3 Introduction
3.0.1 The period between 2001 and 2026 will be a time of significant change for West Northamptonshire. The area of West Northamptonshire can be seen overleaf on Map of West Northamptonshire.
3.0.2 By 2026, significant development will have taken place at Northampton, Daventry, Towcester and Brackley having experienced major growth in housing and jobs enabled by major public transport schemes, new roads and community facilities.
3.0.3 The future of the towns and villages in West Northamptonshire is reliant upon well focused planning and investment. An opportunity to transform the area for the better has been offered by its status as a national growth area. The partnership between the authorities of Northampton Borough, South Northamptonshire Council, Daventry District and Northamptonshire County Council was formalised in Summer 2008 and there continues to be close cooperation with West Northamptonshire Development Corporation.
3.0.4 An “Issues and Options” document was published in September 2007. Since this date the Joint Planning Unit has been undertaking further work, taking into account the comments we received from the public and ongoing work with Councillors and technical bodies. This document is not the final strategy; it is intended to show our present thinking but is not a ‘done deal’. However, if there are specific areas for growth that are not favoured then suitable alternatives, which can meet the strategic objectives and vision, must be found. It is not an option to say “no” to the principle of growth. The responses received to this document will be considered and will influence the “Pre-Submission” document, due in November 2009, before being submitted to Government for examination in March 2010.
3.0.5 The Emergent Joint Core Strategy seeks to explain the current thinking of the Joint Strategic Planning Committee and offer a chance to comment. The strategy has been written for everyone who has an interest in the future of the places that make up West Northamptonshire - both now and in the future. It will have impacts on existing communities, businesses, landowners, developers and investors. It will increase the level of dialogue we have with bodies such as the Environment Agency, the Highways Agency and Natural England. It signifies a major step in the production of the Joint Core Strategy.
3.0.6 The Emergent Joint Core Strategy is not the complete plan and does not contain policies. There is still more work to do on some aspects of the evidence- for example a better understanding of the economic implications of the recent economic downturn. However, a lot of work has taken place since the Issues and Options and this strategy helps to explain how some of the important choices- such as the directions of future growth- are being taken forward. The Emergent Joint Core Strategy sets out the options to be taken forward and the options that have been rejected at this time.
