Pictured: Ransome Road
West Northamptonshire Development Corporation's planning
committee has approved an application for a vital new road in
Northampton.
As part of a wider regeneration plan, it will enable the
transformation of derelict land along the River Nene into a
landmark mixed-use scheme.
The application, which was submitted by the Corporation itself,
comprises a 1.6km route between the Bedford Road and Ransome Road
near the town centre. The road will facilitate major commercial
development as well as up to 1,400 new homes on three interlinked
brownfield sites. They include a disused factory owned by Avon
Cosmetics, the old Nunn Mills power station, and a former landfill
facility at the Ransome road site.
WNDC's Director of Regeneration and Development, Chris Garden
said: "The Nunn Mills development road is part of a bigger picture
for Northampton's waterside area. Along with the infrastructure
improvements already underway, it will support the transformation
of derelict land into a landmark mixed-use scheme"
The Avon and Nunn Mills sites are part of Northampton's
Waterside Enterprise Zone which was announced by government earlier
this month. Funded by WNDC, a number of projects are already
being delivered to support the redevelopment of the waterside area.
They range from the under construction Becket's Park boating
Marina, to junction improvements which are currently being
delivered between London Road and Ransome Road.
Chris Garden added: "By using our specialist development and
investment powers, we are aiming to establish Northampton's
waterside area as a leading business location. The new road, as
well as other initiatives such as the enterprise zone, will help to
achieve this long-term goal"
The road is estimated to cost in the region of £12 million
and will be delivered by WNDC and the landowners. The Corporation
is also preparing a Compulsory Purchase Order to acquire a section
of land required for the new road. The land, which runs between the
Avon and Nunn Mills sites, is currently in unknown ownership.