterland - the plan fails to
comprehensively address Towcester's
hinterland for which it is the local
service centre. As an example, the
importance of Silverstone, as a centre
of tourism within the district, presents
opportunities for the development of
hotels etc in Towcester. Before access
to the circuit was improved, the
Towcester economy benefited greatly
from the tourists, in a way that it does
not now. This economic opportunity and
others need to be addressed.
Noted. Add text to final
masterplan recognising
Towcester's proximity to
Silverstone Circuit and the
importance, as a result, of
the high performance
engineering and
motorsport sector. The
high performance
engineering companies in
the area extend beyond
motor sport including
aerospace, electronics and
material technology.
This will be addressed in the
final masterplan. Insert text
into final masterplan
recognising the
importance of Towcester's
hinterland, for example
addressing issues such as
rural business and
Silverstone Circuit.
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The chapter entitled Successful local
businesses" offers a useful summary of
Towcester's current situation in terms of
local economic activity and some gentle
ambition about what its future business
community might look like,
concentrating on two or three fairly
obvious sectors. The chamber was
surprised not to see any aspiration in
the Masterplan to reach beyond the
areas of existing specialism into new
and emerging (post-recession) sectors,
building on skills already there. Where
else might the expertise within
Towcester's high performance
engineering industry take the local
economy? Prototyping for advanced
technology? Environmental engineering
/ technology? By stemming the outcommuting what other new business
start-ups might be created and
nurtured? The Chamber would like to
see some more stretching or innovative
objectives under this aim.
2.10
2.11
100
Concerns that building a new giant
supermarket in the development area
will create an old and new town, would
not encourage new residents into the
town centre. People need to be
attracted into Towcester to improve
businesses already in the town. Support
small business opportunities, eg. local
corner shops are an important service,
more user friendly and can't compete
against giant supermarkets.
The employment section in
the final masterplan will be
broadened to include detail
of the key issues facing
employment today with
Towcester together with
broad principles as to how
these will be overcome. The
final masterplan will refer to
the employment
opportunities offered within
and surrounding Towcester,
for example in retail and
tourism, and at Silverstone.
This will include the
importance of the area as a
centre for high-skilled
employment in innovation
and technology sectors,
particularly in the motorsport,
research and development.
Mention will also be made of
the growing impact of tourism
within the economy in the
area.
Whilst a local centre is
proposed in the Southern
development area to
Towcester it is vital that it
does not compete with the
retail units in the town centre.
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Towcester &
District Local
History Society
Barton Willmore
acting for
Waitrose Ltd
County Councillor
Rosemary
Bromwich
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2.11
2.11
2.11
101
The Towcester Masterplan only
considers expansion of the number of
retail businesses in the town. In view of
the economic climate contraction as
well as expansion should be
considered.
Para 2.11 refers to retail and suggests
that part of creating a vibrant town
centre is retaining more retail spend on
the town through expansion and
diversification of the retail offer. It is
suggested that the range of sites will
suit small independent and niche
retailers and restaurateurs, as well as
larger floorspace stores that will appeal
to the national chains to complement
the existing. Whilst these may be good
intentions for a Masterplan document, it
would be helpful to have some
diagrammatic detail of the sites in
question and in particular more
information on the location of the sites
(ie. where the larger floorplate stores
could sit in relation to the existing larger
stores) and also what type of stores
these would be (whether convenience
or comparison goods retailers).
Towcester does require some additional
shopping facilities eg clothes and
shoes. A Marks and Spencers Unit
would be ideal and prevent people
having to go to Northampton or Milton
Keynes. Is this achievable? There is a
need for shops selling everyday items
to keep people shopping in Towcester.
The masterplan has been
designed to be flexible and
adaptable so that it is able to
respond to changing
economic circumstances.
The purpose of Towcester
masterplan is to set a
strategic framework for the
future development of the
town rather than focussing
down on minutiae. However
it does set out key
opportunity sites where there
is scope for redevelopment
or for meeting key local
needs such as providing
public access to parkland
areas. The main site for retail
redevelopment in the town
centre is at Towcester Lanes
however is a site that would
principally attract small
independent retail units.
The masterplan has a role in
marketing the town of
Towcester and highlighting to
potential landowners,
developers and investors the
opportunities that the town
has to offer in order to attract
further funding and
investment. The masterplan
cannot determine the precise
retail brand names but
should be seen as a positive
commitment to a stronger
retail offer in the centre of
Towcester.
On page 14 and 37 Somerfield needs
changing to the Co-op as of the 3rd
August. National chains will also want
smaller floorspace units eg Costa
Coffee. It would be better if the Farmers
Market were weekly and closer to the
town centre. On page 38 on the Town
Centre paragraph, restaurants, bars
and coffee/tea shops need adding in.
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Dallyn
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2.11
Aldi agrees that part of creating a
vibrant town centre is about retaining
more retail spend to diversifying the
town's retail offer, which will also
promote choice and competition.
Furthermore, Aldi considers that it is
important for retail proposals to
complement rather than duplicate the
specialist independent sector that is
currently flourishing in the town centre.
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White Young
Green on behalf
of Aldi Stores Ltd
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2.11
102
Comments Noted. At the
time of publication of the
consultation draft the store
was known as the Somerfield
brand. Since the publication
of the masterplan the Co-op
have changed the signage
and branding from
Somerfield to Co-op and this
needs to be reflected in the
final masterplan. Amend text
on Retail to highlight that
there needs to be the
provision of a wide range
of retail units sizes to meet
market demand and be
adaptable to meet changes
in demand.
Comments noted. There is a
need to increase and
broaden the retail offer in
Towcester in order to reduce
the number of residents
currently outcommuting to
neighbouring towns which is
resulting in a loss of retail
spend in Towcester and a
town centre that is
underperforming. The
masterplan seeks to increase
the vitality and viability of
Towcester town centre.
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2.11
It might be for Towcester to follow the
precedent set by other growth and
regeneration areas by using local
planning documents to facilitate
community and cultural schemes, such
as providing Internet cafes/ gallery
space in new housing developments for
residents, or creating sculpture parks in
town centres, which are welcomed by
local people, generate economic
activity, and enhance the attractions to
visitors to the town.
Rural symbiosis with Towcester and
other smaller areas is so important. This
is of major importance for employment
and ability to thrive 2.12. page 37.
2.12
Appropriate shops needed for a
healthily lifestyle include a shops for
bicycles, skate boards. etc. If people
are going to use sustainable methods of
transport eg bicycles they need
somewhere to buy them from and repair
them in Towcester. Also a shop selling
shoes, perhaps encouraging retailers to
join together, for the same reason.
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9 Opportunities
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Employment
Development
2.12
Need to expand the strategic
employment sites within Towcester as
the Strategic Employment Land
Assessment (SELA) recommends
103
Noted. Many of the issues
stated will be included in the
final masterplan as they are
seen as ways to increase the
attractiveness of Towcester,
to increase the vitality and
viability of Towcester town
centre and to ensure it
becomes a destination that
people want to visit and
spend time and money.
The role of Towcester as a
local service centre within its
wider rural hinterland is
recognised and will be
stressed within the final
masterplan. Amend text to
recognise role of
Towcester within its rural
hinterland.
The masterplan has a role in
marketing the town of
Towcester and highlighting to
potential landowners,
developers and investors the
opportunities that the town
has to offer in order to attract
further funding and
investment. The masterplan
cannot determine the precise
retail brand names but
should be seen as a positive
commitment to a stronger
retail offer in the centre of
Towcester.
Noted. The final masterplan
will set out the key existing
employment issues in
Towcester including the
Towcester works to retain its
employment focus within urban areas
where possible, building on the strong
technology-sector base already located
in the area. PPS4 aims to promote the
focus of growth in key centres. The
TMP identifies several development
opportunities situated within the centre
that are currently available to suit local
demand, and subject to few constraints.
These sites would provide additional
strategic employment land however
their delivery will be largely dependent
on securing additional public and
private sector funding as well as the
delivery of the proposed A5/ A43
bypass and housing growth. the
masterplan is in line with the SELA but
suggest that it should give indicative
indications of the quantum of
development at the areas of
opportunity.
1. A specific requirement for "Business
Parks" is missing. 2. The section
"opportunities for employment"
confuses gateways with local centres
and business parks. A clear strategy is
required for each. 3. Mixed use
development seems to be enshrined
here, rather than separate zones. This
planning strategy is fundamental but
has not been debated with SNC or the
local community.
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104
current high levels of outcommuting, the
disproportionate impact of
the recession on the town,
and the need to protect
existing employment sites
from redevelopment to
residential use. The
masterplan will seek to
address these issues as well
as outlining site principles for
the key opportunity
employment sites.
The strategy for employment
and economic development
is set within the context of
national guidance and within
the SNC Economic
Development Strategy and
documents such as the
SELA and SNEAP which
feed into the Core Strategy.
The 2 strategies are both
subject to public consultation.
The purpose of this
masterplan is to set out a
strategic framework for the
future development of
Towcester based on
evidence from the strategies
mentioned above. The final
Para 1.5 aspires for a northern
gateway, which would be situated at the
junction of the A5/A43. Clearly any
aspirations will need to reflect the plans
(inherent bypass proposals) for a new
junction arrangement here, which might
include significant grade separation or
hamburger type junction, for example.
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Employment
Development
Site 1 Northern
Gateway
The Masterplan recognises the area as
a business and an edge of centre retail
location. Aldi considers that this should
be reflected by identifying the area as
an opportunity for employment and
other appropriate uses that contribute
towards economic growth and which will
serve predominantly the needs of
residents in Towcester and its rural
catchment.
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White Young
Green on behalf
of Aldi Stores Ltd
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Site 1 Northern
Gateway
105
masterplan will refer to the
employment opportunities
offered within and
surrounding Towcester, for
example in retail and tourism,
and at Silverstone.
The Towcester Transport
study has recently been
undertaken which examines
the key highway capacity and
connections that will be
required together with the
optimal location for the relief
road. The results will
determine the location of
development at the northern
gateway if this is adjacent to
the relief road.
Noted. The northern gateway
which includes the A5/ A43
roundabout, the Tove Valley
Business Park and the Aldi
site is identified as a key
opportunity site within the
masterplan. Development
constraints and principles are
set out for the site. It is
recognised that such sites
must meet the needs of both
the residents of Towcester
but also of the rural
hinterland since Towcester
as a market town is a local
service centre for such
areas.
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DPP on behalf of
Tesco Stores Ltd
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for
Employment
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Site 1 Northern
Gateway
106
Given the location of our Client's store
on Old Tiffield Rd, within the 'Northern
Gateway Employment Opportunity',
Tesco are also keen to establish
themselves as having a role within the
future of Towcester. There are a
number of options for the future
development of the site, indeed an onsite replacement store has been
promoted in the past. Tesco would
welcome the opportunity to continue to
work positively with the Council to
investigate future development
opportunities for their store and
enhance their presence in Towcester to
help meet the demands that the growth
in population will have on the local food
shopping facilities. This could be
through further on site expansion at Old
Tiffield Road or off site opportunities,
that could allow the existing site to be
redeveloped. Whilst at this stage we
cannot be certain, we would like to
continue to work with the Council to
develop these opportunities.
Comments noted. Any further
development of the Tesco
store must be given careful
consideration to ensure it
does not compete directly
with retailers within the town
centre.
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Landowner of the
Old Cattle
Market, Watling
Street, Towcester
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9 Opportunities
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Employment
Development
Site 1 Northern
Gateway
107
I am the landowner of the Old Cattle
Market site and am keen to discover
whether the area of land it occupies can
be promoted within the planned scheme
as an 'opportunity site' for potential
developers? Original site use for
fencing business planning permission
granted in Jan 1997. Prior to this a
company selling Motor Homes occupied
the site. In 2004 I relocated my
business to Harlestone Firs in
Northampton because the current site
was too small / outgrown current site.
Since that date tried in vain to lease or
develop the site due to constricting
highway. I would like The Cattle Market
Site to be included in the formalised
masterplan. Presently the site is
landlocked but there is potential to
unlock it for example with the current
Tesco application by creating a new
entrance and this would enable the site
to be opened up and not be landlocked
due to highways issues. I believe a new
development would be highly welcomed
by the planners as it is at the Gateway
of Towcester.
The Old Cattle Market is
located near to the Tove
Valley Business Park which
is a key opportunity site for
employment. However any
such development will still
require planning permission
and will need to address
material planning
considerations such as
highways access.
Town Centre - 1. The traffic circulation
in Richmond Road, Queens Road,
Pomfret Road, Water Lane and
Brackley Road needs reviewing and
redesigning as part of the town centre
regeneration yet is not mentioned within
the transport part of the plan. Transport
is a key economic driver and should be
recognised as such within the
masterplan. 2. The extent of the 20mph
speed limit (page 32) needs reviewing.
Opportunities for Employment
Development 2-4 Town Centre (page
38) - there implies an acceptance that
the current town centre should be for
the professional services and personal
services which is contrary to SNC's
current policy that retailers have priority
over service industries for ground floor
accommodation.
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Sites 2-4 Town Centre
Sites 2-4 Town Centre
108
Opportunities for Employment
Development 2-4 Town Centre (page
38) - there implies an acceptance that
the current town centre should be for
the professional services and personal
services which is contrary to SNC's
current policy that retailers have priority
over service industries for ground floor
accommodation.
The final masterplan will
include an action plan that
sets out the actions required
to implement the masterplan.
This includes the need to
investigate whether there is a
need for a 1-way system
around the Richmond Road
area to reduce traffic
congestion. The inclusion of
20mph routes around
Towcester will be deleted
from the final masterplan.
The masterplan sets out the
need for the new relief road
to reduce the amount of
heavy traffic using the A5
through the town centre and
the subsequent detrunking of
the A5 through the town
centre which will improve its
environment. However the
inclusion of speed limits will
be a matter for decision by
Northamptonshire County
Council as local traffic
authority.
The masterplan has been
revised in line with national
guidance to state that a
diversity of uses will be
encouraged within the town
centre. However it will still be
a requirement that the
proportion of other uses
within the town centre does
not outnumber retail units.
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Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Barton Willmore
acting for
Waitrose Ltd
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Site 5 Wood
Burcote
Industrial
Estate
Site 6 Southern
Gateway
109
Wood Burcote Industrial Estate - would
like to know more about where the link
to the town centre and existing and
future residential areas would go. Also
what type of neighbourhood services
might be provided?
Wood Burcote Industrial
Estate is an existing
employment site within the
town. There are no proposals
for its change.
The Southern Gateway is dealt with in
the 'opportunities for Employment
Development' section of the
Masterplan. In our view this is rather
confusing given that the Southern
Gateway is primarily intended as a
Local Centre rather than as an
opportunity for employment
development. The new neighbourhood
centre to the south west of the town
centre is shown as an 'opportunity area'
on the plan on page 39, but is not
referred to in the supporting text. Given
its importance it may be more
appropriate to include the Southern
Gateway in the 'Family Environment'
section of the masterplan rather than in
the employment section.
Noted. The role of the
southern gateway is to
provide a sense of arrival to
the town through the
provision of landmark
buildings. Whilst the final
masterplan outlines key
principles for the
development of the
opportunity sites and gives a
signpost to developers and
investors on the type of
appropriate development. It
is not the role of the
masterplan to define specific
end uses of sites but to
highlight where the key
opportunity sites are and the
development issues that are
likely to apply.
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Highways Agency
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
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Site 6 Southern
Gateway
Site 6 Southern
Gateway
110
The document refers to a new local
centre to the south of the town,
incorporating a mixed use development
- new bus hub, retail activities, health
and education facilities. Careful
consideration will need to be given to
this, given that the location at present is
fairly distant from any local housing and
would be a potential generator of
additional car borne journeys. The
proximity of this centre to the potential
bypass junction will also need to be
carefully considered, particularly if the
presence of the junction acts as a
deterrent to pedestrians and cyclists.
Consideration will also need to be given
to the range and quantum of potential
activities within the centre, to ensure
that these would not be better located
within the more accessible main centre.
Accession transport modelling could
assist with this process.
Noted. The role of the
southern gateway is to
provide a sense of arrival to
the town through the
provision of landmark
buildings. Whilst the final
masterplan outlines key
principles for the
development of the
opportunity sites and gives a
signpost to developers and
investors on the type of
appropriate development. It
is not the role of the
masterplan to define specific
end uses of sites but to
highlight where the key
opportunity sites are and the
development issues that are
likely to apply. The
Towcester Transport Study is
examining the impacts of
some of the proposals.
In the Southern Gateway paragraph I
completely endorse the respect for
landscape and complementing of the
Racecourse for any employment area.
Has the idea for a national HQ Building
been abandoned ?
Whilst the final masterplan
outlines key principles for the
development of the
opportunity sites and gives a
signpost to developers and
investors on the type of
appropriate development that
would be permitted on these.
It is not the role of the
masterplan to define specific
end uses of sites.
The reconfiguration of the local centre
to adjoin Watling Street needs careful
consideration over potential impacts
upon the setting of the racecourse and
the wider environment of the Eastern
Neston and the Registered Park.
200
201
028
033
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
English Heritage
006
012
9 Opportunities
for
Employment
Development
9 Opportunities
for
Employment
Development
Site 6 Southern
Gateway
Site 6 Southern
Gateway
111
This is a proposal for a new local centre
as part of a larger development area.
We have concerns about major
development in this area, particularly to
the north of the A5, particularly in
respect of its impact on the hamlet of
Heathencote and the potential impact
on the setting of listed buildings here
and Heathencote Farm, as well impacts
on the Easton Neston registered historic
park and garden. Although
diagrammatic, the opportunity area
covers part of the registered park and
development adjacent to the park would
affect its setting. National guidance
includes provisions regarding the
importance of protecting and enhancing
the setting of historic assets. Again,
early discussion about the proposals for
the Southern Gateway proposal is
requested.
Noted. The role of the
southern gateway is to
provide a sense of arrival to
the town through the
provision of landmark
buildings. It is noted in the
principles for development of
this site that it is in close
proximity to the Registered
Historic Park and Garden
and that the design of
schemes must reflect this.
Noted. The role of the
southern gateway is to
provide a sense of arrival to
the town through the
provision of landmark
buildings. It is noted in the
principles for development of
this site that it is in close
proximity to the Registered
Historic Park and Garden
and that the design of
schemes must reflect this.
A cemetery is shown as a commitment,
but the difficulties of finding a suitable
site should not be underestimated,
especially since this matter is urgent. A
new cemetery is required by 2014. This
is a statutory duty for the Town Council,
and a public health issue. Allocation of
a site now would be a challenge to
deliver within this timescale.
202
023
The Towcester
Partnership
020
10 A Family
Environment
2.13
Key Infrastructure requirements Infrastructure requirements for the
future town have been identified in
consultation, workshops and in a
proposed section 106 shopping list
covering civic, community, commercial,
leisure needs. These should be
included in the plan.
203
023
The Towcester
Partnership
025
10 A Family
Environment
2.13
On page 41 para 2.13 the provision of a
sewage treatment plant is essential and
the cemetery needs to be accessible,
and so possibly in the centre of town.
204
025
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
021
10 A Family
Environment
2.13
112
The masterplan examines
the future development that
will be required as outlined in
the West Northamptonshire
Core Strategy and sets out
the physical, social and
Green Infrastructure that will
be required to meet the
needs of both existing and
future residents. This
includes the need for a new
cemetery.
The masterplan examines
the future development that
will be required as outlined in
the West Northamptonshire
Core Strategy and sets out
the physical, social and
Green Infrastructure that will
be required to meet the
needs of both existing and
future residents. The purpose
of the masterplan is to
ensure that new
development enables
Towcester to become a
sustainable community and
that new homes are
balanced with relevant
infrastructure.
The masterplan examines
the future development that
will be required as outlined in
the West Northamptonshire
Core Strategy and sets out
the physical, social and
Green Infrastructure that will
be required to meet the
needs of both existing and
future residents. This
All the aspirations under the various
headings in this section are
commendable. We would however want
to strengthen what is said by including
the need for community centre or
community hall provision alongside the
schools, health centre, parks and
shops. In the proposed areas of new
housing, this requires careful liaison
with the proposed new school(s), or
health facilities to maximise provision in
the most economical way. We also
believe that there is an urgent need for
additional facilities for youth activities in
Towcester, which may not best be
provided within a school environment or
which cannot be provided for a number
of years yet. Other short term
opportunities to provide youth facilities
should therefore be considered.
205
035
Churches
Together in
Towcester
010
10 A Family
Environment
2.13
113
includes the need for an
extension to the sewage
treatment plan and a new
cemetery. However it is
unlikely that sufficient space
is available for a new
cemetery in the centre of the
town.
The masterplan examines
the future development that
will be required as outlined in
the West Northamptonshire
Core Strategy and sets out
the physical, social and
Green Infrastructure that will
be required to meet the
needs of both existing and
future residents. SNC has
liaised with the Education
and Health authorities in the
formulation of the masterplan
and their requirements form
part of the plan. However it is
also the role of the
masterplan, together with
other documents such as the
LDF Core Strategy, to set out
to service providers within
the town the amount of
development that is
proposed in the next 15
years or so within Towcester.
206
207
002
006
002
012
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.14
Objection to building of houses before
all the relevant infrastructure such as
access roads, health, social and
educational buildings. health clinics
need to be built ready to use. Concern
that the current Health services in
Towcester could be hard pressed to
serve the increased population. Good
town planning anticipates the required
facilities.
The developers should be held
responsible for promoting the ideal of
creating an environment beneficial to
well-being. There is a need for
allotments and the protection of
allotments from vandalism.
2.14
Shouldn't be Towcester Vale should just
be 'Towcester' an inclusive name.
208
002
013
10 A Family
Environment
2.14
The masterplan and the town's growth
should ensure a sustainable balance
between housing and employment
growth.
209
017
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
020
10 A Family
Environment
2.14
114
See rep 205.
See rep 205. When
considering the design and
location of new allotments
consideration will be given to
security including
consultation with the Crime
Prevention Design Advisor.
Noted. SNC refers to the
southern development area
as Towcester South as it is
essential that it be planned in
a comprehensive manner so
that it becomes an integral
part of the existing town of
Towcester.
The masterplan sets out the
future vision and
development principles for
the development of
Towcester. The vision for a
sustainable market town is
for new housing that is
accompanied by new
employment opportunities in
order to reduce the current
high levels of out-commuting.
Community Centre - 1. Fails to address
the real issue of the regeneration of the
community centre and the Islington
Road area and, in concrete terms, the
provision of another facility within the
development area of Towcester. 2. The
Shires lacks any community facilities
whatsoever, commercial or otherwise.
210
023
The Towcester
Partnership
014
10 A Family
Environment
2.14
115
The purpose of the
masterplan is to set out a
strategic framework for the
future development of the
town rather than focussing
down on minutiae. However
it does set out key
opportunity sites where there
is scope for redevelopment
or for meeting key local
needs such as providing
public access to parkland
areas. Islington Road is
identified as an opportunity
area for community services
& education and highlights
the issues there. It also
identifies existing community
facilities provision and
outlines the additional needs
that will result from the
growth of Towcester to 2026.
It is understood that Tove
Valley Baptist Fellowship
have proposals for a
community building/ church
at the Shires and this will be
included in the final
masterplan.
211
212
213
009
009
020
Northamptonshire
Police
Northamptonshire
Police
County Councillor
Rosemary
Bromwich
008
009
011
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.15
2.15
2.15
116
It is recognised that Towcester is to
grow over the next 20 years. It is also
recognised in 2.15 on page 41 that the
design quality of the development will
be vital in creating distinct places.
Ensuring the design reduces the
opportunities for crime and anti-social
behaviour will be vital. This is an
opportunity to ensure that we design for
the future in such a way that places are
safe to live in. New development must
be built to Secured by Design
standards.
Noted. New schemes will
require planning permission
which will be subject to
consultation including with
the Crime Prevention Design
Advisor. Schemes will need
to be designed in accordance
with the Council's planning
guidance in SPGs and SPDs
which include 'Planning Out
Crime in Northamptonshire'
written by Northamptonshire
CC.
There is a link between reducing antisocial behaviour and the fear of crime
and ensuring the health and well being
of the population. There is evidence
(Lifetime Homes Lifetime
Neighbourhoods) that particularly older
people are increasingly excluded from
society and therefore are more likely to
suffer from ill health in areas where
there is perceived or actual crime and
anti-social behaviour.
Housing should give the feeling of
spaciousness. We should avoid
cramming housing together and should
ensure good standards such as very
good insulation so that for example
neighbours cannot be heard through
walls. Safety and wellbeing is important
for our growing older population.
Comments noted. It is
intended that Towcester will
become a place where
people want to be.
Noted. The relaxation of
density standards within
government planning
guidance means that new
dwellings are able to be
spacious and of high quality
design. The type and size of
housing will meet the needs
of the projected range of
household type and respond
to anticipated demographics.
New development is required
to be built in accordance with
Building Regulations and the
Code for Sustainable Homes
which relate to standards
such as noise insulation.
Whilst the Masterplan does not dwell in
detail on the proposed Towcester Vale
development, it is the view of
Neighbourhood Watch that much
attention needs to be given to
integrating the new housing into the
existing town and its current community
and infrastructure. New residents
should be made aware at an early stage
of Neighbourhood Watch and the value
it can bring to a new community and
their integration into the town.
214
021
Towcester
Neighbourhood
Watch
013
10 A Family
Environment
2.15
The provision of village greens in the
new development is vitally important.
215
025
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
020
10 A Family
Environment
2.15
The rural setting of Towcester as well
as the character of the buildings must
be respected. Urban residential
buildings are not appropriate. We want
to feel we are living in the countryside
whilst having the advantages of living in
a town.
216
025
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
022
10 A Family
Environment
2.15
117
Comments Noted. An
development area is
proposed to the south of the
town, however these
proposals will require
planning permission which is
yet to be determined. The
Masterplan highlights the
vision for Towcester in 2026
to be a sustainable market
town which includes social
cohesion and the need for a
well-integrated mix of decent
homes of different types and
tenures to support a range of
household sizes, ages and
incomes.
The provision of welldesigned public and green
space will be an important
part of the southern
extension to Towcester.
Noted. The revised
masterplan will place much
emphasis on the setting of
Towcester within a rural
environment. It is recognised
that the town is surrounded
by quality countryside. Green
edges are planned so that
the town retains a clear
boundary with the
countryside to prevent
sprawl. Green corridors will
connect the countryside with
the town through areas such
as the Easton Neston Water
Meadows and Silverstone
Brook.
217
218
028
028
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
002
007
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.15
2.15
118
Many of the broad concepts are
supported and consistent with the
Towcester Vale scheme, including the
twin focus for urban development on the
south western and south eastern flank;
the extension of the Silverstone Brook
corridor for pedestrians and cyclists and
realignment of Grafton Way; and a twin
focus for the local centre in the south
east and a neighbourhood centre in the
south west.
In summary, the Towcester Masterplan
document endorses the principle of the
development proposed within the
Towcester Vale planning application.
However it must be emphasised that
whilst the Towcester Vale proposals
have a clear role in achieving the
implementation of the southern bypass
and with it the ability to rejuvenate the
historic town centre and potentially
realise a number of other key objectives
set out in this Towcester Masterplan
document, the Towcester Vale scheme
must also be considered (and delivered)
as a commercially viable strategic
mixed use development.
Comments noted.
Comments noted.
Owns a site of 0.5 acre in Water Lane
next to the Bucklands Site opposite
Alchester Court. Wishes to see the site
included in the masterplan as a care
home.
219
003
Clayson Country
Homes Ltd
001
10 A Family
Environment
2.16
The County Council are in the process
of a consultation on the Residential
Care Homes in the West of the County.
Ridgway House is now outdated and
needs replacing. Careful consideration
will be given to this, and the outcome
decided later this year. It is important to
ensure we have excellent facilities for
those older people who require full time
care. The County Council will be looking
for a new build of this facility, and
consideration should be given to a site
for sheltered accommodation and
nursing care home.
220
020
County Councillor
Rosemary
Bromwich
012
10 A Family
Environment
2.16
119
Noted. It is not proposed that
this be a key opportunity site
within the masterplan as it is
not considered to be a key
site within the town. However
this does not prevent the site
being put forward as a
possible scheme for planning
permission.
Comments Noted. Our
Strategic Housing Team
works on the various housing
requirements across the
District. There is a
recognised need for housing
for older people with a variety
of needs. There is a need for
public and private provision.
Amend to increase
emphasis on the need for
development that
addresses the needs of the
ageing population.
Suggest Springfields as a
possible site for a nursing
home.
221
222
223
021
Towcester
Neighbourhood
Watch
012
10 A Family
Environment
2.16
021
Towcester
Neighbourhood
Watch
014
10 A Family
Environment
2.16
023
The Towcester
Partnership
013
10 A Family
Environment
2.16
120
Development must design out crime, for
example, ensuring that, where possible,
residential homes can oversee
industrial units and open spaces to help
police and diminish unrest and criminal
activity. Ensuring a similar mix of
housing on various levels with retail,
shops and cafes, etc. Designing out
"blind spots" around business units,
community centres, leisure facilities,
children's play areas and recreational
parks etc. where untoward and
disturbance could be an issue. Careful
use of ground landscaping as well as
trees, borders and shrubbery to
enhance the area but not without
compromising its policing. Lighting especially residential areas, walkways
and main car parks.
Great efforts needs to be given to
partnership work with the developers
and estate agents to not only offer a
new bricks-and-mortar home but also a
home with our community. This may
simply involve a form of "Welcome
Pack" for all new residents or a series of
open evens that all new residents are
welcome to attend.
Housing - 1. That affordable housing
will be provided is one of the few
definite commitments in the document.
2. a commitment to further residential
care for the elderly would be desirable.
Comments noted. There is
various legislation, planning
policy and guidance cover
the design of development
proposals that potential
landowners and developers
have to apply to their
proposals. One such
document is "Planning Out
Crime in Northamptonshire"
written by Northamptonshire
CC and which planning
proposals must be designed
in accordance with. The
Police have a Crime
Prevention Officer and have
involvement as a consultee
on planning applications for
new development.
Comments Noted. However
this is detail which goes
beyond the scope of the
masterplan which is a
strategic planning document
setting out proposals for the
future development and
growth of Towcester.
Comments Noted. Our
Strategic Housing Team
works on the various housing
requirements across the
District. There is a
recognised need for housing
for older people with a variety
of needs. There is a need for
public and private provision.
Amend to increase
emphasis on the need for
development that
I endorse the provision of open space.
224
225
025
030
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Northamptonshire
Fire and Rescue
023
005
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
addresses the needs of the
ageing population.
Suggest Springfields as a
possible site for a nursing
home.
Noted.
2.16
2.16
121
Paragraph 2.16 (page41) of the
masterplan refers to 'well designed,
safe streets, well provided with open
space and local services'.
Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue
Service are keen to promote the
concept of designing safety into any
new building scheme and to reduce the
opportunities for arson, and therefore
welcome this reference within the
masterplan. We would like to ensure
that developers are provided with
advice and guidance when designing
schemes, and work closely with other
agencies for example Crime Prevention
Design Advisors from Northamptonshire
Police.
Comments noted. However
this detail goes beyond the
scope of the masterplan
which sets out a strategic
framework for the future
development of Towcester.
The development of key
opportunity sites will need to
be designed in accordance
with a range of planning
guidance on design and will
be subject to consultation at
planning application stage
with consultees including the
Crime Prevention Advisor.
226
227
030
002
Northamptonshire
Fire and Rescue
006
014
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
In addition, we note that paragraph 2.16
also makes the following point
'specialist housing such as affordable
homes, flats, starter homes, and elderly
persons accommodation will also be
provided in accordance with local
housing market needs.' We strongly
encourage developers, architects, and
local planning authorities to consider
installing sprinklers within the built
environment of Northamptonshire,
especially in properties which could be
deemed as higher risk such as those
mentioned in paragraph 2.16. Over 500
people a year die in fires in their homes.
A large proportion of these deaths are
from the vulnerable community eg
elderly, very young, disabled, those
affected by alcohol and drugs. Smoke
alarms do not save these groups but
sprinklers can.
Comments noted. However
this detail goes beyond the
scope of the masterplan
which sets out a strategic
framework for the future
development of Towcester.
The development of key
opportunity sites will need to
be designed in accordance
with a range of planning
guidance on design and will
be subject to consultation at
planning application stage
with consultees including the
Crime Prevention Advisor.
The new build should incorporate the
best energy and water saving
technology.
Noted. Agreed as set out in
the Council’s SPD on
Renewable Energy which
applicants need to consider
before submitting a planning
application / proposal for
development. New
development will need to be
planned in accordance with
environmental standards
such as Code for Sustainable
Homes. Add text to final
masterplan requiring that
new development be of
high environmental
standards.
2.16
2.18
122
Environmental issues and climate
change should be mentioned more
strongly. Should land for allotments be
allocated so that food is grown near to
where it is consumed? Should provision
be made for strengthening the electricity
supply to the town so that recharging
points for electric vehicles can be
available in every car park? Should
footpaths that are designed for use by
pedestrians be also wide enough to be
used safely by cyclists and by the
electric mobility scooters used by the
elderly?
228
012
Towcester &
District Local
History Society
004
10 A Family
Environment
2.18
The inclusion of the need for
sympathetic high quality design is
welcomed. Further guidance is needed
to consider low carbon technologies
and opportunities for green design in
the urban fabric are included.
229
017
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
015
10 A Family
Environment
2.18
123
The purpose of the
masterplan is to set out a
strategic framework for the
future development of the
town rather than focussing
down on minutiae. The
issues raised are dealt with
through other planning
guidance such as the
Council's SPD on Renewable
Energy which applicants
need to consider before
submitting a planning
application / proposal for
development. New
development will need to be
planned in accordance with
environmental standards
such as Code for Sustainable
Homes. Add text to final
masterplan requiring that
new development be of
high environmental
standards.
Noted. Agreed as set out in
the Council's SPD on
Renewable Energy which
applicants need to consider
before submitting a planning
application / proposal for
development. New
development will need to be
planned in accordance with
environmental standards
such as Code for Sustainable
Homes. Add text to final
masterplan requiring that
new development be of
high environmental
standards.
230
231
232
233
017
025
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
019
Northamptonshire
County Council
020
County Councillor
Rosemary
Bromwich
016
024
003
004
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.18
2.18
Further guidance is needed to consider
low carbon technologies and
opportunities for green design in the
urban fabric are included. These could
include eco home potential and also
looking to promote green design in
commercial developments.
Consideration for micro generation and
district heating/ power facilities could be
given as well as the need to plan for
renewable energy generation.
I would like to see it stated that
advances in technology were not just
accommodated, but actually used.
See rep 228.
The County Council considers the
Masterplan gives a fair representation
of the position in relation to education
provision in Towcester. However, there
are some concerns in respect of the
expectations that are being raised in the
document that are all schools in the
town are rebuilt. None of these
schemes are a priority for the County
Council, and besides would require a
considerable amount of money and at a
time of increasing tightening in public
spending. The practicalities of the
proposal to build a new higher density
school on the Sponne site as a way to
increase capacities within the town
would require further consideration.
Comments Noted. There is a
need to make clear the role
and requirements of the
County Council in Education,
the current education
provision and aspirations of
the individual schools and
the requirements for future
education provision as part of
the growth. It is recognised
that the replacement and
provision of educational
facilities will be subject to
funding issues and therefore
are likely to be problematic in
the short term. A
development brief would be
produced for the Sponne
school site as it is part of the
wider regeneration and
expansion of the town centre
functions. See rep 089.
Comments Noted. It is
recognised that the current
community centre owned by
the Town Council on
2.19
2.19
124
Agree that the new Towcester Primary
School should be redeveloped on the
existing site. The Community Centre in
Islington Road should be demolished
See rep 228.
and the new Civic Centre in Moat Lane
should be the centre for activities for all.
234
235
021
025
Towcester
Neighbourhood
Watch
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
009
025
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
The Masterplan correctly gives an
emphasis to our schools, and again
there is need for a strategy developed
in detail with the various groups to
ensure a concerted plan. Sponne
School, Nicholas Hawksmoor and
Towcester Primary School all have
issues of serious concern with
pedestrian safety and road access at
peak times.
2.19
Endorse everything which is stated on
page 42. Particularly important are the
rebuilding of Towcester Primary School
and Sponne School, the provision of a
Children's Centre and further education
facilities. The 16 plus age group has
great difficulty travelling to work or
education due to poor public transport
provision. A local facility, perhaps with a
mini-bus to transport students as
Moulton College does, would be a
valuable addition to the town.
2.19
125
Islington Rd is not fit for
purpose although the current
facility is used by a number
of organisations including
Vision Youth Cafe. See rep
232.
Comments Noted.
Amendments required. Need
to add to the text on Schools
within the actual Masterplan
extract text and update from
the Frequently Asked
Questions document and add
information in relation to
accessibility and safety as
mentioned in this consult See
rep 089.
Comments Noted. Amend
and Add a reference to the
Education and Public
Transport provision for
students to access further
education facilities and jobs.
See rep 089.
236
237
036
023
Governing Body
of Towcester CE
Primary School
The Towcester
Partnership
009
005
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.19
2.21
126
We believe that our primary school, the
adjacent Tiny Tows Nursery and the
new Children's Centre (expected to be
installed in the adjacent Community
Centre) will receive the first of the
children from any new housing
development to the south of the town.
Not only do we feel it is essential that
we have these new premises in
readiness but that it is paramount that
the Islington Road Opportunity Area is
prioritised with a new educational and
community emphasis which will in itself
act as an attractive incentive to draw
new families and investment to the
town. Like Moat Lane development, the
Islington Road site is a fundamental
building block for the town's current
community, and in providing
infrastructure support in advance of the
new residential development and
employment. The Governing Body looks
to the partners in the Regeneration
Board (NCC, SNC, NEL, WNDC) to
work with us and others in accessing
funding for this development.
On new schools the masterplan: 1.
Lacks substance and makes
assumptions. 2. ignores the strategy by
the Education community. 3. Sponne
needs re-locating on a new site.
Redevelopment on the existing site is
impracticable and undesirable.
Noted. See rep 232. Islington
Road is noted as a key
opportunity site for
community and education
purposes.
See reps 089 and 232.
238
239
240
028
028
022
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
White Young
Green acting for
NHS
Northamptonshire
Primary Care
Trust
022
023
001
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.21
A number of options are noted for
secondary schooling; a new more
compact school on the existing site, a
new school in the new neighbourhood
or a spilt site. It is recognised that a new
school is not required for a number of
years.
See reps 089 and 232.
An objective to secure higher education
facilities either at Towcester, or
Silverstone is noted.
Noted. See reps 089 and
232.
The PCT recognise that the significant
growth planned for Towcester raises
specific challenges for the provision of
health care facilities. NHS Northants
PCT will be producing an Estates
Strategy and Primary Care Strategy
based on an evaluation of how growth
across the County will impact on current
and future services. Based on the
current nationally recognised target
average GP list size 'of 1 GP list size' of
1 GP for every 1838 additional
population there a clear indication that
new facilities will be required to meet
the current planned growth.
Comments Noted. The
masterplan is intended to be
a strategic plan guiding the
future development of
Towcester. The detail
proposed is considered to be
high level that would change
over time. This would be
more appropriate to add at
planning application stage.
Amend and add quote to the
masterplan within the Health
and Well being chapter.
However it is noted that
substantial and far reaching
changes are proposed to the
provision of health services
in the near future.
2.22
2.23
127
241
022
White Young
Green acting for
NHS
Northamptonshire
Primary Care
Trust
002
10 A Family
Environment
The PCT supports the vision set out in
paragraph 2.23 concerning planning for
healthy lifestyles and the provision of
new health facilities referred to as
'Healthy Living Centres'. It is the PCT's
view that the provision of adequate
health facilities to meet the needs of a
growing population is a key element of
delivering sustainable growth in line
with the stated aims set out in the
masterplan.
2.23
Health centres: 1. Healthy Living
Centres are not currently sought by the
PCT or the two local practices who
consider current provision to be
adequate for growth over the
foreseeable future. 2. Mental health
facilities are currently underprovided but
not mentioned.
242
243
023
020
The Towcester
Partnership
County Councillor
Rosemary
Bromwich
006
014
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.23
2.24
128
The Towcestrians already provide
excellent facilities for Rugby & Cricket &
Tennis. However there are no Hockey
pitches for our Towcester Women's
Hockey Team who now have received
accreditation for their performance. This
facility is essential for the future of the
team in the hockey world.
Comments noted. The
purpose of the masterplan is
to set a strategic framework
for the future development of
Towcester and to identify the
need for improvements within
the town, including the
physical, social and Green
infrastructure that will be
required to meet the needs of
existing and future
populations in Towcester.
Comments noted. The
purpose of the masterplan is
to set a strategic framework
for the future development of
Towcester and to identify the
need for improvements within
the town, including the
physical, social and Green
infrastructure that will be
required to meet the needs of
existing and future
populations in Towcester.
However it is noted that
substantial and far reaching
changes are proposed to the
provision of health services
in the near future, and that
public funding for health will
be problematic in the short
term.
Comments Noted. Amend
the text to recognise the
need for Hockey provision
to serve this requirement.
Obviously land purchase and
provision is subject to
funding. In the current
climate there is unlikely to be
funding available for this
provision.
There should be provision of more and
better leisure and sporting facilities. The
Masterplan touches loosely on the
current facilities but we now believe this
now needs to be strategically developed
in detail with the various groups to
ensure a concerted plan, and reduce
duplication of effort for instance.
244
245
246
021
023
026
Towcester
Neighbourhood
Watch
The Towcester
Partnership
Towcester Town
Football Club
005
010
001
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.24
2.24
Sports Facilities - 1. The statement that
Towcester has "a wide variety of sports
facilities on offer" is misleading.
Towcestrians do not have sufficient
facilities to house their present teams,
particularly Ladies Hockey, and there is
no senior football team (owing to the
lack of facilities). No facilities for any
sport exist of such quality to enable
local people to aspire to perform at
national sporting levels. 2. The
requirement is merely stated as a
"desire".
2.24
Feel that the Masterplan rightly places a
strong emphasis on Sports and Leisure
Facilities.
129
The purpose of the
masterplan is to set out a
strategic framework for the
future development of
Towcester, setting key
planning principles for this
development, and examining
the physical, social and
Green Infrastructure that will
be required to meet the
needs of both existing and
future population. The
masterplan examines the
existing issues for sport
within the town and looks at
the options that are available
for meeting these. However
the outcome requested goes
beyond the scope of the
masterplan.
Noted. However, whilst SNC
would support proposals for
additional sports facilities
within the town, private
investment would be
required.
Comments noted.
247
026
248
028
249
032
Towcester Town
Football Club
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
009
10 A Family
Environment
2.24
024
10 A Family
Environment
2.24
010
10 A Family
Environment
2.24
130
But just as important we believe a
successful Club and successful facilities
is a major draw to the town, at a time
when we want to attract inward
investment, expansion, new housing,
employment and better communities.
Noted. However, whilst SNC
would support proposals for
additional sports facilities
within the town, private
investment would be
required.
The document notes that there are a
wide variety of sports facilities on offer
at Towcester including the long
established rugby club, excellent cricket
and hockey teams and indoor facilities
at the leisure facilities. These facilities
(which have plans to extend and
improve) are to be supplemented by
new sports pitches as part of the
expansion at Towcester Vale.
All the sports and leisure facilities are
concentrated at the northern end of
Towcester. What plans are there to
incorporate additional facilities at the
southern end of the town? There is no
mention in the plan of other leisure
activities such as fishing, children's play
area, and allotments. What plans are
being made in this regard?
Noted. However, whilst SNC
would support proposals for
additional sports facilities
within the town, private
investment would be
required. Additional sports
provision will be required as
part of the Towcester South
development to cater for the
additional growth in the town.
South Northamptonshire
Council and WNDC have
commissioned a Leisure
Strategy which examines the
current provision and future
requirement for provision in
light of the growth agenda for
a wide range of indoor and
outdoor leisure facilities and
this will involve engaging with
local stakeholders and sports
clubs etc as well as
assessing what additional
facilities are required within
the leisure centre. A variety
of open space is needed
through the town for a range
of uses from allotments to
football pitches. A new
Astroturf pitch was provided
in November 2009 at the
Towcester Leisure Centre in
order to cater for all weather
provision. Work has also
been undertaken with the
Towcestrians to determine
their future requirements to
cater for the current and
growing population. Leisure
and Sport provision is
essential for the current and
future community and visitors
to the District. This need is
noted within the masterplan
however private investment
will be required.
Problems related to Youth in Towcester
such as under age drinking, aimless
gathering are not adequately
addressed. ASBOs don't seem to
involve rather they exclude. Youngsters
need a good reason to be socially
involved - not socially destructive. The
new build must cater for the enlarged
town's social needs: a great opportunity
to include a cinema and a bowling alley.
Existing clubs could be complemented
by somewhere else to go within
walking/ cycling distance. Perhaps have
a Healthy Lifestyle Youth Cafe. Partly
run by youth with adult guidance.
250
002
003
10 A Family
Environment
2.25
131
Issues to do with under age
drinking need to be
addressed by the Police,
licensed premises that sell
the alcohol and the licensing
committee. Children will
naturally gather to socialise.
In terms of current youth
provision the desire for a new
activity centre for youth is
noted in the masterplan. The
masterplan sets out the
aspiration and the need for
such a facility, it will be down
to private and public sectors
to provide it. The masterplan
recognises there is a need to
improve the social and
entertainment offer in the
town. The Moat Lane
Regeneration scheme will
provide an element of social
facilities. The provision of a
cinema and bowling area
would require private
investment.
251
009
Northamptonshire
Police
011
10 A Family
Environment
2.25
132
Provision of sport and leisure facilities
for all groups of people within the town
is key. It is particularly important that
provision for youths is provided as part
of the redevelopment of the town.
Things for people to do is vital in
preventing boredom and therefore
reducing the incidents of anti-social
behaviour in the town and thereby
boosting the quality of life of all
residents.
The desire for additional
sports facilities together with
a new activity centre for
youth is noted in the
masterplan. The masterplan
sets out the aspiration and
the need for such a facility, it
will be down to private and
public sectors to provide it.
252
253
021
021
Towcester
Neighbourhood
Watch
Towcester
Neighbourhood
Watch
254
021
Towcester
Neighbourhood
Watch
255
023
The Towcester
Partnership
002
003
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.25
A prime focus of the town over the last
18 months has been responding to
concerns held by residents regarding
anti-social behaviour and specifically
the lack of youth provision. This
concern has been very evident not only
via dialogue with Neighbourhood Watch
members but also as the main issues
selected by the regular Towcester
Community Panels. A programme of
action has been produced by the
Towcester Joint Action Group. The
masterplan should reflect these
concerns.
The youth of Towcester should be given
the opportunity for formal and inclusive
communication and involvement that
gives them a rightful say in issues that
concern them, on an on-going basis.
This should include everything from
leisure and sporting facilities, schools,
children's play areas and recreational
open spaces.
Comments noted.
The next stage of the masterplan
process should include recognition by
the authorities and community leaders
through consultation that their
contribution is valuable and of equal
rights with the other users and the wider
community.
Youth provision is expressed in
inspirational terms only and the
fundamental impact that the current lack
has on the community is not addressed.
Noted. The comments made
during the consultation
process on the draft
masterplan have been
examined and fed through
into the final draft of the
masterplan.
Noted. The desire for a new
activity centre for youth is
noted in the masterplan. The
masterplan sets out the
aspiration and the need for
such a facility, it will be down
to private and public sectors
to provide it. Funding is a
South Northamptonshire
Council has had a Youth
Council since 1998 which
meets several times a year
and their views on a variety
of issues feed into Council
discussions to make sure
councillors consider the
thoughts of young people in
the district.
2.25
004
10 A Family
Environment
2.25
007
10 A Family
Environment
2.25
133
critical issue at the current
time.
256
257
025
020
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
County Councillor
Rosemary
Bromwich
027
013
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.25
On pg 44 Sport and Leisure paragraph
2.25 I endorse the recognition of the
need for young people to have facilities
for casual sport and socialising.
Comments noted.
New football pitches must be in place
as soon as possible on the Bell
Plantation where the land has been
offered, so that the large numbers of
Young People and Adults can partake
of this sport.
Comments noted. The Bell
Plantation has planning
permission for the pitches but
there are currently no funds
available to implement the
planning permission to
develop the pitches.
Comments noted. The
development of the key
opportunity sites will require
planning permission. There
will therefore be an additional
consultation stage as part of
the planning application
process. The need for further
community facilities is noted,
however a mix of public and
private investment will be
required in order that these
can be provided. Part of the
role of the masterplan has
been to examine the physical
and social infrastructure that
will be needed to meet the
needs of existing and future
residents in Towcester. The
masterplan flags up these
requirements.
The final masterplan will
include more detail in respect
of cycle networks which
provide important
alternatives to roads. SNC
2.26
Further consultation should take place
on key areas identified in the
Masterplan. Of specific and urgent need
is the development of the Islington
Road area which is adjacent to the main
Recreational Park in Towcester and
already home to several youth-focused
groups (Vision Cafe, Football Club, St
John Ambulance, A5 Cycling Rangers,
Community Centre, schools and
others). This is identified in the
masterplan as a key town centre
opportunity. Developing new and
central facilities for the community, not
only for the youth, will help meet this
goal.
258
259
021
021
Towcester
Neighbourhood
Watch
Towcester
Neighbourhood
Watch
006
011
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.26
2.26
134
Specifically, pedestrian and cycle routes
over the A43 encouraging green
trafficking to Towcestrians, the Bell
Plantation site and the open countryside
to the north and west of the town. No
doubt this will also apply to the bypass
in the south in due course.
para 2.26 refers to cycle and pedestrian
links over the A43. There needs to be
clarification in the plan of the likelihood
of achieving this in the near future and
what type of crossing would be
provided.
260
025
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
028
10 A Family
Environment
2.26
135
will work with
Northamptonshire County
Council to deliver these links
to ensure connectivity and
safer routes throughout the
town. This will be highlighted
through the Transport
Strategy.
The final masterplan will
include more detail in respect
of cycle networks which
provide important
alternatives to roads. SNC
will work with
Northamptonshire County
Council to deliver these links
to ensure connectivity and
safer routes throughout the
town. This will be highlighted
through the Transport
Strategy. The final
masterplan will make
reference to the need for
additional sports facilities and
the requirement for improved
pedestrian and cycle links
over the A43 to make it safer
for young people to travel to
the ground.
261
262
026
026
Towcester Town
Football Club
Towcester Town
Football Club
002
003
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
Towcester Town Football Club
established in 1988 has 14 youth teams
of boys and girls from nearly 200
families and is seeking to establish an
adult team in the future. Club has been
recognising the needs of the growing
community and recently been awarded
the FA Charter Standard Community
Club: the pinnacle of club development.
Our aspirations match many of those
highlighted in the Masterplan. We are
embarking on an expansion at a time
when the town itself is growing. Our
work and influence is of incalculable
benefit to our boys and girls; devoted
volunteers, coaches, assistants,
families, management team, sponsors
and business supporters who dedicate
significant time and energy week by
week to the club. But it is common
knowledge that the facilities in the town
poorly support the clubs efforts.
Noted. However, whilst SNC
would support proposals for
additional sports facilities
within the town, private
investment would be
required. Additional sports
provision will be required as
part of the Towcester South
development to cater for the
additional growth in the town.
The existing facilities at Towcester
Recreation Ground are an endless
disappointment and embarrassment poor grounds, poor drainage, and quite
often spoiled and "dog-soiled" ground
with absolutely no facilities in the way of
decent parking, safe access, changing
facilities, public conveniences, etc. It is
a poor illustration of our town, when
these visiting teams' own facilities are
so much better than ours and quite
often from villages less than a quarter of
the size of Towcester (i.e. Long Buckby
and Blisworth)!
Comments noted. The
masterplan recognises the
need for a revitalised
recreation ground at Islington
Road.
2.26
2.26
136
263
264
265
266
026
026
026
026
Towcester Town
Football Club
Towcester Town
Football Club
Towcester Town
Football Club
Towcester Town
Football Club
004
005
006
007
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.26
We welcome involvement with you and
the authorities in addressing these
weaknesses building on the Masterplan
as a foundation. Our Current new
partnership work developing the allpurpose astro turf pitches at the
Towcester Leisure Centre is exactly the
start we need.
Most important is the development and
encouragement towards a strategic and
focussed solution to Towcester's Sports
and Leisure facilities. We call for greater
consultation and partnership between
like-minded groups such as ourselves,
the Towcestrians and the Leisure
Centre, but also joined with the schools
and statutory councils.
2.26
2.26
Our planning aspirations for the Bell
Plantation site represent an important
milestone in developing facilities that
our Towcester Football Teams deserve.
We recognise that our plans need to be
seen as part of the larger development
of Sports and Leisure in the town.
Any expanded and new sports and
leisure facilities must be supported with
the necessary infrastructure indicated in
the Masterplan, most notably safer and
easier pedestrian and cycling access
over the A43 to this site eg Bell
Plantation. This we see as even more
necessary following the installation of
the southern bypass resulting in heavier
flows of traffic using the current A43.
2.26
137
Comments noted and
welcomed.
Noted. The purpose of the
masterplan is to set a
strategic framework for the
future development of
Towcester and to identify the
need for improvements within
the town, including for sports
and recreation. Opportunities
for sports clubs to put
together a strategy and take
part in partnership working is
a matter for decision
between the clubs.
Comments noted.
Comments noted. The final
masterplan will make
reference to the need for
additional sports facilities and
the requirement for improved
pedestrian and cycle links
over the A43 to make it safer
for young people to travel to
the ground.
267
268
026
002
Towcester Town
Football Club
008
001
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.26
2.27
138
The Towcester Football Club is only
one of a handful of official FA Charter
Standard Community Clubs in the
county out of several hundred football
clubs. We are embarking on an
expansion at a time when the town itself
is growing. Our work and influence is of
incalculable benefit to our boys and
girls; devoted volunteers, coaches,
assistants, families, management team,
sponsors and business supporters who
dedicate significant time and energy
week by week to the club.
Comments noted. The need
for improved facilities for the
Towcester Football Club is
noted in the masterplan.
Large housing development
necessitates the need for community
services and facilities. Tove Valley
Baptist Fellowship propose a
community building if they are able to
acquire land for this purpose. The
building would provide shared
community facilities for mums and
toddlers, guides, scouts, youth, the
elderly, drama groups, community
events as well as church based events.
No mention under Community Facilities
of the new building for Tove Valley
Baptist Fellowship. Community facilities
give an opportunity for social cohesion
of the existing and new community.
It is not for the Masterplan to
specify end users of
development sites and each
end user has specific
requirements based on their
needs. The Council is aware
that the Tove Valley Baptist
Fellowship were given some
land as part of the Shires
Development Section 106.
Their ambition to provide a
community/ church building
will be noted in the final
document. It is fundamental
that the new development
area be integrated into the
existing town. Add to final
masterplan: Reference to
proposals for community/
church building proposed
by Tove Valley Baptist
Fellowship at the Shires.
Also add requirement that
the new southern
extension to Towcester be
integrated into the existing
town.
The elderly can feel isolated and
vulnerable. They must be widely
consulted to ensure that they are
adequately catered for in terms of social
events, safety and housing
opportunities in Towcester.
269
270
271
002
006
004
South
Northamptonshire
Volunteer Bureau
013
001
006
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.27
2.27
2.27
Much of the focus of the masterplan is
the economic development of the town
and the quality of life being based
around leisure, sport and green areas.
For a town to be 'vibrant' there is a need
to develop a community spirit and if this
is successful it will encourage
community cohesion. Sport and leisure
facilities do contribute but there is a
need to consider other community
activities i.e. facilities for
clubs/meetings.
There is no mention here of the
churches and chapels in Towcester, of
groups such as the Women's Institute,
of various support groups, such as
Diabetes Uk that meet in Towcester,
and of adult education and the WEA. All
these provide art and cultural activities.
On an arts facility the masterplan: 1.
The requirement for a performance
venue is welcomed. However, the
means of achieving this is
unidentifiable. 2. A specific commitment
to the Civic Building in Moat Lane would
be welcomed.
272
023
The Towcester
Partnership
009
10 A Family
Environment
2.27
139
Comments noted. It is
recognised that the
proportion of elderly within
Towcester will grow during
the lifetime of the
masterplan. The final
masterplan will point out the
need to address the needs of
this group.
Agreed. The final masterplan
will include a wider definition
of community facilities that
will comprise sport, art and
culture and refer to the role
of the voluntary sector in
providing community
facilities. Add wider
definition of community
services to the final
masterplan.
Comments noted. Include
reference to the voluntary
sector and expanded
section on culture and arts
in final masterplan.
Noted. The final masterplan
will include a wider definition
of community facilities that
will mention sport, art and
culture and refer to the role
of the voluntary sector in
providing community
facilities. The masterplan will
put more emphasis on the
commitment to the Civic
Building in the Moat Lane
Museum reference is inspirational only
and does not reflect the actual situation.
273
023
The Towcester
Partnership
018
10 A Family
Environment
2.27
Arts and Culture para 2.27 suggests
that a performance venue would be
provided in each school and community
facility. I assume what would be
provided would be complementary
rather than repetition.
274
025
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
029
10 A Family
Environment
2.27
140
development that will provide
a centre of activity for the
local community, visitors and
tourists. The building will
include a relocated
Towcester Library and a
Registrar’s Office as well as
a number of other community
spaces, services and
venues.
Noted. The final version of
the masterplan will include
reference to the museum
currently being set up within
the town. Add reference to
museum within Final
Version.
Comments noted.
Clarification needs to be
given in the text to this point.
It is noted that Towcester is
currently lacking a
performance venue for live
music, theatre and amateur
dramatics, which leads to
out-commuting to
surrounding towns at
Northampton and Milton
Keynes for such purposes.
An outside performance
space is proposed as part of
the Moat Lane development
but there is no specific
location for an indoor
performance facility.
275
276
035
035
Churches
Together in
Towcester
Churches
Together in
Towcester
011
012
10 A Family
Environment
10 A Family
Environment
2.27
2.27
141
Under Arts and Culture pg 44 we would
also want to point out that Schools
provision needs to be considered well in
advance of the likely completion of the
new school buildings (what is said here
is somewhat contradictory to para. 2.19,
pg 42 where questions are still to be
resolved about secondary schooling
and a relocation of Nicholas
Hawksmoor Primary School). Urgent
decisions are required about a better
educational facilities for all the existing
schools, as well as any new schools;
these decisions have been delayed for
far too long.
See reps 089 and 232.
Also in this context of performance
space, it had already been pointed out
to consultants that St Lawrence Parish
Church, in the heart of the town centre
is considering how the building might be
developed to provide more community
uses, especially live music
performance.
Comments noted. It is noted
that Towcester is currently
lacking a performance venue
for live music, theatre and
amateur dramatics, which
leads to out-commuting to
surrounding towns at
Northampton and Milton
Keynes for such purposes.
An outside performance
space is proposed as part of
the Moat Lane development
but there is no specific
location for an indoor
performance facility. The
possible use of St Lawrence
Parish Church for this use is
noted.
277
278
279
280
039
025
025
032
Northamptonshire
Chamber
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
010
004
030
007
10 A Family
Environment
11 Respect for
the Landscape
11 Respect for
the Landscape
11 Respect for
the Landscape
2.27
The Chamber welcomes the prioritising
in the Draft Towcester Masterplan of
cultural and public realm infrastructure
in the developing town centre. The
importance to communities of cultural
facilities (theatres, libraries, museums,
arts and music performance space etc)
and also an attractive townscape should
not be underestimated, as mechanisms
for inspiring and galvanising local
people. Of course, the cultural and
creative industries are also key
providers of skilled jobs, as well as
wealth creators, particularly considering
the economic impact of visitors.
Support welcomed. The
masterplan has a role in
marketing the town of
Towcester and highlighting to
potential landowners,
developers and investors the
opportunities that Towcester
has to offer in order to attract
further funding and
investment.
Respect for Landscape needs an
explanation of what physical
connections are.
Concerns relating to the use
of jargon in the draft
masterplan have been noted
and it is intended that the use
of such jargon will be
substantially reduced in the
final masterplan. Physical
connections refers to the
footpaths and bridleways that
links the town to the
surrounding countryside.
Support welcomed and
noted.
2.28
2.28
2.28
142
para. 2.28 - wholeheartedly endorses
the stress on connection to the
countryside and its retention and
enhancement.
Silverstone Brook is empty of water for
much of the year. Has any
consideration been given to
improvements in this regard, eg. Mini
weirs to pool water and improve what to
many looks just like a drainage culvert.
This would also provide benefits to
wildlife in that area. This could be
carried out as an extension to the
Brook.
Comments Noted. This is a
good point consultation
would need to be undertaken
with the Environment Agency
and possibly Natural
England. This area is
deemed as a flood plain and
during heavy rainfall water
levels do increase but mainly
this is low level water. As
281
002
011
11 Respect for
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2.29
Supports the acquisition of the Water
Meadows Eastern Neston Land. Would
like the new public space to have
character in keeping with the existing
old town of Towcester. Existing
footpaths and bridleway should be kept
and link up with the Grafton Way
through such places as Burcotewood
Farm, Cox Covert, Porterswood Farm,
Swinneyford Farm. The present route
virtually separates the new build from
main Towcester town making 2
separate areas instead of 1 inclusive
community.
Tove Floodplain - considers it to be
most important that for informal sports
there should be no permanent
infrastructure, since this would take
away the rural nature of the area.
282
025
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
031
11 Respect for
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2.31
143
part of the public realm
improvements a scheme for
Silverstone Brook currently
and its extension could be
considered in order to
increase its functions and
maximise it as an asset to
the town from accessibility,
attractiveness and wildlife
habitat.
Support welcomed. The
masterplan refers to the need
to provide footpaths that link
from the town to Grafton
Way. New development and
public realm improvements
will be required that respects
and enhances the character
and setting of Towcester as a
historic market town.
It is intended that the Tove
floodplain be kept as natural
as possible to ensure that its
flooding does not endanger
life. It is therefore proposed
that the use of Tove
floodplain will be kept for
informal sports pitches,
outdoor gym and walking
routes when not in flood.
It is noted that the document
contemplates using the floodplain of the
River Tove for informal sports pitches
and walking routes.
283
028
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
025
11 Respect for
the Landscape
2.31
Recreation Ground - p47 2.32 - the
proposals seem to suggest that the
area should be filled with more defined
activities ie climbing wall, boules,
bandstand(!). This would leave no
space for free play in an area of
Towcester that is sadly lacking in any
playing fields.
284
285
286
015
025
012
005
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Towcester &
District Local
History Society
032
006
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2.32
2.32
2.33
144
Recreation Ground pg 46 para 3.32, the
ideas suggested for the Recreation
Ground are excellent. The Recreation
Ground should be a dog free zone.
It is stated that Nicholas Hawksmoor
designed the grounds of Easton
Neston. We cannot confirm that he did
so, so perhaps this statement should be
deleted from future versions.
It is intended that the Tove
floodplain be kept as natural
as possible to ensure that its
flooding does not endanger
life. It is therefore proposed
that the use of Tove
floodplain will be kept for
informal sports pitches,
outdoor gym and walking
routes when not in flood.
The masterplan recognises
that there is a shortage of
playing fields within
Towcester. It points out that
the Recreation Ground is
currently a place where few
people want to go after dark
but that it is a valuable asset
to the town and could
become a place where
people of all ages want to be.
Support welcomed and
noted.
Noted. This statement will be
removed from the final
masterplan.
287
288
025
033
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
English Heritage
033
011
11 Respect for
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2.34
2.34
145
This para 2.34 states that the
racecourse is up for sale. This is no
longer the case due to the lack of high
quality bids. para 2.9 states that there
are 17 race meetings a year, it will be
20 in 2010. Any complementary leisure
facilities in the centre of the racecourse
must not include buildings, since this
would obstruct the view of both the
horses at the bottom of the course and
the fantastic view of Towcester.
Although paragraph 2.33 on page 47
recognises that Easton Neston
registered historic park and garden
(Grade 2) includes the Towcester
Racecourse, the implications for further
development at the racecourse are not
recognised in this section. We strongly
advise that English Heritage be
consulted at the earliest opportunity
about any emerging 'business and
commercial' proposals for this site, such
as a hotel accommodation. National
guidance recognises that registered
historic park and gardens are of the
'highest significance' and therefore
warrant the highest level of protection.
Comments Noted. Check
with racecourse and amend
accordingly.
See rep 174. Given that the
Racecourse lies within the
Easton Neston Registered
Historic Park and Garden
English Heritage will be a
statutory consultee on any
planning proposals for this
site.
If the Old town of Towcester is to be
expanded to the south with a large
extension of a large number of houses,
it is emphatically wrong to leave an area
of 60 acres unplanned and in private
ownership between old town and its
expansion. To do so is to a) deny the
opportunity of providing uniquely mature
public parkland which has been
established as desirable, and b) deny
all chance of expanding the town in a
co-ordinated manner with optimal
pedestrian and cycle links between the
old and the new.
289
290
005
005
Warmingtons
Chartered
Surveyors on
behalf of
Jackson-Stops
Family and the
Trusts
Warmingtons
Chartered
Surveyors on
behalf of
Jackson-Stops
Family and the
Trusts
003
004
11 Respect for
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2.35
In order to achieve commercial viability
it is necessary to optimise the enabling
development. In order to optimise this
and in order to expand Towcester in a
co-ordinated manner it is necessary to
plan and to interface the southern
expansion area as a whole and not to
leave a 60 acre hole in the middle of it.
2.35
146
Agreed. The Jackson-Stops
estate is included within the
Core Strategy as a strategic
site that should be
safeguarded for its parkland
within Towcester that should
be planned as part of the
southern development area.
This will be fed through into
the masterplan which will
state that developments at
Towcester South - the
Jackson-Stops estate and
the southern development
area - will need to be
considered in a
comprehensive, planned and
integrated way. There is a
need to provide a strong link
between the new and
existing areas of the town.
Noted. The masterplan
recognises that some
enabling development will be
required on the JacksonStops estate in order to allow
the parkland to be opened up
to the general public. See rep
289.
291
012
Towcester &
District Local
History Society
In the paragraph on Park Opportunity,
para 2.35 pp48-49 area 8 is identified
as a potential amenity and recreation
space. We would recommend that the
area be expanded to include the fields
off Burcote Road behind the Veterinary
Surgery, centred on SP 697476. These
were formerly part of the parkland
associated with Park View, an
occasional residence of the King and
Queen of Portugal in the nineteenth
century. The area has high landscape
value because of its good views,
historic hedges and evidence of ridge
and furrow.
005
11 Respect for
the Landscape
2.35
Agrees that the Jackson-Stops land
should be a proposed park and
suggests that the Racecourse be a
useful addition as a park, although
unsure whether this is feasible or not.
292
025
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
007
11 Respect for
the Landscape
2.35
147
Comments noted. The
definition of the site boundary
will be a matter for the
applications to decide at the
planning application stage.
The masterplan seeks to set
out broad principles for the
development of the key
opportunity sites which
include the parkland area of
Jackson-Stops Estate.
Planning permission will be
required for the development
and more detailed
information such as the site
boundary would be available
at this stage.
The Jackson-Stops land is
recognised as a pastoral
landscape on the edge of the
current town that may
become a new parkland
joining the existing and new
urban expansion, however
enabling residential
development would be
required in order for this to
happen. The Towcester
Race Course also forms part
of this green boundary, which
it will retain as it is
redeveloped. The
Racecourse is located within
the Easton Neston
Registered Historic Park and
Garden. The Core Strategy
and masterplan both
recommend that
development to the south of
Towcester at the Wood
Burcote estate and the
development area be
considered in a
comprehensive, integrated
and planned way.
293
294
295
025
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
028
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
033
English Heritage
034
004
013
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I completely agree with the Park
Opportunity as on page 48.
Support noted.
The aspiration to secure a public park
on the land in the Besses Lane is
understood, although the ability to
secure this land, its viability and the
method for securing it for public access
is unclear.
Wood Burcote Estate
(Jackson-Stops land) will be
subject to enabling
development in order to
secure public access to the
park.
It is welcomed that the area known as
the Jackson-Stops estate is excluded
from the Southern Gateway
development area and is proposed as
an area of parkland that reflects its
pastoral landscape. However, it would
appear that part of the opportunity area
washes across part of this area, which
includes a substantial property ('Wood
Burcote' unlisted), while the rest is
excluded; the relationship of this
property to the Jackson Stops Estate
needs to be established.
The Core Strategy and
masterplan both recommend
that development to the
south of Towcester at the
Wood Burcote estate and the
development area be
considered in a
comprehensive, integrated
and planned way.
2.35
2.35
2.35
148
Green Edges" and "green belts"
eventually get built on. At this stage the
masterplan should indicate how the
proposed "green edges" will be
preserved from the future
developments.
296
013
007
11 Respect for
the Landscape
2.36
para 2.36 Green Edges - I am
concerned about buildings facing out
towards the countryside. I presume this
means their front doors facing the
countryside. This means that to sit in
the garden and enjoy the countryside it
must be at the front. Many people,
including myself, would not be happy
about this.
297
298
025
028
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
035
026
11 Respect for
the Landscape
11 Respect for
the Landscape
2.36
The Towcester masterplan however
shows a "Park Opportunity" centred
around Wood Burcote, rather than the
Jackson Stops Land. Para 2.36
describes a green edge protecting the
special character of Wood Burcote and
again this approach is consistent with
the Persimmon/Bloor Towcester Vale
masterplan proposals.
2.36
149
The revised masterplan will
place much emphasis on the
setting of Towcester within a
rural environment. It is
recognised that the town is
surrounded by quality
countryside. Green edges
are planned so that the town
retains a clear boundary with
the countryside to prevent
sprawl. Green corridors will
connect the countryside with
the town through areas such
as the Easton Neston Water
Meadows and Silverstone
Brook.
In order to provide safe
green areas it will be
necessary to design
dwellings with natural
surveillance of these spaces.
This will mean having
dwellings that look out onto
open countryside. The
design of properties will need
to take this into account,
together with the recognition
that people may prefer to sit
out in the front of properties.
Comments noted. The Core
Strategy and masterplan
both recommend that
development to the south of
Towcester at the Wood
Burcote estate and the
development area be
considered in a
comprehensive, integrated
and planned way.
299
002
008
11 Respect for
the Landscape
Objection to removal of existing
hedgerows as they should be
maintained and will enhance the
character of the existing area. They
should be used to structure walks and
cycle routes. This would enhance the
rural character and attraction of
Towcester. Use what is already
available and well established.
2.37
Objection to the culverting of either the
Silverstone River or Woodburcote
Brook whilst running under the bypass.
A footpath could run beside each of
them under the new bypass, linking up
with footpaths on the south side. These
would be a healthy and natural wildlife
corridor with open country on the other
side of the bypass.
300
002
009
11 Respect for
the Landscape
2.37
Information provided in section 1.6 green corridors should be refer to the
Towcester and Brackley Landscape
Sensitivity Study and the existing plan
could also reflect the localised Green
Infrastructure Network.
301
004
West
Northamptonshire
Joint Planning
Unit
004
11 Respect for
the Landscape
2.37
150
The masterplan recognises
there is a need to improve
the social and entertainment
offer in the town. The Moat
Lane Regeneration scheme
will provide an element of
social facilities. The provision
of a cinema and bowling area
would require private
investment.
The purpose of Towcester
masterplan is to set a
strategic framework for the
future development of the
town rather than focussing
down on minutiae. It will
ultimately be the decision of
the Environment Agency
whether Silverstone River or
Woodburcote Brook should
be culverted. The possibility
of providing a footpath
beside each of them linking
to the countryside will be
examined with
Northamptonshire County
Council who have
responsibility for Rights of
Way.
The final masterplan includes
reference to the need to
protect and provide green
corridors as outlined in the
Towcester Landscape
Sensitivity Study. These are
seen as providing important
links between the town and
surrounding countryside and
possible routes for cycling
and walking.
States there is a great failing of the
masterplan in that it identifies 60 acres
of Jackson Stops Land as being merely
of 'importance and special interest' and
there is a distortion in the
Persimmon/Bloor representation, which
refers to a park on the land as being "an
aspiration" of doubtful delivery. The
Jackson Stops Land is available and
deliverable subject only to the
commercial viability which is most
certainly achievable through an extent
of enabling development.
302
005
Warmingtons
Chartered
Surveyors on
behalf of
Jackson-Stops
Family and the
Trusts
002
11 Respect for
the Landscape
2.37
People live in Towcester because it is
still rural. The masterplan totally fails to
protect this. Just keeping a few green
corridors is simply NOT GOOD
ENOUGH. Please keep this area rural please remember that it is a democracy
and the majority of people who live in
Towcester choose to do so as it is a
rural community.
303
008
006
11 Respect for
the Landscape
2.37
151
Comments noted. SNC is
aware that the JacksonStops estate is available and
deliverable, and is indeed
presented in both the Core
Strategy and Towcester
masterplan as a key strategic
site within Towcester. Its
benefit in providing parkland
that has public access
through the delivery
mechanism of enabling
development is mentioned in
both documents, which
recommend that
development to the south of
Towcester at the Wood
Burcote estate and the
development area be
considered in a
comprehensive, integrated
and planned way.
The revised masterplan will
place much emphasis on the
setting of Towcester within a
rural environment. It is
recognised that the town is
surrounded by quality
countryside. Green edges
are planned so that the town
retains a clear boundary with
the countryside to prevent
sprawl. Green corridors will
connect the countryside with
the town through areas such
as the Easton Neston Water
Meadows and Silverstone
Brook.
304
305
306
307
009
025
028
032
Northamptonshire
Police
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
012
036
027
006
11 Respect for
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I am concerned that 2.37 on page 28 in
relation to Green Corridors suggests
that there should be a "creation of wellmanaged and lit green corridors". This
should not always be lit as by lighting
some spaces it provides an attraction
for people to use the area after dark for
purposes other than what they are
intended. It therefore should be on a
case by case basis to decide whether
the corridors should be lit or not. The
first sentence should therefore be
replaced with "...creation of safe and
well-managed green corridors..." A
further bullet point should also be added
to the paragraph to ensure that
corridors are overlooked with lighting as
appropriate.
Comments noted. Amend
text within masterplan to
reflect comments of
Northamptonshire Police.
I would definitely approve of extending
a footpath along Silverstone Brook to
join up with the Water Meadows and the
Racecourse, since the later is privately
owned.
Comments noted. The
masterplan mentions the
benefits that would be gained
by the provision of such a
route.
The document proposes a number of
green corridors, including extending the
Silverstone Brook and diverting Grafton
Way. This too is consistent with the
principles which underpin the
Persimmon/Bloor Towcester Vale
Masterplan proposals.
Comments noted.
Additional crossings over Silverstone
Brook would be advantageous. In this
regard the Brook for much of the year is
almost empty of water. Has any
consideration been given to
improvements in this regard eg mini
weirs to pool water and improve what to
many looks like a drainage culvert. This
Comments Noted.
Silverstone Brook is an
attractive feature in the town
which can be improved from
its aesthetic appearance, and
its accessibility to its wildlife
habitat. This link has a large
amount of potential and it
2.37
2.37
2.37
2.37
152
would also provide benefits to wildlife in
that area. This could be carried out as
part of the extension to the Brook
mentioned elsewhere in this document.
308
025
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
037
11 Respect for
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Diagram 11 Green
Infrastructure
in Towcester
The map does not indicate an
opportunity area to the south of the
Jackson-Stops Land, does this mean
there will be no housing built now.
A green route appears to go into
Eastern Neston parkland - is there a
public right of way over this privately
owned land?
309
025
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
038
11 Respect for
the Landscape
Diagram 11 Green
Infrastructure
in Towcester
153
assists with social cohesion
of the community now and in
the future in terms of an
accessible walking and
cycling link.
A limited amount of enabling
development will be
considered on the JacksonStops land as a delivery
mechanism for providing
public access to the
parkland. See rep 302.
There are no public rights of
way across the Easton
Neston parkland, and for this
reason the Water Meadows
have been purchased to
provide open space for
community use. This will be
rectified in the final
masterplan. However the
Towcester Green
Infrastructure Strategy does
indicate a potential green
corridor across this land
linking across Stoke Bruerne
Park following the path of the
River Tove.
310
311
004
025
West
Northamptonshire
Joint Planning
Unit
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
003
039
12
Determination
to Succeed
12
Determination
to Succeed
2.39
154
The masterplan does not mention a
number of relevant strategies studies
and strategies that have been produced
by the West Northants Joint Planning
Unit a number of which have been used
to inform the content of the document. It
is important that the principles
discussed within the Towcester
Masterplan are consistent with those
within the existing evidence base and
therefore documents such as the WN
Sports Facility Strategy, the Towcester
and Brackley Landscape Sensitivity and
Green Infrastructure Study and the
Emergent Core Strategy should be
referenced.
Noted. Several of the
strategies included in the
evidence base have been
used in the writing of the
masterplan.
The Towcester Regeneration Board
would appear to need to work full time
to fulfil their commitments - do they
realise what a time consuming and vital
role they will play in the delivery of the
projects ?
The delivery vehicle needs to
be appropriate to the site.
The masterplan paves the
way for SNC to return to
being the local planning
authority for the district. It will
act in consultation on all
proposals for implementation
with the Town Council in
Towcester and the
community.
312
313
314
033
033
008
English Heritage
English Heritage
015
014
001
12
Determination
to Succeed
12
Determination
to Succeed
12
Determination
to Succeed
2.39
There are a number of areas where
early or continuing consultation with
English Heritage should take place:
Moat Lane (Bury Mount Scheduled
Ancient Monument); Water Meadows
(part of Eastern Neston registered
historic park and garden), Watling
Street, particularly proposals for the
Market Place area; Proposals affecting
the scheduled ancient monument,
including its setting, adjacent to Sponne
School; Towcester Racecourse,
including commercial development and
the Southern Gateway; Silverstone
Circuit (impact on Stowe Park
registered historic park and garden).
Comments Noted. SNC and
WNDC will continue to
consult and engage English
Heritage in this process.
They are recognised as a
statutory consultee in the
planning application process
and therefore will have a
fundamental role to play in
the formulation of proposals
for sites with historic assets
such as Historic Park and
Gardens, Listed Buildings
and within the Conservation
Area.
Given the sensitivities of the historic
environment of Towcester, it is vital that
a heritage expert/advisor is included on
the Towcester Regeneration Board, if
this is not already the case. We note
that it will also co-ordinate
developments taking place at
Silverstone, where there are also
heritage issues.
Comments noted. The
delivery vehicle needs to be
appropriate to the site. The
masterplan paves the way for
SNC to return to being the
local planning authority for
the district. It will act in
consultation on all proposals
for implementation with the
Town Council in Towcester
and the community.
Comments noted.
2.40
2.41
155
I do support some inward investment
into Towcester. The town is steadily
improving and many people who
actually live here or in the area are
beginning to see it is on a par with
Olney - this is evidenced by shops such
as Luna, Dolphin Café and And So to
Bed.
315
316
317
009
025
017
Northamptonshire
Police
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
015
040
001
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
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Responsibilities
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Responsibilities
2.41
2.41
2.46
156
Concerned that there is currently no
delivery plan for how the vision will be
reached. I would be keen for
Northamptonshire Police to be involved
in the development of this
implementation plan through the work of
the Regeneration Board. From a purely
policing perspective the desire to work
with partner agencies to provide for
Safer Community Team Bases in new
development and One Stop Shops
within town centres remains.
Agree that it is most important that there
is a sustained action - over very many
years - and joint marketing and
promotion of the town.
Comments noted. The final
version of the masterplan will
include a delivery and action
plan for the implementation
of growth and improvements
in Towcester.
NEL Single Program funding
contributed to the development of the
draft Masterplan which, when
published, will play an important role in
identifying the opportunities for the
delivery of housing, employment,
community and infrastructure growth in
the town.
Comments noted.
Comments noted.
318
319
022
030
White Young
Green acting for
NHS
Northamptonshire
Primary Care
Trust
Northamptonshire
Fire and Rescue
003
002
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
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Responsibilities
2.49
2.49
157
The PCT also strongly supports the
clarity provided on page 54 relating to
funding. Delivering adequate levels of
service required to achieve sustainable
communities can only be achieved
through the provision of new facilities in
Towcester. The development industry
will play a key role when it comes to
delivering these new facilities through
planning obligation contributions. The
PCT suggest that the wording in para.
2.49 be altered from specific reference
to 'doctor's surgeries' to a more general
description of 'health care facilities'.
This would allow greater flexibility when
future planning local health service
provision in Towcester.
Comments noted. The
masterplan sets out details of
the future growth proposed in
Towcester over the next 15
years or so and examines
the likely physical and social
infrastructure that will be
required to meet the needs of
existing and future residents.
The needs of the PCT for the
southern development area
are noted and will be
included in negotiations in
regard to planning
contributions for the
development.
An expansion of this scale will have an
impact on current service delivery, both
in relation to emergency response
resources and fire protection and
community safety. As such, we will be
looking to secure developer
contributions through section 106
channels as detailed development
become known.
Comments noted. The
masterplan sets out details of
the future growth proposed in
Towcester over the next 15
years or so and examines
the likely physical and social
infrastructure that will be
required to meet the needs of
existing and future residents.
The needs of service
providers as a result of the
growth will be noted and
included in negotiations in
regard to planning
contributions for the new
development.
320
321
322
039
039
027
Northamptonshire
Chamber
Northamptonshire
Chamber
Burcote
Developments
Ltd
018
019
005
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
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Responsibilities
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Responsibilities
2.49
2.49
2.50
158
One over-riding consideration is
evident, if the Masterplan's vision for
the town is to succeed it will require
buy-in, confidence and commitment
from the private sector. To that end, the
public sector and local authorities, in
particular, will need to do all in their
sphere of influence to create an
environment in Towcester that is
attractive to business and conducive to
investment. In the Chamber's view that
means ensuring that the aspirations of
the Masterplan are backed by a
planning structure and system that is
receptive and flexible to investors,
developers and entrepreneurs; that
welcomes creative and innovative
approaches to helping achieve the
Masterplan's aims; that will
constructively consider applications for
the change of planning use where it will
help to serve "bigger picture" ends.
Northamptonshire Chamber considers
that if sustainable economic
development for sustainable
communities is to be achieved then the
private sector is a key stakeholder, and
the Chamber - as a voice for that sector
- is dedicated to being an active partner
throughout the process.
The current economic conditions of
local and central Government finances
means that no funding for such works
will be forthcoming from the public
"purse" and therefore funding has to be
sourced from the private sector through
property development processes of
sufficient size and scale.
The masterplan signals this
Council's aspirations for the
future of Towcester and
highlight to investors and
developers the opportunities
that exist. The action plan will
include reference to the need
to adopt a permissive
approach in development
control decisions for cafes,
coffee shops, restaurants
and any other uses which
might enhance the diversity
of the town centre offer.
Noted.
Noted. The current fiscal
situation is recognised within
the masterplan, however the
timescale for the plan is for
the next 15 years and so
flexibility has been built in to
reflect changes in the
economic situation.
323
324
025
030
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Northamptonshire
Fire and Rescue
041
003
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
2.52
2.53
159
timetable para 2.52, it is vitally
important the Government understands
the problems created by the poor air
quality - something which will probably
get worse when Transco are doing the
work on the A5. A proper Bypass needs
to be funded, at least in part, by the
Government.
We request to be involved in
discussions with South
Northamptonshire Council and other
relevant authorities as the masterplan
develops to continually review the
impact the development of Towcester
will have on the Northamptonshire Fire
and Rescue Services (NFRS).
Noted. The provision of a
relief road is seen as a
fundamental prerequisite to
the future development and
growth of Towcester. See
reps 112 & 144.
Comments noted. The
masterplan sets a strategic
framework for the
development of Towcester
and gives details of the
amount of housing and
employment that will be
provided within the town in
the next 15 years. SNC
produces annual reports on
the number of new dwellings
approved. SNC will give
consideration as to how
NFRS can be kept updated
on the progress of the
masterplans both in
Towcester and Brackley
although the implementation
of these will largely be
through the planning
application process.
325
326
035
017
Churches
Together in
Towcester
Northamptonshire
Enterprise Ltd
(NEL)
013
007
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
Our major concern here is how public
and private funding is secured for the
large developments envisaged by the
Masterplan (and desired by the town).
When (in para 2.53) we read of an
Implementation Plan, our earlier
comments about community
involvement are relevant; we also
wonder what time-scale is envisaged
here. We request that timetables for
production of the implementation plan
and marketing strategy are published.
We urge that speedy and vigorous
action is taken, which will involve the
wider community in this implementation.
We also urge that the meetings and
plans of the Regeneration Board are
made as public as possible to provide
accountability to the community that we
feel is lacking in the proposals to date.
SNC and WNDC have widely
engaged the community in
the Towcester Masterplan so
far from one to one meetings,
workshops, presentations to
local groups and a period of
6 weeks formal consultation.
This engagement will
continue throughout the
production of the final plan
and its implementation. The
final masterplan includes an
action plan for the delivery of
the masterplan and
improvements required within
Towcester.
NEL suggests SNC, WNDC and NEL
work together with Towcester in
developing the brand further in line with
the County brand, and aims to create a
unique image for Towcester that is
easily identifiable, clearly defined and
marketed to wider audiences.
Noted. SNC welcome this
idea which is included in the
action plan that will be
included in the final
masterplan. This sets out a
series of actions that will be
required for the
implementation of the
masterplan and
improvements to the town.
As the final masterplan notes
a joint initiative has been
undertaken through
supporting Towcester and
Brackley Traders in a
targeted marketing campaign
to increase spend in
Towcester and Brackley.
2.53
2.55
160
327
021
Towcester
Neighbourhood
Watch
015
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
Towcester Neighbourhood Watch
supports many aspects of the
Masterplan. We feel it provides a good
starting point for consultation and now
call for specific and detailed action
plans drawn up and priorities given
notably 1. The 5 town centre
opportunities; 2. Schools and wider
education; 3. Leisure, sporting and
recreational provision including open
spaces; 4. Retail and employment; and
5. Highways.
2.55
The Towcester Partnership strongly
recommend that this draft be strongly
revised in the light of all the constructive
comments made by the community and
that it should meet the expectations of
the community by becoming more
specific. It should also include the
commitment of an indicative timescale
for delivery.
238
023
The Towcester
Partnership
027
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
2.55
The Masterplan relies on follow up
action in the form of a) development
briefs on specific sites b) a Retail Study
c) a Leisure Strategy and d) an updated
Transport Strategy. Without these the
Masterplan is too woolly to be any use,
so there must be a firm commitment to
finance and action these further studies.
329
024
009
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
2.55
161
Support noted. The final
masterplan will includes an
action plan for the delivery of
the masterplan and
improvements required within
Towcester. This will set out
priorities for the delivery of
the proposals contained
within the masterplan
although it does not include
the key opportunity sites
which will be subject to the
planning application process.
The comments received
during the consultation on
the draft masterplan have all
been considered through this
schedule and will be used to
inform the context of the final
masterplan. This will include
an action plan setting out
steps for the delivery of the
masterplan and an indicative
timescale for the
implementation of these
actions.
The final masterplan will
include an action plan that
sets out the actions required
to implement the masterplan.
This includes the writing of
development briefs for the
key opportunity sites,
although these will be subject
to planning applications
which may come through at
an early stage.
330
331
029
035
White Young
Green on behalf
of Aldi Stores Ltd
Churches
Together in
Towcester
008
002
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
2.55
2.55
162
Aldi also considers that the Masterplan
could be improved by including an
explanation of how the key objectives
will be delivered and the timescales for
this. Furthermore, Aldi believes that
more detailed explanation is required of
the strategic policy context for the
Masterplan and what status the
Masterplan will have.
The document is strong on aspiration
but not always clear on modes of
delivery of what is sought. Particularly
uneasy at the Towcester Regeneration
Board - we were entirely unaware of
them until the Masterplan was
published. Make the following points: 1)
There is a deficit of community
representation in the membership as all
the partners are public bodies, only two
of which have elected representatives;
why was the Towcester Partnership not
included? 2) It is not clear to whom this
regeneration board is accountable and
how? 3) How will this board be
accessed in the context of specific
developments - for instance by the
several institutions and organisations
mentioned in the Masterplan whose
future is part of regeneration plans
(schools, clubs etc)? 4) It is claimed that
the board gives 'local management
ownership of the delivery process' how? We do not dispute that the
Regeneration Board have a vital role to
play, especially in accessing funding
streams, but we seriously question the
claim of local ownership and
engagement.
Noted. The final masterplan
will include detail of the
context within which the
masterplan is set.
The final masterplan will
include an action plan that
sets out the actions required
to implement the masterplan.
This includes the writing of
development briefs for the
key opportunity sites,
although these will be subject
to planning applications
which may come through at
an early stage. The delivery
vehicle needs to be
appropriate to the site. The
masterplan paves the way for
SNC to return to being the
local planning authority for
the district. It will act in
consultation on all proposals
for implementation with the
Town Council in Towcester
and the community.
332
333
009
009
Northamptonshire
Police
Northamptonshire
Police
013
014
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
Something should be added to the
section on Roles and Responsibilities to
explain the overarching roles and
responsibilities of the partners
collectively. This will demonstrate where
the partners are adding value together.
This overarching responsibility should
also include community safety. Other
partners need to be included within this
section, and by their inclusion involved
on the Towcester Regeneration Board.
Northamptonshire Police are keen to
play a part on this Board and in helping
to shape a successful future for
Towcester.
Noted. Wording will be added
to the final masterplan
indicating the benefits that
the partners can achieve by
working together. The
delivery vehicle needs to be
appropriate to the site. The
masterplan paves the way for
SNC to return to being the
local planning authority for
the district. It will act in
consultation on all proposals
for implementation with the
Town Council in Towcester
and the community.
Northamptonshire Police should also be
included under the roles and
responsibilities for both seeking to
ensure that the design of Towcester
ensures a safe environment and
provides for a high quality of life and in
ensuring that infrastructure
requirements are fully understood.
There are a wide variety of
public bodies that provide
services within the town and
which would want an input
into the determination of
planning applications which
is the next step on the
delivery of sites.
Northamptonshire Police is a
statutory body who have to
be consulted on planning
applications and therefore
the Police would be asked for
comment at this stage.
Planning applications would
be required to be in
accordance with a range of
planning and design
guidance, produced at
national regional and local
levels. This would include
guidance on safer places and
designing out crime as well
as guidance referring to such
legislation as Crowded
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
There is no mention of the Crowded
Places agenda that the Government
have included within planning
documents in recent times. This will be
vital for the successful redevelopment
of Towcester town centre and as such
Northamptonshire Police are vital
partners in the process.
334
009
Northamptonshire
Police
016
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
163
Places.
Roles and Responsibilities - These all
appear to be made up of bodies that
have a much wider remit than just
Towcester. Where is the local
representation of organisations such as
the Town Council, local businesses
groups, local youth organisations, social
organisations etc?
335
032
011
13 Roles and
Responsibilities
No one who has concern for the future
of Towcester could find trivial fault at
the objectives and aims of the
masterplan, but the box ticking exercise
does not allow for a qualified response
to the rest of the document.
336
001
001
General
164
During the production of the
masterplan there were many
group and one to one
meetings with members of
the community and various
community groups and
organisations which has not
been made clear in the text.
These meetings collated
information on what the
groups did, what their need
was and their aspirations for
the future. The masterplan
has attempted to highlight
these requirements in the
plan and there is a need for
more detail to make this
clearer and to be stated in
more detail. A lot of
requirements/ aspirations are
subject to groups being able
to provide finance or attract
funding sources so there is
no guarantee to delivery. The
Council can assist with
advice and facilitation in
relation to encouraging
groups to achieve their
objectives
Noted. A number of
comments have been
received (evidenced by this
schedule) relating to the
masterplan which have been
analysed and used in the
writing of the final
masterplan.
The draft contains some errors which
need to be rectified in the final version.
Jargon and hyperbole need toning
down and replacement by plain English.
337
338
339
340
001
004
001
005
007
005
Warmingtons
Chartered
Surveyors on
behalf of
Jackson-Stops
Family and the
Trusts
001
001
General
The colour legend is not sufficiently
distinctive to allow it to be related to the
areas portrayed against a depressingly
sombre background.
General
Comments noted. The use of
jargon will be kept to a
minimum, however any that
is required will be defined in
a glossary which will be
included in the final
document. Add glossary to
final document to define
words and terms that are not
easily understood.
Comments noted. This will
be rectified in the final
version of the masterplan.
Support the generality of the
masterplan.
Support for masterplan
noted.
An interesting and inspirational
document, but questions whether there
is a reason for the omission of figures
indicating: a) possible costs, b) possible
financial benefits.
No specific costs or details of
specific funding stated in the
Masterplan document as the
plan needs to be flexible to
address current market
conditions. If we state an
exact cost within the plan this
may change over time and
deem the plan out of date.
The Masterplan will include a
detailed action plan as to
what is required in the way of
infrastructure and
improvements to the town
which will then be taken
forward by the local authority
in partnership with other
stakeholders or interested
parties such as the Town
General
General
165
341
342
343
009
009
010
Northamptonshire
Police
Northamptonshire
Police
Aylesbury Vale
District Council
001
002
001
Northamptonshire Police are supportive
of any attempts to regenerate and
strengthen Towcester for the future
General
The document provides a broad vision
without any indication of how it will be
delivered. This is key as without the
delivery plan there will be no coordinated improvement to the town. I
note that the intention for the delivery
plan to be worked up in the coming
months and would wish to work with the
Council and WNDC to make this as
robust as possible.
No observations to make on this
document
General
General
166
Council, and service
providers such as Police and
the Environment Agency.
The final masterplan will set
out how the masterplan
initiatives will be taken
forward and delivered.
Funding for the proposals will
be achieved both through
bids for central government
grants together with
developer funding through
S106 agreements and a
possible tariff. Planning
contributions will be sought
as part of a development to
mitigate the impact of a
development. This could
cover a variety of provisions
from on site provision to off
site provision within the
locality.
Support welcomed and
noted.
Comments noted. The final
version of the masterplan will
include a delivery and action
plan for the implementation
of growth and improvements
in Towcester. Add Action
Plan to final Towcester
masterplan.
Noted.
344
345
011
012
Anglian Water
Towcester &
District Local
History Society
001
009
No comments to make on this
document.
Noted.
We feel that the document contains too
much local authority jargon for a public
consultation document. It should be in
plain English. The word "will" is over
used. especially as the eventual
developers need not implement exactly
what is suggested.
Concerns about the amount
of jargon contained in the
draft masterplan have been
noted. Whilst this document
is a planning document that
will be used as a policy
document and a material
consideration with regards to
pre application and planning
applications discussions and
therefore needs to contain
the correct planning
terminology, jargon will be
kept to a minimum in the final
masterplan. The final
masterplan will include a
glossary which will define
such words.
Noted. The intention of the
masterplan is to set a
strategic framework for the
future development setting
out proposals for achieving
this. The aim is for Towcester
to become a sustainable
market town that recognises
that it has a historic heritage
that is a key asset which can
be used to encourage
tourism and help the town to
become a destination that
people want to visit and
spend time in. Ensuring that
development respects local
distinctiveness is identified
as a key part of this.
General
General
Towcester should not try to be like any
other towns in order to compete for or
attract more wealthy investors and
commercial tenants who will
superimpose their own agendas. If
Towcester is clear and unanimous
about what it now is and agrees to
concentrate in its strengths, then its
visitors will appreciate its ongoing
distinctiveness and its character. Care
should be taken that things are not
done to Towcester's built environment
which invite closer comparison with
other places and their own local
economies.
346
014
Northamptonshire
Archaeology
002
General
167
347
348
349
350
351
015
018
019
019
021
006
Highways Agency
Northamptonshire
County Council
Northamptonshire
County Council
Towcester
Neighbourhood
Watch
001
001
002
001
General
General
General
Unfortunately the draft is a confusion of
conflicting proposals that with closer
scrutiny have been cobbled together in
haste. The more I read it the worse it
becomes.
Comments Noted. It is
intended that the final
masterplan will overcome
these issues.
We consider that the document
provides an extremely comprehensive
and well conceived benchmark against
which future development aspirations of
the town can be considered and
assessed.
The draft Masterplan is a well presented
document that clearly sets out the
aspirations for the town
Comments noted.
It would aid the success and the
implementation of the masterplan, as it
will not be a DPD in the West Northants
LDF, if the key tenets of the Masterplan
could be incorporated into the West
Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy
The masterplan has been
developed in close
coordination with the Core
Strategy, and builds on the
vision for the future of
Towcester established within
the Core Strategy. The
masterplan is to be adopted
as a Supplementary Planning
Document so that it provides
a clear spatial framework for
decision making and
investment.
Comments Noted.
General
The view of the Towcester
Neighbourhood Watch is that Towcester
Masterplan is a good and useful
document that outlines the broad
foundation for developing Towcester at
beginning of what is generally
recognised and accepted as a period of
necessary growth and development
over the next 15 years. It is broadly
welcomed and we hope will engage the
community and inform debate.
General
168
Comments Noted.
352
353
354
023
023
024
The Towcester
Partnership
The Towcester
Partnership
001
002
002
The Partnership has chosen to respond
to the Masterplan consultation by
assessing whether or not the document
progresses the regeneration of the town
and community in its diverse aspects.
The quality of the Masterplan in this
submission is therefore judged and
benchmarked against the evidence
base of the healthcheck.
Comments noted. The Vision
for Towcester and the
Healthcheck published in
2003 by the Towcester
Partnership have both
formed part of the
background to the
development of the
masterplan.
Towcester Partnership Health check
2003 "How Well does the Masterplan
advance the issues identified in the
Healthcheck 2003?" "Very Well = Bury
Mount and Cemetery, Fair = Health
Centre, Open Spaces, Housing. Not
very well = New Schools, Business
Park, Arts facility and Community
Centre. Not at all = A5 Bypass, Bus
service, youth projects, sports facilities,
car parking, town information centre,
town signage, town centre
maintenance, town centre and
Towcester Regeneration Board.
Comments noted. The Vision
for Towcester and the
Healthcheck published in
2003 by the Towcester
Partnership have both
formed part of the
background to the
development of the
masterplan.
The diagrams have lack of clarity.
Diagrams appear to have been
designed specifically to ensure they do
not communicate any material to the
reader. They are small, dark and very
badly colour coded, to the extent that
they only serve to irritate the reader.
Comments noted. The
diagrams will be revised in
the final masterplan.
General
General
General
169
355
356
357
358
024
003
024
025
025
006
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
042
043
There is a suggestion that the
Masterplan should be a marketing
document for Towcester. This is a
mistake. It should provide a framework
for the future development of the town
and not try to be what it is not. In any
event, the dreadful presentation
ensures that it is anything but a good
advert for Towcester.
The draft Masterplan paints a utopian
picture of Towcester, which does not
square with the reality of life in the town
General
General
The size of the document is easy to
handle, but the binding of the document
makes it very difficult to read the maps
which are on two pages. The only way
to deal with this was to almost destroy
the binding.
General
Various comments made about the
style, font and colours used in the
document, eg. The front and back
covers are meaningless - just masses
of white shapes on a black page. the
page numbers should be on the outside
of the left as well as right pages. The
use of capital letters for whole
paragraphs makes it very difficult to
read.
General
170
The masterplan will be used
as a document that sets out
a framework to guide, shape
and determine the future
growth of Towcester.
Comments noted. The final
masterplan will seek to
include key and existing
issues within the town and
the opportunities that would
enable these to be
overcome.
Comments noted. The final
version will take a revised
format.
Comments noted. The final
masterplan will take a
revised format.
359
360
361
362
363
025
025
025
028
028
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
Pegasus
Planning Group
on behalf of
Persimmon
Homes and Bloor
Homes
044
045
046
028
029
Where there are blocks of colour, e.g.
page 11, I would suggest they all have
a heading, as on page 8 (though not in
capital letters) and that those for Part 1
are yellow, rather that greenish yellow,
and those in Part 2 are Blue. This helps
people know which part they are in and
also replicates the South Northants
colours.
I applaud the reduction in the use of
jargon through there are still several
places where it has been used.
Because of this there are words and
phrases which cannot be understood by
those who are not planners. This
problem needs addressing.
General
General
Before the document is finally approved
and printed very careful proof reading is
needed, several words are missed out
or wrongly spelled and some references
to page numbers are incorrect.
General
Comments noted. The
diagrams will be revised in
the final masterplan.
Comments noted. The use of
jargon will be kept to a
minimum, however any that
is required will be defined in
a glossary which will be
included in the final
document. Add glossary to
final document to define
words and terms that are
not easily understood.
Comments noted. The final
masterplan will be carefully
proof read and hopefully will
not include such mistakes.
Persimmon / Bloor support a vision for
Towcester which will allow for a
strategic development area to the south
of the town in conjunction with a new
bypass
Support noted.
Many of the broad concepts proposed
are supported and are consistent with
the current Towcester Vale proposals
Support noted.
General
General
171
364
365
366
029
029
032
White Young
Green on behalf
of Aldi Stores Ltd
White Young
Green on behalf
of Aldi Stores Ltd
007
009
001
Aldi considers that the Masterplan
would benefit from further detailed
explanation of the terms "Activity Node",
"Principal Bus Stop", "Landmark
Opportunity" together with other
designations referred to in the
Masterplan.
Aldi considers that some of the
terminology and symbols on the various
plans is inconsistent and this makes the
document a little confusing in places.
An example of this is the phrases
"Proposed Landmark" (Concept
Diagram - The Future of Towcester)
and "Landmark Opportunity"
(Employment Opportunities in
Towcester) which appear to be referring
to the same designation.
Disappointed in both the scale and
content of the masterplan. Was
expecting a variety of displays as the
plan covered a 15 year period.
Exhibition viewed as a tick box exercise
and no apparent intention of taking local
residents opinion. Handing out multiple
copies of various booklets does not
encourage any constructive response,
particularly; as having looked at them
they appear designed to deliberately
provide answers in support of the
scheme (this notwithstanding the
numerous spelling mistakes and
grammatical errors, half sentences and
the liberal use of planning jargon). The
questionnaire is particularly good in this
latter respect.
General
General
General
172
Comments noted. The final
masterplan will include a
glossary which will include
the definition of any such
terms.
The concerns relating to the
amount in the draft
masterplan have been noted.
The final masterplan will
keep the use of jargon to a
minimum and will try to
ensure that there is no
inconsistency between
terminology and diagrams.
Comments noted. The draft
masterplan provides a
summary of what is currently
provided in Towcester and
the potential for the
development of Towcester in
the future. This is not a
scheme. There may be an
element of confusion with the
Towcester Vale planning
applications which have been
submitted by Persimmon
Homes in November 2007.
The masterplan is a planning
document and therefore is
likely to include some
planning terminology in the
document although this will
be kept to a minimum.
However, the final version
will include a Glossary.
English Heritage is the Government's
statutory adviser on all matters relating
to the historic environment in England.
There is a growing recognition that the
historic environment is not simply a
range of heritage assets that have been
formally identified as being of
significance and therefore designated,
but rather it is the way that historic
buildings, streetscapes, landscapes,
open spaces and archaeology
collectively create local distinctiveness
and sense of place. Therefore, the
historic environment should play a
critical role in sustainable development
at the heart of all spatial planning work
and this holistic approach to the
management of the historic
environment is particularly relevant to
the historic town of Towcester.
367
368
033
033
001
English Heritage
002
General
Overall, English Heritage are happy that
the masterplan does recognise the
historic significance of Towcester, both
in terms of its designated sites, its
undesignated archaeology and
distinctive character, e.g. paragraph
2.3. However, given the amount of
development proposed at Towcester,
the successful implementation of the
masterplan presents a considerable
challenge if the town is to retain its
market town character.
General
173
Noted. The intention of the
masterplan is to set a
strategic framework for the
future development setting
out proposals for achieving
this. The aim is for Towcester
to become a sustainable
market town that recognises
that it has a historic heritage
that is a key asset which can
be used to encourage
tourism and help the town to
become a destination that
people want to visit and
spend time in. Ensuring that
development respects local
distinctiveness and the
setting and character of the
historic town centre is
identified as a key part of
this.
Comments noted.
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372
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033
035
036
English Heritage
English Heritage
Churches
Together in
Towcester
Governing Body
of Towcester CE
Primary School
004
005
001
001
General
General
General
General
174
Characterisation should be a vital tool in
informing change in the town; this
includes the County Historic Landscape
Characterisation, which is part of the
Northamptonshire Environmental
Character Assessment. It is also
important that the conservation area
has an up-to-date (less than 5 years
old) conservation area appraisal (CAA)
and management plan and a wider
townscape assessment should be
undertaken.
The Towcester Extensive Survey 2002,
available from the County Historic
Environment Record, provides a
detailed description of the historical
development of the town. Whilst such
studies may have already been
undertaken /utilised to inform the
development of the masterplan, it is
also important that they inform the
development proposals that arise from
the masterplan and the monitoring
process includes regular monitoring of
the CAA and management plan.
Comments noted.
We welcome this plan and its intention
to ensure that the whole town benefits
from the current growth agenda, and
especially that the growth is organic and
respects the existing built environment
and enhances the community as a
whole.
The Governing Body of this important
primary school set in the heart of the
town is pleased to see that the recent
Masterplan addresses the needs of the
whole of Towcester, both older and
newer parts as well as the proposed
extension.
Support welcomed and
noted.
Comments noted.
Comments noted
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039
039
Governing Body
of Towcester CE
Primary School
Northamptonshire
Chamber
Northamptonshire
Chamber
002
001
002
Comments noted
General
It is our general view that development
of the town as a whole provides the
important opportunity to enhance
characteristics of the town that we all
treasure but also grow and improve
aspects of the town that need attention:
an improved sense of community and
its supporting infrastructure; better
educational prospects; new housing;
increased employment; a safer,
accessible and attractive environment,
and enhancement of its rural character
and setting.
Comments noted.
General
The Northamptonshire Chamber are a
key local stakeholder that is committed
to the principle of sustainable economic
development for sustainable
communities, and welcome this
opportunity to comment upon the Draft
Towcester Masterplan.
Northamptonshire Chamber is broadly
in agreement with the ideas put forward
in the Draft Masterplan, and believes it
offers a necessary and useful context
for planners, the public sector, the
private sector and local people to the
future development of the town.
Comments noted.
General
The Chamber's overall impression of
the Draft Towcester Masterplan is a
favourable one, offering as it does an
holistic approach to the future direction
of the town and its economic, social and
communal potential. It encompasses
the key elements that contribute to
Towcester's character and appeal, from
both an individual and a business
perspective.
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039
039
Northamptonshire
Chamber
Northamptonshire
Chamber
004
005
The Chamber would suggest that Part 1
offers a helpful overview of Towcester
the town and highlights - with
illustrations - some of its main assets, in
terms of business, leisure, education
etc. It also conveys in some of the
language an impression of the town
wanting to develop and move on,
i.e."Towcester is ready for change". The
Chamber would commend partners on
producing a Masterplan that stands out
from those of other authorities, in terms
of its contemporary choice of colour
palette and style, its "look and feel".
One minor criticism of this bold colour
choice though is that the principal of
using shades of colour to depict
different areas / zones on a map - for
example, in the "Concept Diagram - The
Future of Towcester" on page 19 - can
cause confusion in the reader.
Comments noted. However
the layout and diagrams of
the final masterplan will differ
from the draft.
In response to the question "does Part
1 market Towcester…", we would
suggest that the Draft Masterplan,
whilst conveying contextual information,
does not do the same job as dedicated
marketing literature and promotional
material. Material of this nature would
require a more thoughtful and inspiring
choice of images: the current
photographs do not do real justice to
the town and its strengths; for instance,
does the picture on page 17 really live
up to its title "Example of a vibrant town
centre", when the "performers" have
their hands in their pockets, and
everyone in the photograph is either
looking away or walking past them!
Comments noted. It is hoped
that the design of the final
masterplan will address
these issues.
General
General
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039
023
Northamptonshire
Chamber
The Towcester
Partnership
006
016
If the Masterplan is aiming to perform a
marketing function, as well as offer a
background to future planning for the
town, then the chamber would suggest
that this needs careful consideration. It
should be clear what audience(s) it is
attempting to reach, it should be agreed
on the things that differentiate
Towcester and its key selling points,
and it should be certain of the central
messages needed to convey those.
Comments noted.
Town signage, which is an important
promotional tool to visitors, receives no
mention.
Agreed. The provision of
additional signage will be
included in the action plan
that will form part of the final
version of the masterplan.
The final masterplan will
include an action plan that
will propose actions for the
improvement and
regeneration of the town. It
will also define the vision for
Towcester in 2026 as being a
sustainable market town. The
text will include a definition of
a sustainable community as
this is the aspiration for
Towcester.
The masterplan recognises
the need to revitalise the
town centre through
initiatives such as improving
the appearance of the town
centre and increasing its
vitality and viability. However
there is a limit to how much it
can influence human
behaviour.
General
Omission
Town centre maintenance - Strategy for
the future maintenance of the town
which is a vital element of a sustainable
development is not mentioned.
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023
The Towcester
Partnership
017
Omission
Anti-social behaviour is not mentioned
in the document, yet is a significant
problem for quite a few residents and
traders. The masterplan fails to address
this. The masterplan should address
this issue which blights life for residents
in Towcester town centre.
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007
Omission
177
I note the Shires area of Towcester has
no facilities and would like to see this
remedied.
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035
Councillor Diana
Dallyn
Churches
Together in
Towcester
026
006
Omission
We are surprised that the Shires estate
and the meadow land south of it is not
included in the discussions of
opportunities; the estate is poorly
served in community facilities and the
open space (which is after all, adjacent
to the town centre) is very
underdeveloped and uncared for. There
is also land there which is earmarked
for community facilities which is
awaiting development by Tove Valley
Baptist Fellowship, which we believe
should be considered alongside the
town centre vision and the further plans
for Moat Lane. We are disappointed
that no reference is made to the
detailed plans for a new community and
church facilities that have been
submitted by Tove Valley Baptist
Fellowship (and supported by all
member churches of Churches
Together in Towcester). The facility is
intended to be for both community and
church use and might be linked with
other agencies; this project should be
included in discussions and planning
following on from the Masterplan.
Omission
178
Comments Noted. Amend
and add a paragraph in the
Masterplan recognising the
Shires Development and its
need for facilities and
integration.
The current masterplan does
need to recognise the role of
the Shires Development and
bring this more into playing a
part in the role of the town in
terms of its facilities and
social cohesion and
accessibility. It is recognised
that the Tove Valley Baptist
Fellowship own a piece of
land within the Shires which
they intend to develop as a
community facility/ church.
Text will be added to the
masterplan reflecting this
point. There is also a need to
maximise and promote the
links between the Moat Lane
development and the Shires
in terms of pathways,
cycleways, signage etc and
the same towards the Old
Tiffield Industrial Estate.
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005
Concerned about the issues of litter and
graffiti, and that neither the necessary
interest or funding appears to be
available to look after that which the
town currently has. The areas
surrounding the Tesco supermarket and
the areas around the various 'fast food'
outlets in the town are particular litter
spots. The issue relating to graffiti is
becoming of more concern. Lack of
visible policing within the town, leading
to broken sleep, particularly at
weekends and excessive and
dangerous vehicle speed along the
Brackley Road.
Omission
179
The masterplan recognises
the need to revitalise the
town centre through
initiatives such as improving
the appearance of the town
centre and increasing its
vitality and viability. However
there is a limit to how much it
can influence human
behaviour.
Finally, the deplorable state of the
various highways and roads in the town.
Subsidence and major potholes on the
A5, particularly at the junction with the
Brackley Road, at the location of the
'Saracen's Head traffic lights.
Additionally, other areas of road surface
degradation, systematic of the general
and nationwide lack of due diligence
related to highways repair. Erosion and
degradation of the 'speed humps' on the
road leading to the Waitrose facility.
The condition of which must have
resulted in damage to tyres and / or
suspension components. These 'humps'
were never completed to a satisfactory
standard on day one, a criticism levelled
at the Town Council. Does the local
council not inspect and sign off work
done to their satisfaction, or it all too
easy to squander the council tax? Since
the opening of the Waitrose facility the
volume of traffic using this road has
increased dramatically, consequently
and to no surprise, the 'shoulders' have
deteriorated at a far greater rate.
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Omission
180
The main strategic roads are
the responsibility of the
Highways Agency whilst local
roads are the responsibility of
Northamptonshire County
Council.