Land west of Northampton Road, Blisworth

Frequently Asked Questions

General

1.     What is the size of the site you are developing?

The site outline has a boundary of approximately 15 acres, with the net developable area of circa 12 acres proposed to be redeveloped to accommodate the buildings, car park and access road. It should be noted that the site is previous industrial land. 

2.     How much of your proposals are on the previously developed parcel of land?

The majority of the site is brownfield land, having been previously developed and used for industrial use, with the exception of 2 acres to the North West. This area is surrounded by existing employment sites on 3 sides we believe it is an appropriate site for industrial use given it’s derelict state, its immediate proximity to other industrial uses and its unsuitability for any other use. 

3.     What will the site be used for? 

We are proposing to redevelop the site to provide commercial units for B2 and B8 Purposes. In particular, we are not seeking to bring forward large scale warehousing units but rather cater to the un-met local need for small to medium size industrial units particularly geared for SME businesses.

4.     What is the proposed size and height of the units?

This is an outline planning permission so the units sizes or heights are not fixed and will be subject to further reserved matters applications. However, our current proposals see an indicative 182,000 sq ft of commercial space proposed with a maximum building height of 18 meters. We have proposed that the site would be most suited to a mix of units of majority small (3,000/6,000 sq ft) medium (10,0000/15,000 sq ft) and limited number of large (20,000 sq ft +) units.

5.     There have been lots of large industrial units proposed nearby – how do your proposals differ from these?

A significant number of recent planning permissions have been granted for larger scale, B8 development, storage and warehouse, throughout Northamptonshire, but opportunities for more local occupiers for smaller premises has been significantly overlooked. Consequently, many small (local) occupiers have been forced to relocate to geographical areas that offer an existing supply of buildings, and that has often been away from Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas. This will continue unless it is addressed. Furthermore, there has always been, and remains strong interest from occupiers that want to purchase freehold interests, and this is very rarely offered by the market, even when a land supply is available. The intention with this proposal would be to offer both freehold and leasehold product to satisfy local supplier demand.

6.     There is low unemployment in the area; is there a need for this development?

Yes, there is. There are local entrepreneurs and sole traders who want to establish their businesses locally and provide employment for workers who live locally who may be commuting long distances for similar roles. Our proposals are specifically seeking to cater to the SME local market.

7.     Why is this a good location for an industrial development? 

The site is a previously developed, existing industrial site that has fallen into disrepair and is aesthetically poor. It is in close proximity to the M1 and we feel that redevelopment of a brownfield site, which has an established use as industrial would be preferential to a new development of green field land where such a use has never been established.

8.     When are you submitting the application?

An outline application has now been submitted to West Northamptonshire Council  (application number WNS/2022/1134/MAO)

Biodiversity and landscaping

1.     What landscaping measures will be used?

Existing hedgerow and trees will be retained, protected and enhanced on all perimeters of the site. The eastern side and road facing side of the site will be planted with varying heights of native shrub planning that will screen the buildings for the benefit of residents and occupiers.

2.     What measures will you put in place to ensure a net gain in biodiversity?

In addition to the above landscaping measures, we will be implementing wildlife friendly planting and measures to improve the site’s biodiversity. To ensure compliance with planning policy, National Planning Policy Framework and Policy BN2 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy Local Plan (Part 1) compensation for any loss of habitats value will be required so the development can achieve an overall net gain for biodiversity. Full details of these measures will be provided as part of the eventual planning application. 

Construction Management

1.     What kind of industry do you expect to see on the site? 

The proposed application would see light Industrial , manufacturing and warehousing.

2.     When would construction work commence and how long is it likely to take?

If planning permission is granted, we anticipate that the development would take approximately 3 to 4 years to complete construction. We will be able to update residents on this further in due course.

3.     How will construction be managed, particularly in relation to traffic, dust and noise?

A construction management plan will be drafted and submitted to the Council that will outline how traffic, hours of work, noise, dust,  site compound location and facilities. No works can commence until the Construction Management Plan is approved by the Council.

Traffic

Please see our dedicated tab above for further information on highways, transport and access matters.