Chance to vote on future of neighbourhood

People are being given the chance to vote on a plan to shape the future of their area.

Residents in the Headlands area of Kettering can vote in a special referendum at the end of April.

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

If adopted, the plan has policies which mean planners and developers should seek to:

• Protect community assets such as shops

• Maintain a thriving business presence

• Protect and enhance heritage buildings and the conservation area

• Ensure appropriate design to recognise the special character of smaller areas

• Protect natural features such as trees and hedges

Chairman of the Neighbourhood Planning Committee, Cllr Scott Edwards, said: "This plan will protect the special character of the Headlands area and enhance it for years to come. It gives power back to the community and will help make sure any future development respects the area and is in keeping with what is right for Headlands."

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

A series of question and answer sessions are being organised at St Michael and All Angel's Church, Garfield Street, for people to find out more about the plan. They will be held from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday 9 March, 10am to 12pm on Saturday 11 March and 6pm to 8pm on Tuesday 13 March 2023.

The vote will take place on Thursday 27 April 2023, with details of the polling station to be confirmed. If the majority of the people voting choose yes, then the plan will be adopted.