The key areas for concern that have been identified include:

  • Neither site is allocated for strategic warehousing development in the approved Local Plan or the Joint Core Strategy for this area. To grant permission for this development would make a mockery of the democratic process that was undertaken when identifying areas for development in East Northamptonshire.
  • The risk of increased flooding to Titchmarsh and Thrapston from groundwater run-off.
  • The irreparable damage to the environment and wildlife.
  • The increased congestion to the A605 and surrounding roads, which are already struggling to cope with existing traffic levels.
  • Noise and light pollution from the proposed site.
  • The lack of local employment supply to fulfil the number of jobs proposed by the developers.
  • The potential impact on the local Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) (Thrapston Lakes and Titchmarsh Nature Reserve).
  • Loss of farmland threatens food supply.

The original deadlines that had been set for the submission of objections no-longer apply. STAUNCH have been assured that any evidence or information submitted to the planning officer will be taken into consideration. In other words, we can continue submitting objections until the plans come before the planning committee – possibly in November.

There is still time to object against both plans

Please ensure the application reference number NE/22/00151/FUL (for Castle Manor site) or NE/22/00698/OUT (for Glebe Land Site) is included in the subject line of your email and that your email contains your contact name and address in order to be accepted. Then just email your objections directly to planning.enc@northnorthants.gov.uk

So how should I word my letter of objection?

Consider the key areas of concern listed above. Wherever possible, try and support your comments with any personal experiences that you may have had. Also include any documentation or photographic evidence you may have access to.

Keep your objections as close to ‘material planning considerations’ as possible. These are the specific points of concern the planners take into account in deciding a planning application. The most common material considerations (although not an exhaustive list) include:

  • Visual amenity (the visual impact of a development on the landscape)
  • Highway safety
  • Traffic generation
  • Noise and disturbance resulting from the use
  • Effect on listed buildings and conservation area
  • Layout and density of the buildings and conservation area
  • Road access
  • Local, strategic, regional, and national policies
  • Nature conservation
  • Proposals in the Development Plan
  • Previous planning decisions (including appeal decisions)
  • Archaeology

Please be aware that some issues – regardless of how important they may be to you personally – are not material planning considerations. These include such things as:

  • The perceived loss of property value
  • The loss of view
  • The impact of construction work
  • Personal morals or views about the applicant

Finally, remember you do not need to have a detailed understanding of planning matters to submit an objection. No planning department expects local communities to possess detailed planning knowledge. The planning authority however welcome the submission of any concerns of residents and other stakeholders so these can be considered alongside the application itself. They can then be taken into account by the planners when they make their recommendations to the North Northants Strategic Planning Committee who will be determining the outcome of the application.

Don’t forget every member of your household can object and you don’t even have to live the area to have a say. Please make sure you all submit your own objections separately – NOT a joint one for the whole family. Numbers count!

Other considerations

In addition, there are a few other important points to consider:

  • Do not copy and paste objections. Objections copied and pasted or are found to be very similar to each other will be ignored in a similar way. Everyone objecting should use their own words to describe the reasons the development should not go ahead.
  • Do not include information about the applicant, even if you believe it is relevant.
  • Do not include speculation on future events such as future developments of the site as these will be ignored. Only details relating to the current proposed development will be considered. Please remember that this application only refers to the Castle Farm site and therefore your objections should not focus on the other potential Glebe land development. However, the potential cumulative damaging impacts of two massive warehousing sites can be relevant.

A useful document in assisting you to raise your objections can be found

on the CPRE website. www.cpre.org.uk/resources/how-respond-to-planning-applications

Finally, let your local politicians know your thoughts and concerns directly. Below are the most relevant contact details:

Councillor David Brackenbury (Thrapston Ward and Chair of EAP Planning Policy)
David.brackenbury@northnorthants.gov.uk

Councillor Wendy Brackenbury (Thrapston Ward)
Wendy.brackenbury@northnorthants.gov.uk

Councillor Geoff Shacklock (Thrapston Ward)
Geoff.shacklock@northnorthants.gov.uk

Jason Smithers (Leader of North Northants Council)
Jason.smithers@northnorthants.gov.uk

Tom Pursglove MP – House of Commons London SW1A 0AA
Tom.pursglove.mp@parliament.uk

Contact details for all our 78 elected North Northants Councillors can be found at https://northnorthants.moderngov.co.uk/mgMemberIndex

If you require any other information or assistance, then please contact us at info@staunchcampaign.org.