Reasons to Object
The applicant submitted new documents in July. The deadline for objections is now regularly being extended and is currently listed on the planning portal as 23rd October 2023. However, all objections will still be considered up until the decision date (as yet unknown). Even if you have already submitted an objection, it is important that you do so again based on the revised planning documents.
Full details of the planning application and supporting documents can be found on the link below. (You'll need to register to object, which takes only 30 seconds):
Or you can email to planning@westnorthants.gov.uk
or write to: Planning Department, West Northampton Council, The Guildhall, St Giles Square, Northampton, NN1 1DE
Always include the Planning Reference Number WNS/2022/1741/EIA
Below is a brief summary of the many reasons to object to this unsuitable development. Click on each title for more detailed info.
“Ensuring that new development is focussed in sustainable settlements whilst protecting the overall rural character of the area and including the tranquillity of areas which have remained relatively undisturbed by noise and are prized for their recreational and amenity value.”
West Northants Council Local Plan Part 1
- 77 HGV loading bays could mean nearly 3000 additional trucks PER DAY on the A508, A5 and A422.
- In addition: 87 HGV parking spaces, 847 parking spaces for cars, disabled parking, cycles and motorcycles will make congestion even worse.
- Traffic from the A5, including heavy goods vehicles, will have to turn right across the A508. The plan for a signalised junction with lights has now been changed to a ‘ghost’ junction. There have been fatalities in the past at a junction less than 500 yards away.
- The Secretary of State for Transport has given the go-ahead to the M1 J15 Northampton Rail Freight Gateway to operate for an indeterminate time without a railhead! This will mean yet more trucks using the A508.
- The developers with WNC agreement have used irrelevant and inaccurate traffic data to measure traffic. They collected data in March at a point 7+ miles away and before Cosgrove Park was open. Cosgrove Village normally sees an extra 30,000 vehicle movements in August when the park is open.
- Massive loss of soakaway in a WNC Flood Zone leading to the risk of more flooding in Stony Stratford and downstream in Newport Pagnell
- The dam will be across the polluted Dogsmouth brook, so eventually filling the reservoir with effluent rich water. Once the reservoir is full, what will happen to additional water from flooding?
- Light, noise, and air pollution seriously affecting residents, some less than 40 metres away, who currently overlook green fields. The development will be visible for miles
- River pollution: Proposed vehicle washing station on site could lead to further river contamination
- Contamination: No real plan for how to deal with waste generated from the Deanshanger Oxide works
- A Country Park where there are already open fields! Issues – nowhere for visitors to park, a poor management plan, a disturbed environment
- The proposed dam to alleviate flooding also means waving goodbye to around 50% of the country park
- Logistics and warehousing recruitment is in crisis, with some of the highest numbers of vacancies ever seen
- Investment in robots means warehouses can hold more products and process them faster than if relying on humans
- Warehouse work is unskilled, poorly paid and insecure. Average annual staff turnover in the UK is 37% (3.6% for all UK industries.)
- Grand Union Canal Conservation Area will be significantly affected.
- No Heritage Management Plan for the archaeology sites.
- No regard has been paid to the change in view from Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Heritage Assets in the area.
Writing your objection letter
It is essential that you use your own wording as much as possible when writing your objection letter. We are not providing a letter template for objections as we have been advised that duplicate letters will only be counted as one letter. For more advice on writing your letter, click on the link below:
Further action - "What more can I do?"
You can also write to your local Councillors, Planning Committee members and local MP with your concerns. Every letter will make a difference. Click on the link below for more information and list of contacts:
“There is a need for limited development in the rural area but aims to ensure that the scale of this development is consistent with the objective of meeting local needs and supporting local services.”
West Northants Council Local Plan Part 1
Website of The Furtho Development Objection Group
Have a question, comment or offer of help?
Let us know.
