Outline planning permission for the 58-acre site off Bedford Road, at the south-eastern end of the town, was granted by North Northamptonshire Council on 20th January. Bellway’s Northern Home Counties division is now preparing reserved matters applications which it aims to submit in spring 2025.
Bellway Strategic Land first entered into an agreement with the landowner to promote the site in summer 2020, with a draft allocation secured within the emerging Local Plan Part 2 for East Northamptonshire early the following year.
The submission of an outline planning application quickly followed with members resolving to grant planning permission at a planning committee in autumn 2023, ahead of the formal adoption of the Local Plan in December that year.
Matt Smith, Senior Strategic Land and Planning Manager (Central) for Bellway, said: “We are pleased to have secured outline planning permission to create a brand-new neighbourhood on the south-eastern edge of Rushden. This consent is the result of extensive discussions with North Northamptonshire Council, and other stakeholders, to bring forward a high-quality scheme which will provide much-needed new private and affordable homes and a range of other benefits to the local area.
“To secure an adopted housing allocation and subsequent permission so quickly is swift progress for Bellway and our landowner in an increasingly challenging planning environment. It is a real demonstration of our team’s ability to manoeuvre quickly and successfully through the planning process.”
As part of the S106 agreement attached to the outline planning permission, Bellway has committed to investing more than £4 million towards local services including schools, sports provision, libraries and bus services, as well as providing 30 per cent of the homes as affordable housing for local people
The development will include two new play areas, new cycleways, footpaths and a community building, which could accommodate a shop, community hall or health facility. More than 40 per cent of the site will be retained as public open space with provision also made on site for Biodiversity Net Gain.
Matt said: “Our aim is to deliver a family-friendly development, in a well-connected location, which blends in with its surroundings and supports the sustainable growth of Rushden. The new homes will be designed to be attractive and varied in character while reflecting the historical vernacular of the town.
“New homes will be located within close walking distance of the areas of public open space, which will allow for easy access to areas for outdoor recreation. New pedestrian and cycle links will be created to allow a safe passage into the town centre for the new residents.”
