Planning in North Northamptonshire

Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Show People

Local Planning Authorities will protect existing lawful sites, plots and pitches for Gypsies and Travellers. Sufficient sites for gypsy and traveller, and travelling show people accommodation will be identified in line with a robust evidence base. Where necessary, part 2 Local Plans will allocate further sites for accommodation for gypsies, travellers and travelling show people. New site allocations and applications for planning permission should satisfy all of the following criteria: a) the site is closely linked to an existing settlement with an adequate range of services and facilities; b) the site, or the cumulative impact of the site, in combination with existing or planned sites, will not have an unacceptable impact on local infrastructure; c) the site provides a suitable level of residential amenity for the proposed residents; d) the site is served (or can be served) by an adequate water supply and appropriate means of sewage disposal; e) there is satisfactory access and adequate space for operational needs including the parking, turning and servicing of vehicles; f) the health and well-being of occupants is not put at risk including through unsafe access to the site, poor air quality and unacceptable noise or unacceptable flood risk and contaminated land; g) the size of the site and number of pitches does not dominate the nearest settled community; h) the proposed development does not have a significant adverse impact on the character of the landscape and takes account of the Landscape Character Assessment of the area. Appropriate landscaping and treatment to boundaries shall be provided to mitigate impact.

COMMUNITY SERVICES AND FACILITIES

Development should support and enhance community services and facilities, where appropriate by: a) Providing on site where necessary or contributing towards accessible, new or enhanced community services and facilities to meet the needs arising from the development utilising, where possible, opportunities for the co-location of facilities or the use of existing suitable sites; b) Providing accessible greenspace in accordance with Natural England's Accessible Natural Greenspace Standards (ANGSt) and the Woodland Trust's Woodland Access Standard unless local standards have been adopted; c) Safeguarding existing facilities unless it can be demonstrated that: i. They are no longer viable; and ii. No longer needed by the community they serve; and iii. Are not needed for any other community use or that the facility is being relocated and improved to meet the needs of the new and existing community. d) Not resulting in a net loss of open space, allotments, sports and recreation buildings and land, including playing fields unless: i. The facility is surplus to requirements; or ii. A site of equivalent quality and accessibility can be provided, serviced and made available to the community prior to use of the existing site ceasing; or iii. The development is for alternative sports and recreation provision, the need for which clearly outweighs the loss.

North Northamptonshire Place Shaping Principles

Development should: a) Create connected places by ensuring that it: i. Connects to the maximum number of local streets, avoiding dead ends, to allow it to integrate into the wider settlement and to connect to existing services and facilities; ii. Integrates well with existing cycle, pedestrian, public transport and vehicular movement networks and links to these routes in the most direct and legible way possible, to achieve logical routes; iii. Improves or creates open green spaces which tie into the wider network of public green spaces and routes to allow for movement across the settlement through its green infrastructure; iv. Provides direct routes to local facilities within or outside the site to create more walkable neighbourhoods; and b) Make safe and pleasant streets and spaces by: i. Prioritising the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users and resisting developments that would prejudice highway safety; ii. Ensuring a satisfactory means of access and provision for parking, servicing and manoeuvring in accordance with adopted standards; iii. Ensuring that streets and spaces are continuously enclosed by buildings, or by strong landscaping with well-defined public and private space; iv. Ensuring that streets and spaces, are overlooked, active, feel safe and promote inclusive access; v. Creating legible places which make it easy for people to find their way around; and vi. Contributing, towards enhancements to the existing public realm such as tree planting to add to the character and quality of the main streets and to encourage walking and cycling. c) Ensure adaptable, diverse and flexible places by: i. Creating varied and distinctive neighbourhoods which provide for local needs through a mix of uses, unit sizes and tenures; and ii. Mixing land use and densities within settlements and ensuring that people can move easily between and through them by non-car modes; d) Create a distinctive local character by: i. Responding to the site's immediate and wider context and local character to create new streets, spaces and buildings which draw on the best of that local character without stifling innovation; ii. Responding to the local topography and the overall form, character and landscape setting of the settlement; and iii. The creative use of the public realm through the use of measures such as incidental play spaces, bespoke street furniture and memorable features. e) Ensure quality of life and safer and healthier communities by: i. Protecting amenity by not resulting in an unacceptable impact on the amenities of future occupiers, neighbouring properties or the wider area, by reason of noise, vibration, smell, light or other pollution, loss of light or overlooking; ii. Preventing both new and existing development from contributing to or being adversely affected by unacceptable levels of soil, air, light, water or noise pollution or land instability; iii. Incorporate ecologically sensitive design and features for biodiversity to deliver 'Biodiversity by Design'; iv. Seeking to design out antisocial behaviour and crime and reduce the fear of crime through the creation of safe environments that benefit from natural surveillance, defensible spaces and other security measures having regard to the principles of the 'Secured by Design'; v. Proportionate and appropriate community and fire safety measures; and vi. Incorporating flexible and resilient designs for buildings and their settings, including access to amenity space.

Delivering Economic Prosperity

A stronger more sustainable economy that will deliver a net increase of 31,100 jobs will be sought through: a) Ensuring that sufficient high quality sites are identified to support the delivery of the job targets in Table 3 (see Policy 23), recognising opportunities provided by the priority sectors of Renewable and Low Carbon Energy and Green Technologies, High Performance Technologies and Logistics; b) Prioritising the enhancement of existing employment sites and the regeneration of previously developed land; c) Safeguarding existing and committed employment sites for employment use unless it can be demonstrated by an applicant that there is no reasonable prospect of the site being used for that purpose and that an alternative use would: • Not be detrimental to the mix of uses within a Sustainable Urban Extension; and/or • Resolve existing conflicts between land uses; d) Supporting proposals that encourage a co-ordinated approach to skills and training provision and promote sector specific training. Training and employment agreements will be encouraged to facilitate increased opportunities for the local workforce; e) Safeguarding and enhancing North Northamptonshire's tourism and cultural assets and supporting proposals to expand the tourism industry in sustainable ways.

Distribution of New Jobs

In order to achieve a sustainable balance between local jobs and workers and a more diverse economy: a) The quantity and quality of existing and committed employment sites will be reviewed against the job creation targets set out below: TABLE 3: JOB CREATION TARGETS NET JOB GROWTH (IN ALL SECTORS) 2011-31 Corby 9,700 East Northamptonshire 7,200 Kettering 8,100 Wellingborough 6,100 North Northamptonshire 31,100 b) Employment development of a scale and mix identified within commitments and approved master plans will be supported at the SUEs and strategic sites identified on the Key Diagram. These sites will act as the focus for the provision of high quality employment in North Northamptonshire. The use of Local Development Orders and other innovative mechanisms to facilitate delivery of these sites will be supported; c) The town centres and areas around the railway stations at the Growth Towns will be the preferred locations for new office development with additional office sites at areas with good public transport connections; d) Where, taking account of the forecast growth in non-B class jobs, there is an identified shortfall in supply of deliverable sites to meet the jobs targets in Table 3, additional sites will be allocated in Part 2 Local Plans and/or Neighbourhood Plans with priority given to sites within or adjoining the Growth Towns in locations that are capable of being accessed by a choice of means of transport; e) Within the rural areas, new employment of an appropriate scale and type will be supported consistent with Policy 25.

Logistics

Proposals for logistics, including large scale strategic distribution will be supported where they comply with the spatial strategy, facilitate the delivery of a mix of jobs and are of the highest viable standards of design and sustainability. Proposals will need to satisfy all of the following criteria: a) Subject to market demand and viability, strategic distribution developments (involving individual units of 9,300sqm or more floorspace) should also include the provision of a proportion of floorspace in the form of smaller employment units; b) Have good access to the strategic road network with priority given to the development of freight consolidation centres and sites which can be served by rail freight and operate as inter-modal terminals. Long term opportunities to provide facilities for transferring freight delivery to rail will be safeguarded; c) Have good access to local labour supply and be accessible to the local workforce through public transport, walking and cycling; d) Achieve the highest possible standards of design and environmental performance through maximising the use of sustainable design and construction techniques; e) Be in locations which allow 24 hour operations with acceptable environmental, community and landscape impact; f) Provide sufficient infrastructure to mitigate highways impacts; g) Address the local operational requirements of HGV parking arising from the development or demonstrate that suitable adequate alternative accessible parking is available.

Rural Economic Development and Diversification

1. Sustainable opportunities to develop and diversify the rural economy that are of an appropriate scale for their location and respect the environmental quality and character of the rural area will be supported. Enhanced broadband provision to facilitate economic development within rural areas will be supported. Encouragement will be given towards: a) The development and diversification of agricultural and other land based businesses including locally sourced produce and increasing use of sustainable food production methods; b) The provision and expansion of tourist and visitor facilities, recognising that locations with access to local services and facilities by foot, cycle or public transport provide the greatest opportunity for sustainable rural development; c) Commercial opportunities related to food, craft and ecotourism, and Green Infrastructure projects; d) The enhancement of local supply networks, linking businesses and consumers, that support the shift to a low carbon economy and to support local rural producers and businesses. 2. Sustainable rural diversification activities should seek to complement and support the ongoing viability of the existing business. Where proposals involve the re-use of rural buildings, a mix of uses will be supported, including small scale business, tourism activities, tourist accommodation, and live/work units.

Rockingham Enterprise Area

The Enterprise Area identified on the Policies Map will be a focus for employment development within and beyond the plan period. Development proposals must include a land remediation strategy for the decontamination of the site and should demonstrate how, subject to viability, the proposal will contribute towards infrastructure requirements for the Enterprise Area such as phase 2 of the Northern Orbital Road. Development proposals will be supported where they will deliver a mix of high quality employment, particularly in priority employment sectors. Proposals should demonstrate how they relate to the wider area and contribute to delivering the following place shaping principles: a) The creation of a landscaped spine to the development along the route of the Northern Orbital Road, which allows for pedestrian and cycle movements; b) Clear definition of public and private space, with frontages facing onto the main routes where feasible, and high quality public realm and landscape treatment to help create a strong and identifiable image for the area; c) The establishment of a strong green infrastructure corridor along the Willow Brook, which connects to the Gretton Brook. The corridor will act as a natural habitat, whilst at the same time forming a pedestrian and cycling route through the development, linking Corby town centre and Priors Hall; d) The creation of a landscape/green infrastructure corridor along the Gretton Brook which provides an opportunity for wildlife connections into the plantation as well as along the stream course itself; e) Ensuring that the development protects, and where possible, enhances the setting of Weldon Lodge and heritage assets and setting at Kirby Hall; f) Provision of a small local centre within the site to provide small scale service or convenience shopping facilities to cater for employees within the area.

Land at Cockerell Road, Corby

Land at Cockerell Road, as shown on the Policies Map, is allocated for a high quality business park with provision for flexible units that can be used for B1 (Business), B2 (general industry) or B8 (storage and distribution uses. Proposals should: a) Include primary access from Cockerell Road with development fronting onto this road; b) Provide for junction improvements, where necessary, to ensure that there is no deterioration of the local highway network arising from the development; c) Enhance connectivity across the railway for pedestrians and cyclists to the residential development beyond; d) Include improvements for pedestrians and cyclists on Courier Road and Phoenix Parkway; e) Provide high quality landscaping as an integral part of the design concept; f) Deliver a net gain in biodiversity, particularly through the inclusion of swales designed to provide connectivity between habitats; g) Be sensitive to the existing reptile reserve located on the railway embankment directly to the west of the site; and h) Contribute towards the following infrastructure requirements: • An off-road pedestrian/cycle link along Phoenix Parkway to link Priors Hall and the town centre; and • Enhancements to public transport provision and infrastructure.

Land at Nene Valley Farm, Northampton Road, Rushden

Land at Nene Valley Farm, Rushden, as shown on the Policies Map, is allocated for a mix of B1 (business) and B2 (general industry) employment uses together with a place of worship, open space and other employment uses where these are compatible with the intended primary uses. A comprehensive masterplan and project level Habitats Regulation Assessment, to be agreed by the local planning authority, should make provision for the above requirements and: a) Provide for vehicular access into the site solely from Northampton Road; b) Incorporate appropriate measures to ensure that there is adequate capacity in the surrounding highway network to accommodate traffic generated by the development; c) Include measures to enable the avoidance of significant adverse effects on the integrity of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area; d) Provide a network of high quality landscaping and a substantial, publicly accessible, green infrastructure corridor which enhances connectivity between Northampton Road and the River Nene Sub-Regional Corridor and provides natural habitat for species within the surrounding area; e) Encourage modal shift through the provision of safe and convenient links for pedestrian and cyclists to the wider area and enhanced public transport; f) Include a high quality, landmark building(s) in the south-west part of the site including the A45/Northampton Road/Crown Way roundabout as a gateway to Rushden and Higham Ferrers; g) Demonstrate how the height, scale, massing and form of development, particularly in the north-east part of the site, takes account of the site topography and the need to mitigate visual impacts; and h) Deliver other infrastructure where this is made necessary by the development.

Land at Kettering North

Land at Kettering North, as shown on the Policies Map, is allocated primarily for employment uses. The site will provide for a minimum of 40ha of B1 (business), B2 (general industry) and small scale B8 (storage and distribution) development together with approximately 3ha of leisure (D2) related uses. A comprehensive masterplan, to be agreed by the local planning authority, should make provision for the above requirements and include proposals: a) For vehicular access from the adjoining Kettering Business Park and from Weekley Wood Lane at safe and convenient locations; b) For infrastructure required to mitigate the impact of the development on the existing highway network; c) To deliver an integrated transport network that is focused on walking, cycling and excellent public transport and provides convenient, permeable and safe routes that connect Kettering North to the adjoining Kettering Business Park, the town centre, areas to the south of Weekley Wood Lane and to the countryside; d) To mitigate the impact of the development on the setting of heritage assets, respect and restore historic landscape features and enhance the significance and setting of Boughton House and Boughton House Registered Park and Garden; e) For a network of high quality landscaping and green infrastructure which integrates the development into the wider countryside and retains and enhances, where possible, the historic landscape and the ecological and recreational value of the site; f) To protect the Local Wildlife Sites from additional recreational pressure and potential drainage/runoff; g) For the extension of the Kettering Business Park circular walk and enhancement of the bridleway network; h) To deliver infrastructure made necessary by the development; and i) For the implementation of the masterplan linked to the delivery of infrastructure.

Land at Kettering South

Land at Kettering South, as shown on the Policies Map, is allocated for employment uses. Whilst Parcels A and B can come forward independently, as market demands dictate proposals should be supported by a comprehensive masterplan demonstrating how the development of parcels A and B will be coordinated to deliver a mix of employment uses, supporting infrastructure and connectivity between the parcels based on the following criteria: DEVELOPMENT OF PARCEL A SHOULD: a) Provide small employment units primarily for B1 (office) and B2 (general industrial) uses including the potential for a public service hub; b) Focus built development in the east of the parcel close to junction 9 of the A14. Proposals should be of a high quality of design, providing distinctiveness and character at this highly visible gateway location; c) Ensure that proposals incorporate sustainability measures such as green roofs, renewable energy generation, sustainable drainage systems and rainwater harvesting; d) Provide a connected network of high quality landscaping and green infrastructure to enhance the character of the development and to provide amenity and ecological benefits. This will include strategic landscaping in the west of the parcel at the earliest opportunity to provide a transition into open countryside and reduce the visual impact from neighbouring settlements; and e) Include vehicular access from Isham Road. DEVELOPMENT OF PARCEL B SHOULD: f) Focus on the delivery of B8 (logistics) development and ancillary B1 (office) and B2 (general industrial) uses; g) Ensure that development within the site boundary is directed to areas of lowest risk of flooding, consistent with the sequential test, and that extensive flood mitigation measures are provided to the east of the site. Built development on areas of Flood Zones 2 and 3 will only be acceptable subject to technical modelling and solutions being agreed with the Environment Agency, which demonstrate that flood risk has been satisfactorily addressed; h) Be of a high standard of design with buildings arranged to limit the visual impact on Isham and designed to incorporate sustainability measures such as green roofs, renewable energy generation, sustainable drainage systems and rainwater harvesting; i) Provide a connected network of high quality landscaping which minimises visual impact. Proposals should include the delivery of strategic landscaping at the southern edge of the development at the earliest opportunity to limit the visual impact on Isham; j) Provide an accessible network of green infrastructure which includes opportunities provided by the Ise-Valley corridor to integrate the development into the countryside, enhance the character and ecological value of the development, including buffering the adjacent Site of Special Scientific Interest, and create accessible, usable green space; k) Safeguard the route of the Isham bypass and provide vehicular access from the A509; and l) Include a permeable network of roads and paths. THE DEVELOPMENT OF PARCELS A AND B SHOULD TOGETHER: m) Contribute towards off-site highway works to accommodate traffic arising from the development and ensure that the impact on neighbouring settlements is minimised; and n) Provide strong connectivity to the urban area of Kettering and links to neighbouring settlements and countryside. Proposals should include significant walking and cycling infrastructure provision to, and through, the site and an improved public transport service.

Renewable and Low Carbon Energy

Proposals for sensitively located renewable and low carbon energy generation will be supported where it can be demonstrated that the proposal meets all of the following criteria: a) The landscape impact of the development is minimised and mitigated against; b) The development links to a specific demand through a decentralised energy network or where this is not possible, the necessary infrastructure is provided to supply power to the National Grid; c) The siting of development avoids harm to the significance of a heritage asset and its setting in accordance with the provisions of the NPPF; d) The siting of development does not significantly adversely affect the amenity of existing, or proposed, residential dwellings and/or businesses, either in isolation or cumulatively, by reason of noise, odour intrusion, dust, traffic generation, visual impact or shadow flicker; e) The development does not result in an adverse impact on the capacity and safety of the highways network and of public rights of way; f) The development includes a managed programme of measures to mitigate against any adverse impacts on the built and natural environment resulting from the construction, operation and decommissioning of any equipment/infrastructure; g) The development does not create a significant adverse cumulative noise or visual impact when considered in conjunction with other developments planned within North Northamptonshire and adjoining local authority areas; h) The development retains and enhances on-site biodiversity and supports the enlargement of, and/or connection to, existing biodiversity assets such as wildlife corridors, where possible; i) Proposals for Solar Photovoltaic farms avoid the best and most versatile agricultural land. Provision will be made for the removal of apparatus and reinstatement of the site to an acceptable condition, should the scheme become redundant and/or at the end of the permitted period for time limited planning permissions. Land at Burton Wold is identified for an Energy Park to add to the range of renewable energy technologies already present. The development will serve as a decentralised energy network which will link the energy production to existing and new developments. Proposals within the Energy Park should meet criteria a) to i) above and should also be in accordance with a comprehensive masterplan which will be prepared in consultation with the local community and stakeholders and agreed by the local planning authority; This will: 1. Define development boundaries and also the renewable/low carbon technologies and land uses to be developed on the site; 2. Make provision for a mix of complimentary employment uses to facilitate development of local knowledge, expertise and research and development; 3. Demonstrate how the proposal will contribute towards meeting the energy needs of existing and planned development, including East Kettering SUE, strategic development at Junction 10 of the A14 and employment uses associated with the site; 4. Create a model for zero carbon energy through the installation of exemplary energy efficiency standards in buildings which use energy produced on-site in their operation.

SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS

Development should incorporate measures to ensure high standards of resource and energy efficiency and reduction in carbon emissions. All residential development should incorporate measures to limit use to no more than 105 litres/person/day and external water use of no more than 5 litres/person/day or alternative national standard applying to areas of water stress. Design and access statements must demonstrate how sustainable design principles have been addressed. In particular: 1. Subject to economic viability, developments of 1000+ square metres of non-residential floorspace should, as a minimum meet BREEAM very good or equivalent nationally recognised standards; 2. The layout and design of sites, buildings and associated landscaping should: a. Maximise the use of passive solar design to address heating and cooling; and b. Where technically feasible, enable access to or provision of decentralised energy networks, or safeguard future opportunities to do so without major disruption.

THE DELIVERY OF GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

The special mixed urban and rural character of North Northamptonshire will be maintained and enhanced by: a) Managing development and investment to secure a net gain in green infrastructure through: i. Establishing multi-functional greenspaces within the GI network; ii. Providing, where opportunities exist, new wildlife habitats, facilities and routes to enhance assets and the linkages between them; iii. Supporting the strategic green infrastructure priorities of 1. The Nene and Ise Valleys (Policy 20) 2. The Rockingham Forest (Policy 21). b) Safeguarding identified sub-regional green infrastructure corridors by: i. Not permitting development that compromises their integrity and therefore that of the overall green infrastructure network; ii. Using developer contributions to facilitate improvements to their quality and robustness; iii. Investing in enhancement and restoration where opportunities exist. c) Contributing towards the enhancement or ongoing management of local green infrastructure corridors by prioritising green infrastructure investment in areas where net gains can be made to the range of functions, particularly those that improve access between the towns and their surrounding countryside and remedy local deficiencies in open space provision and quality; d) Requiring, where appropriate, project level Habitats Regulations Assessments, to ensure the protection of European designated sites such as the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area and Ramsar Site.

THE NENE AND ISE VALLEYS

The Nene and Ise Valleys will be priorities for investment in green infrastructure to strengthen biodiversity and landscape character, support a prosperous local economy, provide leisure and recreational opportunities and support the revitalisation of towns and the protection and enhancement of their surrounding countryside. Proposals should ensure the integrity of European designated sites such as the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA are protected. This will be achieved by managing development and investment to: a) Improve visual and physical linkages between the rivers and waterways and adjacent settlements by creating and maximising vistas to the valley/water and ensuring development, public realm and access are orientated to the valley/water; b) Develop the tourism potential of Wellingborough, Thrapston and Oundle as gateways to the rivers and the wider valleys as focal points for the provision of waterside facilities; c) Prioritise the protection and enhancement of existing visitor attractions and facilities with appropriate infrastructure to ensure that these remain the focal points for visitors, in order to take the pressure off more sensitive locations; d) Support new green infrastructure and heritage based attractions of a type and scale that can be accommodated by existing or new infrastructure and which strike an appropriate balance between visitor numbers and biodiversity, landscape, local amenity and heritage interests; e) Provide a focus for improved navigation and enhanced waterways along the River Nene; f) Improve strategic recreation trails along the length of the Nene Valley and developing these in the Ise Valley; g) Identify opportunities and proposals for floodplain and river re-naturalisation, de-culverting within urban areas and river habitat improvements.

ROCKINGHAM FOREST

The Rockingham Forest will be regenerated to increase carbon storage, strengthen biodiversity, landscape character and green infrastructure, support a prosperous rural economy and provide appropriate leisure and recreational opportunities. This will be achieved through: a) 40ha a year of new tree planting appropriately sited and using suitable species secured through direct input of landowners, local communities and businesses, supported by funding mechanisms including development contributions; b) Linking fragmented habitats and protecting and reinforcing ancient woodland, particularly in and around urban areas supported through landscaping associated with development proposals; c) Supporting rural economic development in accordance with Policy 25, with a focus on woodland based activities including sustainable food and fuel production; d) Protecting or enhancing tourism and recreation attractions and supporting new green infrastructure and heritage attractions of a type and scale that can be accommodated by existing or new infrastructure and which strike an appropriate balance between visitor numbers and biodiversity, landscape, local amenity and heritage interests; e) Enhancing green links in accordance with Policy 19 to enable residents of towns and villages easy access to the forest on foot, horseback or bicycle.

LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Development should be located and designed in a way that is sensitive to its landscape setting, retaining and, where possible, enhancing the distinctive qualities of the landscape character area which it would affect. Development should: a) Conserve and, where possible, enhance the character and qualities of the local landscape through appropriate design and management; b) Make provision for the retention and, where possible, enhancement of features of landscape importance; c) Safeguard and, where possible, enhance important views and vistas including sky lines within the development layout; d) Protect the landscape setting and contribute to maintaining the individual and distinct character, and separate identities of settlements by preventing coalescence; e) Provide appropriate landscape mitigation and/or suitable off-site enhancements; and f) Preserve tranquillity within the King's Cliffe Hills and Valleys Landscape Character Area (as shown on the Policy Map) and other areas identified in Part 2 Local Plans by minimising light and noise pollution and minimising the visual and traffic impacts of development.

Biodiversity and Geodiversity

A net gain in biodiversity will be sought and features of geological interest will be protected and enhanced through: a) Protecting existing biodiversity and geodiversity assets by: i. Refusing development proposals where significant harm to an asset cannot be avoided, mitigated or, as a last resort, compensated. The weight accorded to an asset will reflect its status in the hierarchy of biodiversity and geodiversity designations; ii. Protecting key assets for wildlife and geology, in particular the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area and Ramsar Site, from unacceptable levels of access and managing pressures for access to and disturbance of sensitive habitats; iii. Protecting the natural environment from adverse effects from noise, air and light pollution; iv. Where appropriate requiring developments to provide or contribute to alternative green infrastructure (Policy 19); and v. Ensuring that habitats are managed in an ecologically appropriate manner. b) Enhancing ecological networks by managing development and investment to: i. Reverse the decline in biodiversity and restore the ecological network at a landscape scale in the Nene Valley Nature Improvement Area (NIA); ii. Reverse habitat fragmentation and increase connectivity of habitats where possible by structuring and locating biodiversity gain in such a way as to enlarge and/or connect to existing biodiversity assets such as wildlife corridors; iii. Preserve, restore and create priority and other natural and semi-natural habitats within and adjacent to development schemes. c) Supporting, through developer contributions or development design, the protection and recovery of priority habitats and species linked to national and local targets. Such measures could include the retention of, and provision of areas of open green space, and hard and soft landscaping to address habitat and visitor management. d) Developments that are likely to have an adverse impact, either alone or in-combination, on the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area or other European Designated Sites must satisfy the requirements of the Habitats Regulations, determining site specific impacts and avoiding or mitigating against impacts where identified. Mitigation may involve providing or contributing towards a combination of the following measures: i. Access and visitor management measures within the SPA; ii. Improvement of existing greenspace and recreational routes; iii. Provision of alternative natural greenspace and recreational routes; iv. Monitoring of the impacts of new development on European designated sites to inform the necessary mitigation requirements and future refinement of any mitigation measures. A Mitigation Strategy document concerning the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area will be produced, with a view to its subsequent adoption as an Addendum to the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area Supplementary Planning Document by June 2016, to support the adopted Joint Core Strategy 2011-2031. Development proposals will need to take account of the Northamptonshire Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document, the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area Supplementary Planning Document and the JPU Mitigation Strategy for the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area. Where necessary, this will include new residential development contributing towards implementation of this Mitigation Strategy.

Water Environment, Resources and Flood Risk Management

Development should contribute towards reducing the risk of flooding and to the protection and improvement of the quality of the water environment. This will be achieved through the following criteria: a) Development should, wherever possible, be avoided in high and medium flood risk areas through the application of a sequential approach considering all forms of flooding for the identification of sites and also the layout of development within site boundaries; b) Development should meet a minimum 1% (1 in 100) annual probability standard of flood protection with allowances for climate change unless local studies indicate a higher annual probability, both in relation to development and the measures required to reduce the impact of any additional run off generated by that development to demonstrate that there is no increased risk of flooding to existing, surrounding properties; c) Development should be designed from the outset to incorporate Sustainable Drainage Systems wherever practicable, to reduce flood risk, improve water quality and promote environmental benefits; d) Where appropriate, development should, subject to viability and feasibility, contribute to flood risk management in North Northamptonshire; e) Following any identified mitigation, development that would lead to deterioration or may compromise the ability of a water body or underlying groundwater to meet good status standards in the Anglian River Basin Management Plan (required by the Water Framework Directive) is unlikely to be permitted; f) Development will only be permitted where it can be demonstrated that adequate and appropriate water supply and wastewater infrastructure is available (or will be prior to occupation).

Development on Brownfield Land and Land Affected by Contamination

In allocating land for development and determining planning applications, the local planning authorities will seek to maximise the delivery of development through the reuse of suitable previously developed land and buildings within the urban areas. Where development is situated on a site with known or high likelihood of contamination, remediation strategies to manage this contamination will be required. Subject to the Policies in this Plan, planning permission will be granted for development on land affected by contamination where it can be established by the proposed developer that the site can be safely and viably developed with no significant impact on either future users or on ground and surface waters.

HISTORIC ENVIRONMENT

The distinctive North Northamptonshire historic environment will be protected, preserved and, where appropriate, enhanced. Where a development would impact upon a heritage asset and/or its setting: a) Proposals should conserve and, where possible, enhance the heritage significance and setting of an asset or group of heritage assets in a manner commensurate to its significance; b) Proposals should complement their surrounding historic environment through the form, scale, design and materials; c) Proposals should protect and, where possible, enhance key views and vistas of heritage assets, including of the church spires along the Nene Valley and across North Northamptonshire; d) Proposals should demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of the impact of development on heritage assets and their setting in order to minimise harm to these assets and their setting. Where loss of historic features or archaeological remains is unavoidable and justified, provision should be made for recording and the production of a suitable archive and report; e) Where appropriate, flexible solutions to the re-use of buildings and conservation of other types of heritage assets at risk will be encouraged, especially, where this will result in their removal from the 'at risk' register.

THE NETWORK OF URBAN AND RURAL AREAS

Development will be distributed to strengthen the network of settlements in accordance with the roles in Table 1 and to support delivery of the place-shaping principles set out in Table 2. The special mixed urban/rural character of North Northamptonshire with its distinctive and separate settlements will be maintained through the avoidance of coalescence. 1. THE URBAN AREAS a) The Growth Towns will be the focus for infrastructure investment and higher order facilities to support major employment, housing, retail and leisure development; b) The Market Towns will provide a strong service role for their local communities and surrounding rural areas with growth in homes and jobs to support regeneration and local services, at a scale appropriate to the character and infrastructure of the town; c) Provision will be made for new housing as set out in Policy 28. Any proposals for significant additional growth should be tested and supported through Part 2 Local Plans or Neighbourhood Plans; d) The Sustainable Urban Extensions shown on the Key Diagram provide strategic locations for housing and employment development within and beyond the plan period. If it is necessary to identify additional sites to maintain a 5 year deliverable supply of housing land in a district in accordance with Policy 28, these should be identified at the Growth Town followed, if necessary and relevant, by the Market Towns within that district. 2. THE RURAL AREAS a) Development in the rural areas will be limited to that required to support a prosperous rural economy or to meet a locally arising need, which cannot be met more sustainably at a nearby larger settlement; b) Small scale infill development will be permitted on suitable sites within Villages where this would not materially harm the character of the settlement and residential amenity or exceed the capacity of local infrastructure and services. Part 2 Local Plans and/or Neighbourhood Plans may identify sites within or adjoining Villages to help meet locally identified needs or may designate sensitive areas where infill development will be resisted or subject to special control; c) Local and Neighbourhood Plans will identify sites within or adjoining the villages to meet the rural housing requirements identified in Table 5. Other than small scale infilling or 'rural exceptions' schemes, development above these requirements will be resisted unless agreed through the Part 2 Local Plan or Neighbourhood Plans to meet a particular local need or opportunity; d) Rural diversification and the appropriate re-use of rural buildings will be supported in accordance with Policy 25. Renewable energy developments will be considered under Policy 26. Other forms of development will be resisted in the open countryside unless there are special circumstances as set out in Policy 13 or national policy; e) The strategic opportunity for an exemplar sustainable new village community at Deenethorpe Airfield will be explored in accordance with Policy 14.

Rural Exceptions

As an exception to the spatial strategy set out in Policy 11, new development may be permitted in the rural area as set out below: 1. Development adjoining established settlements, beyond their existing built up area or defined boundary, where the proposal satisfies all of the following criteria: a) The form and scale of the development should be clearly justified by evidence that it meets an identified need arising within a village or network of villages through a local needs survey; b) Sites should be well-related to a settlement that offers services and employment to meet the day to day needs of occupants of the development; c) Development should enable access to local services and facilities by foot, cycle or public transport; d) The scale and nature of the development will not exceed identified needs and must be appropriate to the surroundings, minimise impacts on the environment and be supported by existing or new infrastructure. Rural Exception Housing schemes should be purely affordable housing unless an element of market housing is essential to enable the delivery of the development. In such cases, the scale of market housing will be the minimum necessary to make the scheme viable and should be tailored to meeting specific locally identified housing needs; e) Occupation of affordable units within the development will be controlled through a legal agreement or conditions to ensure that it remains available and affordable in perpetuity to meet local needs. 2. In open countryside, away from established settlements, permission will not normally be granted for new built residential development, with the exception of: a) Individual dwellings of exceptional quality or innovative design as set out in paragraphs 5.42 and 5.43; and b) Dwellings for rural workers at or near their place of work in the countryside, provided that: i. The dwelling is required to enable someone who is in full time employment in agricultural, forestry or similar rural businesses to meet the essential need of the enterprise concerned; and ii. It can be demonstrated the functional, financial and viability tests in paragraph 5.41 have been met.

Deenethorpe Airfield Area of Opportunity

The opportunity to create a new 'Garden village' of around 1,250 dwellings and associated employment and facilities at Deenethorpe Airfield will be assessed through the preparation of a masterplan and delivery strategy subject to public consultation and agreed with the local planning authority. The masterplan will assess environmental impacts, including upon heritage assets, and will identify phasing and funding requirements and a delivery strategy for the timely provision of infrastructure. For such a proposal to be supported, the masterplan will need to demonstrate how the proposal will avoid, minimise and where necessary mitigate or compensate any adverse environmental impacts, and how it will meet all of the following criteria: a) Create a model for sustainable rural living, with exemplary standards of design, construction and community facilities, made possible by the long term commitment of the Deene Estate, including through the use of pre-set design codes; b) Provide for the new village as a whole to be carbon neutral through: i. Buildings utilising contemporary construction techniques and exemplary construction standards and including systems to reduce their energy demand; ii. A bespoke energy strategy including the production of heat and electricity from renewable and low carbon sources to provide at least 80% of energy requirements on site; iii. Investing in tree planting in the Rockingham Forest. c) Make effective use of previously developed land to restore despoiled landscape and remove the existing aviation activity and open storage uses; d) Support the rural economy through: i. The provision of land and buildings for owner occupiers of small and medium sized enterprises and service providers to build to their requirements within the design code; ii. Ensuring extra land will be made available under 10 year options to allow successful enterprises to expand; iii. Installation of super-fast broadband for all businesses and community facilities and also for all dwellings to support home working; iv. Use of mechanisms to deliver apprenticeships and training opportunities in association with the construction phases for the new village; v. Provision of community food production to serve local businesses. e) Provide a hub for rural services, phased early in the development, through: i. Providing nursery and primary education within the new village and identify how secondary education will be provided in a way that complements provision in neighbouring communities; ii. The provision of appropriate health care facilities; iii. Provision of local shops and services including a range of spaces for the community use. f) Develop a balanced and mixed community, and address affordable housing needs through: i. Providing affordable housing including rented and shared ownership accommodation; ii. Specialist provision to meet the needs of an ageing population; iii. Opportunities for bespoke individual and community custom-build projects including self-build housing subject to the design code. g) Maximise integrated transport choice and connections to services and facilities in neighbouring settlements through the preparation and implementation of a Travel Plan to achieve modal shift, including provisions for: i. A network of dedicated pedestrian and cycle links throughout the new village, with direct and clearly defined connections to neighbouring towns and villages; ii. A road network that allows the village to be served by public transport with the minimum possible diversion of services from the A427 to deliver viable public transport services to Corby and Oundle at the earliest possible opportunity; iii. Improving the highway network with a link between the A427 and A43; iv. Comprehensive infrastructure and incentives to facilitate the use of electric vehicles. h) Provide a sustainable waste water treatment facility that meets the requirements of the Water Framework Directive and secure improvements in water quality and surface water management. i) Strengthen the Green Infrastructure (GI), to enhance the landscape, prevent coalescence with neighbouring villages, support biodiversity, provide accessible opportunities for recreation and contribute to the Rockingham Forest for Life and wider Green Infrastructure links to nearby settlements through: i. Provision of parks, allotments and large private gardens; ii. Provision of significant areas of connected GI including new woodland, woodland pasture, agricultural meadows, open space and creative nature conservation including re-connecting the ancient semi natural woodlands of Weldon Park Wood to Langley Copse; iii. Creating an extensive walking, cycling and riding network with the new GI across the Deene Estate and into the wider area of the Rockingham Forest. j) Help achieve good ecological status on the Willow Brook, in accordance to the requirements of the Water Framework Directive, through contributing to protection and enhancement of its river quality elements and protecting ground water. k) Establish appropriate liaison and governance solutions by identifying the ways in which inclusive and continuous engagement, joint working and long term stewardship can be secured to deliver on the unique and exceptional garden village development.

Housing Requirements

The local planning authorities will each maintain a rolling supply of deliverable sites to provide 5 years' worth of housing (plus a buffer as required by national policy) and will identify developable sites or broad locations of growth for the rest of the plan period, against the requirements set out below. TABLE 4 – SHARE OF OBJECTIVELY ASSESSED NEEDS IN THE HOUSING MARKET AREA ANNUAL AVERAGE DWELLINGS 2011-31 TOTAL 2011-2031 Corby Borough Requirement 460 9,200 Strategic Opportunity (710) (14,200) East Northamptonshire District 420 8,400 Kettering Borough 520 10,400 Borough of Wellingborough 350 7,000 North Northamptonshire 1,750 (2,000) 35,000 (40,000) The local planning authorities will work proactively with applicants to bring forward sites to meet these identified housing requirements in line with the spatial strategy set out in Policy 11 and to realise the identified strategic opportunity for additional development at the Growth Town of Corby.

Distribution of New Homes

New housing will be accommodated in line with the Spatial Strategy with a strong focus at the Growth Towns as the most sustainable locations for development, followed by the Market Towns. Provision will be made for new housing as set out in Table 5. The re-use of suitable previously developed land and buildings in the Growth Towns and the Market Towns will be encouraged. Further development requirements will be focused on the delivery of the Sustainable Urban Extensions and other strategic housing sites identified on the Key Diagram. The local planning authorities will work proactively with landowners, developers and other partners to ensure the timely delivery of the Sustainable Urban Extensions and other strategic housing sites shown on the Key Diagram. Progress will be monitored in the North Northamptonshire Authorities' Monitoring Report. Where necessary to maintain a deliverable 5 year supply of housing sites for a district/borough, the relevant local planning authority will identify additional sources of housing at the Growth Town, followed if necessary and relevant by the Market Towns within that district/borough. The Strategic Opportunity identified in Policy 28 for an additional 5,000 dwellings at Corby will only be delivered through the successful implementation of the Sustainable Urban Extensions at that town. It is not transferable to other settlements. Other than small scale infilling (Policy 11) or rural exceptions schemes (Policy 13), levels of housing development in excess of the identified requirements for the named Villages and Rural Areas will only be permitted where tested and supported through Part 2 Local Plans or Neighbourhood Plans. These plans should also identify the phasing of individual housing sites in the rural areas to ensure that development opportunities are not exhausted early in the plan period.

Housing Mix and Tenure

Housing development should provide a mix of dwelling sizes and tenures to cater for current and forecast accommodation needs and to assist in the creation of sustainable mixed and inclusive communities. In particular: a) The mix of house types within a development should reflect: i. The need to accommodate smaller households with an emphasis on the provision of small and medium sized dwellings (1-3 bedrooms) including, where appropriate, dwellings designed for older people; ii. The existing housing stock within the settlement or neighbourhood/ward in order to address any gaps in provision and to avoid an over-concentration of a single type of housing where this would adversely affect the character or infrastructure of the area. b) The internal floor area of new dwellings must meet the National Space Standards as a minimum in order to provide residents with adequate space for basic furnishings, storage and activities. In both affordable and market sectors, adaptable housing designs will be encouraged in order to provide flexible internal layouts and to allow for cost-effective alterations (including extensions) as demands and lifestyles change; c) New dwellings must meet Category 2 of the proposed National Accessibility Standards as a minimum and the local planning authority will negotiate for a proportion of Category 3 (wheel-chair accessible) housing based on evidence of local needs; d) On private sector developments of 15 or more dwellings (net) or where the combined GFA of dwellings will exceed 1,500sqm in the Growth Towns and Market Towns and 11 or more dwellings (net) or where the combined GFA of dwellings will exceed 1,000sqm elsewhere, the local planning authority will seek the provision of affordable housing in line with the following targets: • Sustainable Urban Extensions 20% of total dwellings in phases to be developed by March 2026, with provision to be made for a review of the viable level of affordable housing in later phases. • Growth Towns and Market Towns excluding Oundle 30% of total dwellings • Rural areas including all villages plus Oundle 40% of total dwellings The precise proportion and tenure mix of affordable housing will take into account the need identified in the SHMA toolkit (or more up to date local assessment agreed with the local planning authority) and the viability of the development; e) Affordable housing will be provided on site unless the developer can demonstrate exceptional circumstances which necessitate provision on another site, or the local planning authority is satisfied that off-site delivery or an equivalent financial contribution for affordable housing will support urban regeneration and/or the creation of sustainable mixed and inclusive communities; f) Proposals will be encouraged for market and affordable housing provision to meet the specialised housing requirements of older households including designated, sheltered and extra care accommodation and other attractive housing options to enable older households to down-size to smaller accommodation. SUEs and other strategic developments should make specific provision towards meeting these needs; g) Proposals for individual and community Custom-Build developments that are in line with the spatial strategy will be supported. SUEs and other strategic developments should make available serviced building plots to facilitate this sector of the market.

WEST CORBY SUSTAINABLE URBAN EXTENSION

Land at West Corby, as shown on the Policies Map, is allocated for a mixed-use sustainable urban extension. The development should include: a) The phased delivery of around 4,500 dwellings to include the seamless integration of housing sizes, types and tenures; b) A wide range of employment opportunities that provide for at least 2,500 jobs in different sectors of the economy and include provision for small/medium size flexible units that can be used for B1 (business) and B2 (general industry) uses; c) Primary and secondary education facilities to meet the needs of the development; and d) Retail, leisure, social, cultural, green infrastructure, community and health facilities to meet the day to day needs of the development without adversely affecting the town centre of Corby. A comprehensive masterplan for the whole development should be agreed by the local planning authority. The masterplan will make provision for the above requirements and; e) Provide for development to commence adjacent to the existing town to avoid the creation of isolated areas of development; f) Demonstrate that proposals will be implemented in a comprehensive manner linked to the delivery of infrastructure; g) Detail the location of vehicular access points at safe and convenient locations along the A6003 and the A427; h) Provide infrastructure to mitigate the impact on the surrounding highway network; i) Provide for the comprehensive integration and connectivity of all of the land between the northern boundary of the site and the A427 to facilitate possible further development beyond the Plan period (post 2031) subject to a technical assessment, including the impact on heritage assets; j) Include an integrated transport network that is focused on walking, cycling and excellent public transport and provides convenient, permeable and safe routes that connect homes to destinations within the urban extension and link West Corby to adjoining neighbourhoods, the town centre, adjoining settlements and the countryside. k) Include a connected and accessible network of high quality landscaping and green infrastructure which integrates the development into the countryside; enhances the character and ecological value of the site; provides buffers to protect and enhance ancient woodland; protects the setting of heritage assets; includes sustainable drainage infrastructure to serve the development; and incorporate open space for play, sport and recreation to meet the needs of the urban extension. Provision should be made for the effective management of landscape features and the new landscaping and green infrastructure; l) Provide an energy strategy to ensure that the highest viable amount of heat and energy used within the development is generated on-site from renewable or low-carbon sources; and m) Include mitigation measures, where necessary, to ensure that the development will not be adversely affected by the permitted egg farm or by the A6003 Uppingham Road.

Rushden East Sustainable Urban Extension

Land to the East of Rushden is identified as the broad location for a sustainable urban extension to include around 2,500 dwellings and provision for an appropriate level of job opportunities, ancillary facilities, services and open space. Rushden East will be a sustainable and attractive development that helps meet the long-term aspirations for economic growth; offers a high quality of life for new and existing residents and enhances the image of the town as a whole. It will be a new distinctive neighbourhood with its own separate identity but well-connected and integrated with the town as a whole. A masterplan will be prepared in consultation with the local community and stakeholders and agreed by the local planning authority. The masterplan will define development boundaries and policy expectations for inclusion in the Part 2 Local Plan covering Rushden or the preparation of a planning application for development of the Sustainable Urban Extension. In order to avoid piece-meal development, the preparation and agreement of the masterplan is a prerequisite before any planning applications are granted planning permission. Any such planning applications will need to take into account the requirements of the Habitats Regulations Assessment legislation. Any development proposals must be consistent with the masterplan and must not in any way prejudice the implementation of the whole development. The masterplan should meet the policy requirements set out in this Plan, including the need to be informed by a project level Habitats Regulations Assessment (to ensure the protection of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area), and incorporate the following specific local requirements: ECONOMIC: a) Around 2,000-2,500 homes including affordable homes and homes for the older population. b) Good connections by all modes across the A6 to the rest of Rushden and to Higham Ferrers, in particular the town centres and other key service and employment destinations. c) A mix of employment opportunities that will make a significant contribution to delivering an enhanced balance between new homes and jobs in Rushden, including offices and industrial premises as well as local centre, small-scale business space and dwellings suitable for home working or business start-ups. d) The opportunity for further development beyond the current scale of development through safeguarding land and access opportunities. ENVIRONMENTAL: e) A sensitively designed environment responding to the existing landscape character and features, including how the edge of the site is treated. f) A permeable and well-connected grid of streets and new links to connect with the wider Greenway network. g) Appropriate green space, and other mitigation measures as may be required to mitigate impacts on the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area. This should include the provision of a new and attractive destination open space. h) Green spaces with the imaginative use of water to both manage drainage and make them more attractive. i) A clear physical separation from the villages of Caldecott, Chelveston and Newton Bromswold but with footpaths and cycle ways to connect them to the new area. j) An energy strategy to ensure that the highest viable amount of heat and energy used within the development is generated on-site from renewable or low-carbon sources. SOCIAL: k) Green spaces and community facilities including two new primary schools, primary health care, new community centre, land for a new cemetery and other local community facilities such as allotments. l) Land reserved for a new secondary school.

Rothwell North Sustainable Urban Extension

Land at Rothwell North, as shown on the policies map, is allocated for a mixed use sustainable urban extension. A comprehensive strategic masterplan, to be agreed by the local planning authority, should include: a) The delivery of around 700 dwellings in the period to 2031; b) A minimum of 3 hectares gross of B1 and B2 employment land; c) A local centre comprising shops and community facilities that meet day to day needs of occupants of the development without adversely affecting the town centre of Rothwell; d) Enhanced and new green infrastructure including a multi-functional buffer between the built form of the development and the Rothwell gullet and Rothwell Meadow Local Wildlife Sites. Development will include strategic planting and landscaping along the entire northern edge of the site to prevent a visual coalescence with Desborough; e) Roads and other infrastructure including a new roundabout junction off the A6 and a strategic link road within the Rothwell North SUE to a new appropriate junction off the B576 as well as a contribution to minor improvements to A14 Junction 3; f) A well-connected grid of streets, integrated with the surrounding area to provide strong links to the town centre, to the open countryside, and to Desborough and the Ise Valley, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists; g) Future potential for new connections to the Montsaye Academy and to potential future development to the south and to the east; h) A contribution to public realm/traffic calming, reducing the amount of through traffic in Rothwell Town Centre and reducing the dominance of the car and improving the shopping environment for pedestrians; i) A range of residential densities to reflect the different character areas within the site and the nature of surrounding land-uses; j) A sustainable urban drainage system; k) Physical improvements or financial contributions towards enhancement of the existing community centre in Well Lane or new provision of a community centre; l) Provision of an additional 2.13 hectares of land for educational purposes to the west of Montsaye Academy along with education contributions for the future development of existing schools; m) An energy strategy to ensure the highest viable amount of heat and energy used within the development is generated on-site from renewable or low-carbon sources.

PROVISION OF INFRASTRUCTURE

Development must be supported by the timely delivery of infrastructure, services and facilities necessary to meet the needs arising from the development and to support the development of North Northamptonshire. To achieve this: a) A combination of funding sources will be sought to deliver the infrastructure required by this plan. Developers will either make direct provision or will contribute towards the provision of infrastructure required by the development either alone or cumulatively with other developments; b) Development should seek to minimise increases in the demand for infrastructure and services including through measures to encourage a reduction in car use, measures to limit the need for additional/expanded water and waste infrastructure and to create safe, healthy environments; c) Planning permission will only be granted if it can be demonstrated that there is or will be sufficient infrastructure capacity provided within an agreed timescale to support and meet all the requirements arising from the proposed development; d) The local planning authorities will work with developers and infrastructure/service providers to identify viable solutions to delivering infrastructure, where appropriate through phasing conditions, the use of interim measures and the provision of co-located facilities; e) Next Generation Access broadband should be provided to serve all areas by partnering with a telecommunications provider or providing on-site infrastructure to enable the premises to be directly served.

PRESUMPTION IN FAVOUR OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

When considering development proposals the Local Planning Authority will take a positive approach that reflects the presumption in favour of sustainable development contained in the National Planning Policy Framework. It will always work proactively with applicants jointly to find solutions which mean that proposals can be approved wherever possible, and to secure development that improves the economic, social and environmental conditions in the area meeting the challenges of climate change and protecting and enhancing the provision of ecosystems services. To be regarded as 'sustainable' within the context of North Northamptonshire, development should contribute to delivering the Plan Vision and Outcomes through compliance with the relevant policies of this Plan. Development that conflicts with policies of the Plan will be refused unless material considerations indicate otherwise. Where a development is otherwise acceptable but an independent viability appraisal demonstrates that certain policy standards cannot be achieved, the Local Planning Authority will work with the applicant to consider alternative approaches to deliver the desired policy outcomes.

Town Centres and Town Centre Uses

The vitality and viability of the town centres in North Northamptonshire will be supported by: a) Securing and maintaining a vibrant mix of retail, employment, leisure and cultural facilities and supporting the provision of additional residential uses on appropriate sites including the re-use of vacant space above shops. Part 2 Local Plans will identify the extent of the Town Centres, sites to accommodate town centre uses, and Primary shopping Areas. Within Primary Shopping Areas Proposals for change of use or redevelopment will be permitted if the proposal adds to the attractiveness of the centre and does not lead to the predominance of A1 retail use being critically undermined; b) Enhancing the public realm and improving access to the town centres for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport users and supporting proposals to provide convenient, safe and secure car parking; c) Maintaining and regenerating Kettering and Corby town centres as the focus of higher order facilities and retail investment serving growing communities in the north. This will include a minimum increase of 12,500sqm net comparison shopping floorspace in each of Corby and Kettering town centres by 2031; d) Adapting and diversifying Wellingborough and Rushden town centres to operate successfully alongside the permitted out of centre retail and leisure development at Rushden Lakes, which will provide up to 32,511sqm net retail sales area serving growing communities in the southern area; e) Supporting the provision of a medium-sized foodstore to serve the Desborough/Rothwell area and an additional 4,100sqm of convenience goods floorspace in the southern area by 2031; f) Supporting development of town centre uses in the town centres of the Market Towns where this is of a scale and nature consistent with the character of the settlement and the role of Market Towns in providing mainly convenience shopping and local services. Part 2 Local Plans and Neighbourhood Plans may identify additional development opportunities where these do not undermine the focus of retail development at the town centres of the Growth Towns; and g) Applying the sequential and impact tests set out in the NPPF to the assessment of retail development and other town centre uses that are proposed outside the defined town centre areas (other than small scale rural development and the creation of local centres to meet the day to day needs of residents in the SUEs).

Well-Connected Towns, Villages and Neighbourhoods

Connectivity will be strengthened within and around settlements by managing development and investment to: a) Improve access from the edge of towns to their centres by focusing activity and investment on the main radial routes and rebalancing design towards pedestrians, cyclists and public transport; b) Create safe, direct and convenient crossing points on those major roads that present a barrier to movement, where feasible; c) Design development to give priority to sustainable means of transport, including measures to contribute towards meeting the modal shift targets in the Northamptonshire Transportation Plan; d) Improve local integration by ensuring well-connected street networks, very limited use of cul-de-sacs (which should be short in length) and low design speeds for residential roads to allow cycling on street and pedestrian priority; e) Extend the existing Green Infrastructure network into new development and linking existing open spaces together through the provision of either new Green Infrastructure or 'Green Streets'.

Connecting the Network of Settlements

Connections between the towns in the Northamptonshire Arc will be strengthened and links between the Market Towns and the train stations improved. This will be achieved through managing development and investment to: a) Prioritise enhanced public transport provision, including the Northamptonshire Arc Transit Network and its phased implementation for the introduction of rapid transit links between the town centres, major employment sites and Sustainable Urban Extensions where feasible; b) Improve and develop centrally located bus interchanges at Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough and Rushden; c) Develop multi modal interchanges at the railway stations to include facilities for service information, good access by foot and bicycle, provision for buses and taxis, and secure parking facilities; and d) Provide road infrastructure required to facilitate development, strengthen connections between settlements and/or, relieve existing communities from traffic, including but not limited to the following improvements: i. A43/A14 including the Weekley/Warkton Avenue as part of the Kettering East sustainable urban extension; ii. Rothwell North/A6 as part of the Rothwell North sustainable urban extension; iii. A509/A45 Wellingborough Eastern Distributor Road as part of the Wellingborough East sustainable urban extension; iv. Corby Northern Orbital Road (phase 2) as part of the Rockingham Motor Racing Circuit Enterprise Area; v. A427 Weldon Relief Road as part of the North East Corby sustainable urban extension; and vi. A45 Chowns Mill roundabout.

North Northamptonshire's Strategic Connections

North Northamptonshire's strategic connections with surrounding areas will be strengthened and enhanced by managing development and investment to ensure that they are to the standard necessary to fulfil the role expected of them. New development that would prejudice their role will not be permitted. The priorities for further work and investment within North Northamptonshire in the period to 2031 are: a) Rail (Midland Main Line) Upgrading of the rail infrastructure to increase capacity for passengers and rail freight, including: i. Electrification and line speed improvements northbound, including from Corby, and southbound from all stations to London St Pancras International and Europe; ii. Station improvements, the provision of additional capacity and improved frequency of services calling at Corby, Kettering and Wellingborough; iii. Ensuring continuation of through services to Leicester, Derby and Nottingham and connecting with HS2 for onwards northbound travel; and iv. Investigation of the longer term potential for railway stations at Irchester (to serve Irchester, Higham Ferrers and Rushden) and Desborough (to serve Desborough and Rothwell). b) Bus Services i. A sub-regional bus network with priorities for investment being Bedford to Market Harborough, linking the towns in the urban spine with the Midland Main Line stations; and Peterborough to Northampton providing a direct strategic link along the A605/A45 spine; ii. Express coach services linking North Northamptonshire to the West Midlands and East Anglia along the A14; and iii. Real Time information at key boarding stops to give passengers details as to the expected likely arrival times of buses. c) Road Network i. A14 Kettering Bypass improvements between junctions 7 and 9; ii. A14 improvements at A509 junction 9 and A6 junction 10 including the provision of Junction 10a to serve the Kettering East SUE; iii. A45 improvements including the A45/A6 Chowns Mill junction and dualling between Stanwick and Thrapston; iv. A509 between A14 Kettering and A45 Wellingborough (including Isham Bypass and Isham to Wellingborough improvement); and v. A43 Kettering to Northampton improvements.

HGV Parking

A net increase in HGV parking will be sought to address an existing shortfall and to meet the needs arising from new employment development by: a) Resisting the loss of lorry parks unless it can be demonstrated that: i. The facility is no longer required; or ii. An alternative use of the site is beneficial and replacement lorry parking will be provided in an appropriate location before the existing use ceases. b) Ensuring that where developments are likely to lead to an associated demand for lorry parking which is not already provided for by an appropriate facility, they contribute towards the provision of formal lorry parking facilities which could include lorry stacking areas within the proposed development or financial contributions towards extending or providing an appropriate facility. c) Granting planning permission for HGV parking facilities where it can be demonstrated that the proposal: i. Is supported by robust, up-to-date evidence of need; ii. Is of a size that is viable and makes a significant contribution to meeting the identified need; iii. Is located within 2kms of the trunk road network or a major freight attractor and can be directly accessed avoiding existing residential areas; iv. Is designed and laid out to a high standard and incorporates 'Secured by Design' principles; v. Will provide a level of on-site facilities for lorry drivers appropriate to the size of the scheme, with any ancillary uses being of a type and scale appropriate to the main use of the site as a truck stop; vi. Incorporates suitable arrangements for the management and maintenance of the facility; and vii. Where located in the open countryside, incorporates a restoration plan agreed by the local planning authority for the after-use of the site to be implemented in the event of the cessation of the use of the site for HGV parking operations.