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15/03/2004
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 The first 200 homes of a pioneering development at Upton in Northampton have been given the go ahead. The scheme, which aims to create a high-quality urban extension to the town, is being brought forward by national regeneration agency, English Partnerships, in line with growth expectations outlined in the government’s Sustainable Communities Plan. The Sustainable Communities Plan – published by government in February 2003, says that the Milton Keynes–South Midlands growth area, which includes Northampton, has the potential for growth to 2031 of up to 300,000 jobs and 370,000 further homes. The award-winning codes, which are the blueprint for the entire development, were created by landowner English Partnerships, the Prince’s Foundation and Northampton Borough Council, as a means of encouraging innovative design and the consistent use of high-quality materials. Peter Springett, Area Director Northampton for English Partnerships says that this first phase of housing marks a significant step in bringing forward quality-driven housing. “Upton is a flagship development for English Partnerships and we believe it will not only set new standards locally, but we hope will act as a template for housing development on a national scale. Key to this has been the creation of the design codes that have taken on board the aspirations of our partners and the local community. We deliberately set a high hurdle for developers in terms of quality, innovation and design, and what impressed us about Shenley Lodge is its creative approach and attention to detail. “The plans for Upton have managed to combine traditional style with modern building techniques, exceeding the challenges set by our working group. We are delighted that the Council has now approved the plans and we can put them into action.” Shenley Lodge Developments’ plans include a mix of apartments and terraced homes with a traditional exterior. Within the development more than 20 per cent of properties will be classified as affordable housing. Despite the high specification, the price of private market housing on the development is expected to be in line with the Northampton market. The planning application was given the go ahead by Northampton Borough Council at a meeting on 3 March. The council was a key member of the working party that devised the design codes as well as the overall masterplan and this helped ensure that the submission met the expectations of the Planning Committee allowing it to approve the plans in a shorter timeframe than normal. Work should begin in May on an Interpretation Centre that will form a focal point for the Upton development, providing community space, educational facilities and changing rooms for the new football pitches. Once the first phase of housing development is underway, plans for a primary school will also begin to move ahead. Architects, KRT Associates have created the housing proposals on behalf of Shenley Lodge Developments and MNB Partnership is the cost consultant. |
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