A funding injection for new Garden Communities which will put green, wildlife friendly spaces at the heart of new development has been welcomed by North Northamptonshire Council.
The Government has announced that the Council will receive money to take forward projects in support of Hanwood Park in Kettering, and Stanton Cross in Wellingborough.
Both projects will deliver footpath/cycleway infrastructure, integrating these new communities into routes that follow the Ise Valley Way, receiving £200,000, and the Nene Greenway receiving £241,000.
Tresham Garden Village is another new Garden Community receiving funding support from the Government in its planning.
The development of the garden communities is key to regenerating local areas by providing housing and creating job opportunities.
The programme provides support to progress long-term major housing projects from their earliest stages. It enables local authorities to recruit specialist staff, undertake the required planning and receive advice and support from the housing delivery body, Homes England.
The announcement builds on plans in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill to put beauty and nature at the heart of new development design, with the introduction of mandatory design codes, which will make sure developers respect styles drawn up and favoured locally – from the layout or materials used, to how it provides green space.
Cllr Jason Smithers, leader of the Council, said: “This is fantastic news for North Northamptonshire and is a terrific boost for us to be able to provide the homes and jobs which are necessary to allow growth and prosperity to thrive in our communities.
“We want North Northants to prosper and flourish and be an area that creates great opportunities for our residents, while at the same time being mindful of our environment. Garden Communities are an innovative way of managing long term growth and I’m delighted to see these projects moving forward.”
Cllr David Brackenbury, the Council’s executive member for growth and regeneration, said: “It is a huge undertaking for the Council to plan and manage these projects to deliver the high-quality development and infrastructure that our communities rightfully expect. The funding from the Government recognises this.
“This is exciting news for North Northamptonshire as the Garden Communities offer a positive vision for how development can take place in a sustainable way that respects the existing communities and environment.”
