By GB News (World News) | Created at 2025-03-21 21:51:19 | Updated at 2025-03-22 18:02:15
20 hours ago
Two large warehouses on the edge of a town beloved by Charles Dickens have been approved despite more than 100 objections from local residents.
The development, to be known as Towcester Park, will be constructed alongside the A43 bypass in Northamptonshire.
Planning officers had recommended the project for approval despite significant local opposition.
Residents have expressed concerns that the development will damage the character of the small market town, which features in Dickens' novel The Pickwick Papers.
The development, to be known as Towcester Park, will be constructed alongside the A43 bypass in Northamptonshire
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One objector stated the development was 'at odds with both the character and the integrity of Towcester'
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At the planning meeting where approval was granted, Louise Croft from the Save Towcester Now campaign criticised the scale of the development.
"These parameter measurements are maximums they are not targets," she told councillors.
"It is a classic example of the developer pushing the boundaries to the absolute limit."
"It seems the developer wants this at any cost to local people. You must protect us now. Towcester is changing- if this goes ahead it will be for the worse," Croft added.
One objector stated the development was "at odds with both the character and the integrity of Towcester."
Another described the warehouses as "monstrous," warning they would transform a "small, beautiful market town" into an "ugly and overpowered motorway-style distribution centre."
Many residents expressed concerns about increased traffic congestion on nearby roads.
Over 100 formal objections were submitted by local people concerned about the impact on their town.
Residents have expressed concerns that the development will damage the character of the small market town, which features in Dickens' novel The Pickwick Papers
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David Smith, director of planning and communities at IM Properties, defended the development at the council meeting.
"Towcester is changing and in bringing this scheme forward we've worked really hard to minimise the impact of the development at this allocated site," he told councillors.
Smith emphasised the economic benefits of the project.
"Our aim has always been to deliver a high-quality, landscape-led commercial development that meets the future employment needs of West Northamptonshire," he said.
The developers have highlighted that Towcester Park will provide 1,600 new jobs for local residents.
Despite these assurances, the approval has left many in the community concerned about the town's future character.
