In a surprise move, East Northamptonshire Council has proposed new changes for Oundle’s existing housing development plan. The Council has identified two new areas of land for future developments. They include the Dairy Farm on Stoke Hill, and the Oundle School playing field on Glapthorn Road. It is propsed that the two housing developments will break ground by 2011 and 2013 respectively. They are both targeted to be completed by 2019, assuming that financial presures ease up by then.

Adverse effects of the new developments which may concern the public include the inevitable increase in traffic and the environmental impact on Oundle.

The property developers, Twigden and Persimmon, met with HCC Highways in November, discussing the possible effects of 145 new dwellings in Herne Road and 140 more houses on Creed Road. It was determined by HCC Highways that none of the main traffic junctions would be affected enough to stop these projects from going ahead, but NCC Highways has committed themselves to discussing specific problems with Councillors in Oundle. In addition, further public consultations and assessments are taking place.

The new developments were proposed to achieve a government-imposed target of 610 houses to be built in Oundle by 2020. This may be a much needed boost for the property developers; that is, if they can afford to start building.

For more information about the changes to the proposed housing developments in Oundle, please visit the ENC website:
www.east-northamptonshire.gov.uk/rnotpexamination