Summary of the Stakeholder Meeting, held on 7th August 2009

A45 NORTHAMPTON TO DAVENTRY

The meeting was convened by Northamptonshire CC Highways Department.  The purpose of the meeting was to start the consultation process and particularly to involve the parish councils of those vicinities which are likely to be affected one way or another. It was a very useful meeting.

Newnham was represented by the Chairman, David Messenger and by one of our other parish councillors, Harry Ferguson.

The choice of routes for the Flore/Weedon bypass is still open.  The NCC propose to re-consult generally.  It will be a long process :

·         Consultation

·         Design

·         Environmental appraisal

·         Announcement of preferred route

·         Funding

·         Planning permission

·         Statutory orders including public enquiry

·         Tenders

The availability of public funding for the bypass is low.   Funds are already committed up to a date somewhere between 2014 and 2019.

Developer funding may apply but that would depend on the outcome of the Daventry planning enquiry.  In any event there would probably be a significant shortfall between developer funding and the ultimate costs.

The concerns of Newnham have been registered.  We are particularly concerned about the likelihood of increased traffic flow along the B4037 between the A361 and the A45.  We are also concerned about the likely increased difficulties at the Newnham turn on the A45. 

Next steps :

·         Traffic surveys September and October 2009

·         December 2009 – another consultation meeting

·         March 2010 – another consultation meeting

·         June/July 2010 – public exhibition by the NCC