Latest news with #FionaBaker
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Brackley school and Daventry industrial development up for sale
A former school and an industrial development are to be sold to generate income for a council. West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) hopes the sales of the now closed Southfield Primary School, in Brackley, and the industrial site in Heartlands, Daventry, could generate income of about £500,000. Two public open spaces are due to be transferred to Crick Parish Council for £1 each, as it is felt they can be better managed by the community. It is also aiming to formalise its ownership of two pieces of land in Green Lane and Off the old A45, both in Northampton. Members of WNC approved the plans at a meeting on Wednesday. The change comes after the authority agreed to put the modern extension of Northampton's Guildhall up for sale. Southfield Primary School, which closed in July 2024 due to a shortfall in pupils, could be demolished and the land used for housing. Its existing theatre block will be kept, along with 50 car parking spaces for the community, to be used as a family hub, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said. WNC said "extensive checks" were made to see if there was a viable educational use for the site, but none came forward. 'Delighted' Brackley Conservative councillor Fiona Baker said the closure of the school had been "pretty devastating". "The space can provide a permanent home for a 'spoke' of the family hub service, the much-loved youth club, a community larder, a stem school for Send students, along with other early health groups that currently lack a dedicated venue."Now is the time to invest in infrastructure for Brackley that supports the expanding community."Regarding the sale of the open spaces, Liberal Democrat councillor Rosie Humphreys said: "Cracks Hill is known and loved by everyone in Crick. "It's widely used by the villages and outdoor amenity for ramblers, dog walkers and families."The parish council has long wished to have ownership of this local landmark and will be delighted if the transfer process is approved."WNS said solidifying its title on the Northampton land would enable it to be better managed. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
18-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Brackley housing estate development to go to planning inspector
A decision to build 700 homes on the outskirts of a market town will be made by the Planning Inspectorate following opposition from a local council. The plans for the homes, on 86 acres of greenfield in Brackley, Northamptonshire, were submitted by developers Ashfield Land and Vulpes Land. Ashfield Land said the housing estate would include public open spaces, allotments, an extension of Brackley Rugby Club, and access from Halse Road and the A422 Brackley Northamptonshire Council is opposed to the application. Councillors have not been able to agree the level of financial contributions the developer should make, known as a Section 106 agreement. The decision was referred to the Planning Inspectorate after the authority failed to issue a decision on the plans for four years, the Local Democracy Reporting Service council received more than 100 letters opposing the plans. Local people cited a lack of dentists, doctors and schools in the area, a loss of farmland and biodiversity and increased traffic. 'Enough is enough' Farthinghoe Parish Council, the Wildlife Trust and the Campaign to Protect Rural England also objected. Conservative councillor Fiona Baker said adding more houses would be "detrimental to the quality of life of the residents already in the town"."There's a mention of allotments and a rugby pitch. This is in no way compensation for the increase of a minimum of 1,400 people joining the area," she in the morning was already "like a mass exodus from the town"."I ask you to refuse this application, not because it's 'not in my backyard', but because enough is enough," she said they would work with the developers to secure appropriate Section 106 conditions, ahead of the appeal, due at the end of October. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Yahoo
Youth group given £39,450 to help reduce violence
A new youth group has been launched with the aim of preventing "serious violence" in the future. Northamptonshire Serious Violence Prevention Partnership (NSVPP) has given £39,450 to the Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust open the Far Cotton and Delapré Youth Group. The group, taimed at 20 year six pupils, will offer activities aimed to support those who may be vulnerable to future offending due to risk factors such as deprivation, adverse childhood experiences and substance misuse. "Early intervention can prevent violence before it arises, building brighter futures where children can truly thrive." Fiona Baker, cabinet member for children, families and education at West Northamptonshire Council said. The students will be referred by two local primary schools which will identify those in need of support. It is hoped the tailored intervention will improve resilience, confidence and independence for the children in their schools. The year six pupils will attend a weekly homework club run by Free2Talk, a second session developed in collaboration with the youth group members and a third weekly park play family session for the group and the wider community to attend. Eleanor Sier, head of engagement and interpretation at the Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, said: "This youth provision will provide vital support for young people, helping them build confidence and a strong sense of belonging during a crucial time in their lives." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Groups awarded £95k to tackle youth crime Grants fund Christmas activities for youth groups Northamptonshire Serious Violence Prevention Partnership Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust
Yahoo
07-02-2025
- Yahoo
Youth group given £39,450 to help reduce violence
A new youth group has been launched with the aim of preventing "serious violence" in the future. Northamptonshire Serious Violence Prevention Partnership (NSVPP) has given £39,450 to the Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust open the Far Cotton and Delapré Youth Group. The group, taimed at 20 year six pupils, will offer activities aimed to support those who may be vulnerable to future offending due to risk factors such as deprivation, adverse childhood experiences and substance misuse. "Early intervention can prevent violence before it arises, building brighter futures where children can truly thrive." Fiona Baker, cabinet member for children, families and education at West Northamptonshire Council said. The students will be referred by two local primary schools which will identify those in need of support. It is hoped the tailored intervention will improve resilience, confidence and independence for the children in their schools. The year six pupils will attend a weekly homework club run by Free2Talk, a second session developed in collaboration with the youth group members and a third weekly park play family session for the group and the wider community to attend. Eleanor Sier, head of engagement and interpretation at the Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust, said: "This youth provision will provide vital support for young people, helping them build confidence and a strong sense of belonging during a crucial time in their lives." Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Groups awarded £95k to tackle youth crime Grants fund Christmas activities for youth groups Northamptonshire Serious Violence Prevention Partnership Delapré Abbey Preservation Trust
