The Country Land & Business Association (CLA) says the Government’s proposed growth agenda for the development of Northamptonshire’s countryside into housing should be carefully handled.
A recent well attended conference at Northampton University, hosted by the CLA East Midlands with the North Northamptonshire Landowners Group, and attended also by speakers from the British Property Federation, North Northamptonshire Development Company and West Northamptonshire Development Corporation, has highlighted the necessity for forward - funded infrastructure requirements in the County.
Chairman of the CLA’s Northamptonshire branch, Rupert West said: "These discussions are vital so we can understand how government initiatives are going to prevent this planned development becoming a nightmare for all of those concerned with the future well being of the County.
"If the Government get this right, then plans for large scale new housing and associated employment opportunities have the capacity to bring positive benefits. If they do not, then the result looks certain to be entirely negative.
"The CLA is at the frontline of assessing the potential threats of under funded development to the long term interests of its members and for the population as a whole – who may not be aware of the very real and current threats to the County without a funding commitment from Government as well as from development."
Alan Wordie, representing North Northamptonshire Landowners Group, said: "CLA East Midlands has a unique position from which to be the point of reference for rural affairs. It is important for landowners to come together and engage to ensure development in Northamptonshire can be properly planned and so contribute to the future sustainability and success of the area."
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tim Barnes-Clay, Media Adviser, Tel: 01858 468949 or 0770 292 6696 Tim.barnesclay@cla.org.uk
Free broadcast quality audio feature package available for transmission on this subject by clicking: http://www.thesunflowerfm.co.uk/Audio_08/ON_DEMAND_AUDIO/REPORT_CLA_AUDIO1.mp3
