Both the WNDC and the DDC are committed to large-scale development around Daventry, and the only possible sites seem to be the area between the A45 and Norton (Danetree Village) and the site next to the Country Park (Churchfields).

The committee members seem to have decided that the first option should be opposed, which if agreed would necessarily result in the primary development taking place alongside the Country Park. However, they seem to have come to this decision having visited only one of the possible sites, and that surely cannot be acceptable.

Exactly the same comments as those reported as having been made about the proposed Danetree Village (the dramatic visual impact, the disruption of a rural area, and the 'wrecking' of the surrounding countryside) could be made with equal if not greater force about the Churchfields site; and in addition the Churchfields development would 'wreck' the Country Park, and so have a direct and negative impact on the amenity of the 20,000 or so people living in the town.

It is notable that the three members of the committee whose comments you report have little or nothing to do with the town, or even the district. (Ms Barnes is from South Northants Council, Ms Burrows is CEO of the NE Wales NHS Trust, and Mr Woods is from Northampton Borough Council).

I am afraid that this is a situation that is all too familiar to inhabitants of the town; when the district council planning committee meets to decide on these issues, only four of the 15 members represent Daventry wards, even though it is Daventry that is mainly affected by their decisions.

Perhaps the Daventry Express could arrange for the three members of the WNDC committee who have made such trenchant comments on the Danetree Village proposal to make a similar visit to the area next to the Country Park, and report their views on the effects of development there?

Jim Brant
Sunningdale Drive
Daventry