A consultation on a Draft Local Plan which sets out how West Northamptonshire is expected to grow and develop over the next 20 years is now open.

The eight-week consultation on the council’s Regulation 18 Draft Local Plan provides an opportunity to comment on the proposed policies and site allocations, as well as to submit land through the re-opened Call for Sites.

As well as playing a key role in shaping future planning decisions, the proposed Plan could offer significant opportunities for new housing development. Housing sites will be identified to meet parish-level housing requirements, with suitable sites expected to be located within or immediately adjoining existing villages. These sites are intended to come forward primarily through neighbourhood development plans.

Where draft neighbourhood development plans have not made demonstrable progress within two years of the adoption of the Local Plan, the council has indicated it will step in to allocate sites for development through a future development plan document to ensure housing requirements are met. Progress will be reviewed annually thereafter.

The council has confirmed the Call for Sites is open to all forms of development, including residential, commercial, infrastructure and gypsy and traveller sites.

The Draft Local Plan and supporting documents are available to view on the council’s website, with hard copies also available at council offices and local libraries across West Northamptonshire.

The consultation, which can be found here, runs until 23.59 on Friday, March 27.

If you have land that may be suitable for development, or have any planning and development enquiries, please contact Sheldon Bosley Knight’s rural, land and development team on 01509 243720.

Click here to see our brochure.