The neighbourhood plan is being set up to influence future development in the Headlands area of Kettering and maintain the unique character of the area.

Residents will have the chance to vote on the plan to shape the future of their area in a referendum on Thursday 27 April 2023.

If adopted, it will mean that planners and developers should seek to abide by certain rules when building in the area, including:
• Protecting community assets such as shops
• Maintaining a thriving business presence
• Protecting and enhancing heritage buildings and the conservation area
• Ensuring appropriate design to recognise the special character of smaller areas
• Protecting natural features such as trees and hedges

The referendum will be held on Thursday 27 April 2023 in St Michael and All Angels' Church, 33 Garfield Street, Kettering NN15 6BU from 7am to 10pm.

Copies of all documents are available in the Municipal Offices and Kettering Library for members of the public to review.

The following streets - shaded in orange on the map opposite - make up the plan area: Bishops Drive, Slade Crescent, Ostlers Way, Ostlers Gardens, Headlands, Lonsdale Road, Cranleigh Road, The Close, Kettonby Gardens, The Crescent, Kensington Gardens, Foxton Court, Queensberry Road, Glebe Avenue, Roundhill Road, St Michael's Road, St Michael's Gardens, part of Seagrave Street (nos 4 to 17), Hawthorn Road, Broadway, Argyll Street, Garfield Street and The Drive.

In 2031 the Headlands area in South West Kettering will continue to maintain a complementary contrast to the bustling town centre and the vibrant and developing business area; it will be inclusive of the expanded facility of the railway station adjacent to its northern and north west boundary.

It will retain its residential character of attractive streets and buildings in harmony with its mix of services, facilities and businesses. The Headlands will accommodate change to reflect the changing needs of its residents, employers and employees. It will accommodate redevelopment which complements the characteristics of the immediate locality and is sympathetic to the practical limitations presented by eager urban expansion through the years.

The plan is the result of many years' hard work by local residents, the South West Kettering (Headlands Area) Neighbourhood Planning Forum and supported by Kettering Town Council and planning officers at North Northamptonshire Council.

1. Maintain the current mix of services and facilities to encourage the neighbourhood to remain vibrant and enable residents to have many of their needs met within the local area.

2. Promote and enhance local business opportunities to support a prosperous local economy.

3. Conserve and enhance local heritage features and buildings, including their settings.

4. Ensure all future development is of a suitable mix, and of high quality.

The Neighbourhood Plan will become a key part of local planning policy that affects future decisions taken over development. How is future development influenced? The national policy provides national framework. Local planning policy provides a framework at a regional and unitary level. The Neighbourhood Plan provides the local framework.

The plan is made if the majority of those voting vote "yes".

All the residents of the streets within the plan boundaries who are on the electoral register.

If you are already on the electoral register you don't need to do anything and you will be sent a polling card. If you have not registered, you must register by Tuesday 11 April 2023. Go online www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

Voting in person takes place on Thursday 27 April 2023, from 7am to 10pm at St Michael and All Angel's Church, Garfield Street from 7am until 10pm. Details of the polling station will be on the polling card.

Yes but you must apply to do so - the deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 12 April 2023. You can download an application form online: www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-postal-vote

Yes but you must apply by 5pm on Wednesday 19 April 2023: www.gov.uk/government/collections/proxy-voting-application-forms

No, you won't need ID in this referendum.

Promoted by Kettering Town Council, Kettering Conference Centre, Thurston Drive, Kettering NN15 6PB