I want to express how extremely disappointed I am that the Planning Inspectorate has announced his approval of the Appeal by DHL.
Although not the result any of us wanted, I must commend Save Towcester Now, who have worked so tirelessly to demonstrate why this was a totally inappropriate development for this area. There was nothing more that we could do. I am also so very sorry that the Inspectorate has determined to go against the vote of the Strategic Planning Committee (11 to 1), my own submissions and more than 1,000 written representations and heartfelt objections which demonstrated our firm opposition to this development. The Appeal was allowed on a more technical interpretation of the Local Plan.
What happens next?
Any development by DHL has to be built out in accordance with 49 conditions - these range from points on design, flooding, environmental assessments etc. It also specifies that the development cannot be occupied until the Relief Road is constructed in full
and open to general traffic. There is also a requirement that DHL enters into a s106 agreement with the Council which for example provides for:
• Transfer of the freehold of the land to be used for Towcester Town Football Club to the Council, together with the provision of utilities and access;
• A contribution of £500,000 for the provision of a bus service to the site;
• A contribution of £100,000 to a bus ticket fund;
• Delivery of off-site biodiversity net gain; and
• A contribution of £250,000 towards the creation of a shared footway/cycleway on the A5 south of Tove Roundabout
It is now for DHL to respect our community and build out the development in accordance with these conditions and I would urge them to do all they can to minimise the impact of their scheme on our beautiful town and surrounding villages.
