The Coalition Government’s Communities Minister and Liberal Democrat Andrew Stunell MP, has confirmed that West Northamptonshire Development Corporation (WNDC) is going.

Local Liberal Democrats have welcomed the news that ends speculation about WNDC’s future. In April 2014 South Northamptonshire Council will take back full responsibility for strategic planning in Towcester.

It’s good news that planning decisions in Towcester will be back in democratic control and accountable to local people again. As a Liberal Democrat I believe it’s good news that an unaccountable quango is going. Unfortunately we have to wait until March 2014.

The next few years will be crucial to Towcester because of the major development plans for our town. It’s vital that South Northants Council, supported by Towcester Town Council will be leading on these plans.

Councillor Chris Lofts says: “The Government’s funding that WNDC have been using in Towcester has been welcome. Although the only real benefit that WNDC has brought to Towcester is the drive and vision to regenerate the Moat Lane area of the town.   SNC Tories failed for years to promote investment in Towcester, had it not been for WNDC the town would have remained neglected. Some of WNDC planning decisions such as at Belle Baulk have however been far from good. Liberal Democrat councillors are lobbying for South Northants Council to work closely with the Town Council to jointly take the lead with all major planning issues affecting the town.”

Developers are about to re-launch their plans for Towcester in the next few weeks. Liberal Democrats are urging local people to look at the proposal and have their say.