Planning blueprint includes 47,300 new homes

Nearly 50,000 new homes are included in a council's blueprint for future development.

The latest draft of West Northamptonshire Council's Local Plan sets out policies and guidelines for building and land use for the next 20 years.

Northampton, Daventry, Brackley, Towcester and the village of Long Buckby could all see big growth.

"This Local Plan is one of the most important documents we produce, setting out how we balance homes, jobs, and infrastructure while protecting our environment and creating thriving places for future generations," said Thomas Manning, a Reform UK councillor who is cabinet member for planning.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the document allows for up to 47,300 new homes in the area by 2043.

The plan was revised after higher housing targets were introduced by the government.

Most of the new homes, just over 33,000, would be built in Northampton.

According to a 2021 census, there were about 100,000 households in Northampton.

Under the framework set out in the Local Plan, that could go up by 33%.

At least 4,670 homes are proposed in Daventry, a potential growth of 40%.

Sites include the Micklewell Park Extension, Middlemore, and the Daventry North East sustainable urban extension.

Brackley is allocated 1,650 homes, a 25% increase, and Towcester 1,400 homes, a 28% increase.

The council says both towns have grown significantly in recent years. Brackley's current population is about 16,200 and Towcester's 11,500.

The plan suggests leisure, tourism and exhibition facilities at Towcester Racecourse.

There are three large employment allocations at Bell Plantation, Woolgrowers Field and Tiffield Lane.

A large residential scheme is suggested on land near the railway station in Long Buckby.

The council has allocated 1,000 homes and four hectares of employment land there.

The village could see a 50% rise in the number of houses. It currently has 1,979 households.

About 3,800 homes could be built in other rural areas.

The council says the individual developments would be led by local neighbourhood plans.

The proposals will be discussed at a planning policy committee on Thursday.

If approved, an eight-week public consultation will begin in February.

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