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21 June 2022
Becoming immersed in virtual reality, exploring competitive video gaming simulation racing, and getting a grip on how artificial intelligence is helping to improve road safety were just some of the digital delights on offer at the return of a showcase technology event.
Merged Futures brought together experts in emerging technologies to explore the potential to further develop and innovate for the benefit of the county’s businesses, students and residents.
The annual event was organised by Digital Northants, a collaboration between the University of Northampton, North and West Northamptonshire Councils and local businesses.
A celebration of Northamptonshire’s innovators, creatives and entrepreneurs, Merged Futures brought together people from different sectors interested in digital, tech and innovation to share and spark ideas.
The first in-person Merged Futures took place in 2019 on campus at the University of Northampton, moving online and attracting a global audience in 2020 and 2021 as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic.
This year’s event was once again held at the University of Northampton’s Waterside campus.
Cllr David Howes, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive member for Rural Communities and Localism, said: “The digital economy is so important in terms of driving prosperity and connecting communities. I’m proud that this authority can play a part in supporting such a worthwhile initiative.
“I’m delighted to see this flagship digital event taking place for the fourth year in a row – showcasing the digital talent on offer locally.
“This is an excellent collaboration between the public and private sectors and an exciting way of stimulating connections to drive forward the economy and find creative solutions to a range of issues.”
Cllr Daniel Lister, West Northamptonshire Council’s Cabinet Member for economic development, town centre regeneration and growth, said: “The pace of innovation and change is such that events like this are not a ‘nice to have.’ We’re in the midst of revolution in the way we communicate, work and play and if you’re not up to date you will be left behind.
“That’s the same if you’re a business, an industry sector or economic region, and it’s up to us as local authorities and business leaders to provide a platform to showcase and share great ideas.”
Experts were on hand to provide insight into how new technology, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, can enhance the work of different sectors, including business, healthcare and education.
The event was also a valuable opportunity for connections between companies and educators with those interested in implementing digital transformation in their business or organisation.
John Sinclair, Dean of the Faculty of Arts, Science and Technology, said: “The University is proud to have hosted the Digital Northants Merged Futures conference again this year, bringing together industry and academia to look at new applications of digital technologies in industry, transport, business, culture and more.
“This year, we welcomed representatives from local businesses such as VR Therapies, Toru Digital and Spokes Education as well as being joined by international technology innovator, Sony.
“In its fourth year, Merged Futures has gone from strength to strength, proving to be an invaluable opportunity not only to promote local but nationally important, innovative projects and initiatives taking place within the county.”
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21 June 2022
A review into the way the council deals with HMOs has been launched in response to concerns about the concentration of this type of housing in Northampton.
HMOs are occupied by people who do not form a single household, who share facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms, and reside at the property as their main residence. Commonly, this including bedsits and shared houses.
There are currently about 1,300 hundred registered HMOs in Northampton, which campaigners claim have a detrimental effect on the local community. Issues raised include general poor maintenance, rubbish being a fire hazard - and streets crammed with parked cars.
Cllr Adam Brown, deputy leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said:
“The aim of the Council’s Multiple Occupation (HMOs) review is to thoroughly investigate the issues concerning housing of this nature within West Northamptonshire. It will include a robust analysis of current policies concerning HMOs in Northampton, alongside looking at ways we can use best practice from elsewhere in the country.
"As part of the review we will also be gathering comprehensive evidence and information from a range of stakeholders, including landlords; tenants; estate and letting agents; residents and residents associations; university and colleges; businesses; students; and key workers.
"Once all this information has been gathered, a draft report will be prepared, with a further opportunity for stakeholders to then give their views. Recommendations will then be made to the Planning Policy Committee and we are expecting a conclusion in the Autumn."
The review was originally announced last year and should have been completed in April.
Cllr Adam Brown added: "We wanted to get the review started as quickly as possible, but we're also aware of the fact that it needs to be done as thoroughly and as well as it can possibly be done in order to deliver the results that will have the faith of the public.
"There's never any point in rushing through an inadequate process and leaving people unsatisfied with the results at the end of it all."
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22 June 2022
Residents will be given the opportunity to help shape extra guidance for land allocated for business development in the south Northamptonshire area, under proposals going to councillors next week.
At its meeting next Tuesday (28 June), members of West Northamptonshire Council’s (WNC) Planning Policy Committee will consider plans to seek people’s views on a new draft Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for employment land allocations, which would sit alongside the South Northamptonshire Local Plan Part 2 to help inform decision-making on planning applications.
The draft SPD aims to provide greater detail and certainty to the public and developers by setting out overarching design principles for the future development of the employment sites identified in the Local Plan, including guidance relating to size, scale and density of buildings.
At their meeting next week the Planning Policy Committee will decide whether to launch a six-week public consultation this summer to gauge people’s views on the draft SPD, which will include a series of local drop-in sessions where residents can find out more.
Cllr Rebecca Breese, WNC's Cabinet Member for strategic planning, built environment and rural affairs, said: “These employment sites are extremely important for the continued economic development of the area, to provide jobs and prosperity which will allow people to continue living and working in West Northamptonshire rather than going elsewhere.
“But it is so important for us to have clear and robust planning guidance in place for the appropriate, future development of these sites. This SPD will go a long way towards supporting our existing planning policies with further detail and will be a material consideration in our future decision-making.”
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21 June 2022
Windrush Day will be celebrated this year on June 22 with a flag raising ceremony at midday in front of the Guildhall.
The national standard Windrush flag will be raised to mark 74 years since the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush in London - where the generation of Caribbean immigrants got their name.
Invitees will see the Windrush Flag raised and hear from guest speakers including Bishop Donovan Allen.
Later that day at 6pm there will be a service of Reflection, Prayer and Praise at the New Testament Church of God in Northampton.
West Northamptonshire Council has teamed up with Northampton Town Council to organise the events to celebrate the contributions to society made by the Northampton’s Windrush generation and their descendants.
Windrush Day is celebrated in the United Kingdom every year on June 22 to mark the arrival of Afro-Caribbean immigrants to the shores of Britain and honour the British Caribbean community. An estimated half a million people made their way to England after the Second World War.
The Windrush carried several hundred Caribbean migrants, many of them veterans of the Second World War, who were encouraged to migrate to Britain to address shortages in the labour market.
Many more followed suit from all over the Commonwealth after the war and became known as the Windrush generation.
Councillor Dennis Meredith, Mayor of Northampton, will attend the event. He said:
“It is so important we celebrate and acknowledge our Windrush generation, to honour the British Caribbean community here in Northampton and across the country for the contribution they and their descendants have made in rebuilding our society after the Second World War.”
Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, Councillor Jonathan Nunn, said:
“The legacy of the Windrush generation means so much to so many. I am delighted we are celebrating the fifth annual National Windrush Day on June 22nd this year in Northampton. It is extremely important to mark the outstanding contributions that the Windrush Generation and their descendants have made, and continue to make, to British Society, including West Northants.”
If members of the public would like to attend either event, please email [email protected]
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21 June 2022
Plans for a new employment park north-west of the A43 at Towcester will go ahead, after the Government decided not to examine them in more detail.
The application for land to the east of Tiffield Road to the north west of the A43 Towcester (also known as AL3) was formally put on hold by the Secretary of State for further review in March this year.
The move came after West Northamptonshire Council’s Strategic Planning Committee was minded to approve outstanding access and highways matters for the application, which had already been agreed in principle by planners at the former South Northants Council before the new unitary council was formed.
On Thursday (16 June), following a wait of more than three months, the Council was finally notified by the Government that it had decided not to ‘call in’ the application for further review and examination, meaning that the decision to approve the scheme should now proceed and the council is obliged to issue the formal approval.
In the letter to the Council, officials from the Government’s Planning Casework Unit said the Secretary of State had decided not to call in this application and ‘is content that it should be determined by the local planning authority.’
Councillor Jonathan Nunn, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “Having taken over three months to come to a decision it is clear the government have been thorough in their consideration of the application. By deciding not to call in the application for examination, an option that was open to them, the Government has made it clear that we must now continue to proceed with the remaining stages of the planning approval process, with no other options now available.
“We know there is much strong feeling surrounding this planning application and that many people have been waiting for the past three months whilst the Secretary of State considered it to find out the outcome.
“Having inherited an application that the previous local authority had effectively granted permission on, a decision based on existing policies in the South Northants local plan, we continue to work with developers and residents to ensure we get appropriate development in the right places in the future, providing clarity and guidance that will assist all parties.”
