Northants council raises concerns over Government …

Northants council raises concerns over Government new planning changes

The North Northamptonshire Council (NNC) has expressed concerns over the Government s new planning changes, particularly regarding the potential for the secretary of state to become involved in strategic development decisions. The council is worried that this could lead to less local involvement in the future. The proposed changes, which include increased housing targets and a stronger emphasis on renewable energy projects, have sparked controversy over a proposed Kettering Energy Park. The Kettering Energy Park, a large-scale renewable energy project, has not yet submitted plans but has already generated local opposition. The project would expand an existing wind farm and add solar farms and warehouses. While developers claim the park will improve energy resilience, critics argue it is a greenwashing tactic. The NPPF proposes amendments that would give significant weight to the benefits of renewable and low-carbon energy generation. The Government has also proposed new thresholds for onshore wind and solar projects, with Kettering Energy Park falling under the council s jurisdiction due to its 50MW solar power output. Despite these concerns, NNC Chair Cllr David Brackenbury believes that the council is in a better position than many other local authorities to handle these changes. The secretary of state s intervention is seen as necessary but not exclusive, as the secretary of state must also focus on other areas of the country. The NNC will continue to work on a local plan that addresses placemaking and development goals in North Northamptonshire. A final response on the updated planning policy will be agreed upon by September 24, with the Government expected to publish revisions to the NPPF before the end of the year. Public consultation will continue for both the Kettering Energy Park and Green Hill Solar Farm, which would fall under the NSIP category due to its 500MW power output.

Source: cambridge-news.co.uk
Published on 2024-09-17

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