Our planning application
In May 2022, we submitted a ‘hybrid’ planning application to North Northamptonshire Council.
Our ‘hybrid’ planning application includes:
- Detailed plans for the first phase of development, including internal site roads, plans for the flagship DSV building, strategic landscaping and other critical infrastructure.
- ‘Outline’ plans for the remainder of the site, which will require detailed planning applications for individual buildings and facilities as they come forward. These applications would be developed in accordance with the Design Code to ensure a consistent standard and approach across the whole site.
The planning application is supported by a Planning Statement, and a comprehensive suite of documents and technical studies covering all issues that are potentially relevant to the development of the site.
This work has assessed our proposals in the context of the existing situation, and takes account of other planned developments in the local area.
The key issues covered by our technical work include:
- Planning policy
- Socio-economic factors
- Landscape and visual
- Archaeology and built heritage
- Transport and highways
- Air quality
- Noise and vibration
- Flood risk and drainage
- Utilities
- Sustainability and energy
In August 2023, an area to the northwest corner of the site was designated as part of the Titchmarsh Roman Town Scheduled Ancient Monument (SAM). This included the section of the site where the site access off the A605 was originally proposed, alongside an attenuation pond, pedestrian/cycle facilities and landscaping.
IM Properties has since amended the hybrid planning application and masterplan in response to the SAM designation, including relocation of the proposed site access off the A605 to the southwest of the site. Further details about the changes can be found here.
The masterplan shows:
Indicative layout of emerging proposals (Updated May 2024) – click to enlarge Indicative layout of emerging proposals (Updated May 2024)
- A new roundabout on the A605 – providing safe access for vehicles into and out of the site and improving the movement of traffic through the junction
- A flagship new facility for DSV – accommodating growth of the business and providing a highly sustainable and efficient base for its operations in Thrapston
- Space to attract other occupiers – with the potential for a range of building sizes to meet the specific needs of individual businesses and providing a mix of quality jobs
- Flexible space for smaller occupiers – supporting innovation and growth of local businesses
- A strategic landscape corridor at least 33m wide along the northern boundary and extending to 100m at its widest point – helping to screen sensitive views
- Structural landscaping around the site and between buildings – helping to soften the environment, filter views of buildings, and create a network of linked green spaces
- Area of Scheduled Ancient Monument designation – where consideration has been given to mitigating impact on this area by introducing a significant landscape buffer and keeping planting to simple scrub species
The masterplan has been developed to deliver an integrated solution to many other factors relevant to the development of the site. This includes:
- Creating a high-quality gateway into the scheme
- Reprofiling the site to create level plateaus for buildings and redistributing soil within the site to minimise any import / export of materials
- Meeting the operational requirements of occupiers and supporting their workforces with amenity space as part of an attractive, safe and well maintained setting
- Meeting the requirements of the highway authority to ensure the safe movement of people and vehicles across the site
- Providing utilities that allow the site to operate as part of a sustainable energy strategy
You can view our full planning application by searching for NE/22/00698/OUT on North Northamptonshire Council’s planning portal, noting additional material will be added as part of the formal process of updating the submission