Four North Northamptonshire councillors have voiced strong opposition to the proposed Kettering Energy Park, which they say would be an industrial-scale development in open countryside and cause lasting harm to communities between Burton Latimer, Finedon, Great Addington and Cranford.
Scope and location of the proposals
The application, submitted to North Northamptonshire Council in March last year, covers a site roughly described by opponents as approximately 2.5 miles wide and equivalent in area to 550 football pitches. The scheme would include warehouses, a solar farm, battery storage and associated infrastructure, together with a cafe and a nursery. Plans also propose a new access from the A510 and a connection to the national electricity grid.
Councillors’ objections
All four councillors who have spoken publicly against the scheme represent Reform UK. They are Cllr Maurice Eglin (Barton Seagrave and Burton Latimer), Cllr Leon Gibbs (Barton Seagrave and Burton Latimer), Cllr Andy Sims (Finedon) and Cllr Brendon Lovell-Moore (Geddington and Stanion).
“This is not a small energy project. It is a large industrial development in open countryside that will permanently change the character of the landscape between Burton Latimer, Finedon and the surrounding villages,”
Cllr Leon Gibbs said residents had raised concerns about the visual impact, the loss of farmland and the additional pressure the development could place on local roads. He added he could not support the application in its current form.
Cllr Maurice Eglin urged caution, saying there must be clear evidence that the scheme’s benefits would genuinely outweigh the costs to residents, the countryside and local infrastructure before any further progress is made.
Cllr Andy Sims highlighted existing traffic and infrastructure pressures in Finedon and questioned the proposals’ speculative elements, noting a lack of clear evidence on end users and the benefits to local people. Cllr Brendon Lovell-Moore also expressed reservations about the development in the context of planning policy.
Local consequences and concerns
Councillors’ objections focus on several interlinked issues that matter to Kettering-area residents:
- Landscape and land use: opponents warn the scheme would permanently alter open countryside and lead to loss of farmland.
- Traffic and infrastructure: a new access from the A510 is proposed, but councillors say local roads already face significant pressure.
- Environmental and speculative concerns: despite elements such as a solar farm and battery storage, councillors questioned whether benefits to local people and proven end users have been demonstrated.
At this stage the proposals remain under assessment by the council. Local residents and organisations will be watching closely as the application proceeds through the planning process, mindful of the potential long-term effects on landscape character, farming and transport.
Summary of key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Application submitted | March last year |
| Approximate area | ~2.5 miles wide / ~550 football pitches |
| Location | Land between Burton Latimer, Finedon, Great Addington and Cranford |
| Main proposed elements | Warehouses, solar farm, battery storage, cafe, nursery, new A510 access, grid connection |
| Principal local objectors quoted | Cllrs Maurice Eglin, Leon Gibbs, Andy Sims, Brendon Lovell-Moore (all Reform UK) |
The scale of the project and the nature of the development mean any decision will carry significant weight for communities around Kettering. Residents concerned about landscape change, loss of farmland or additional traffic will have opportunities to make representations to North Northamptonshire Council as the application is considered.
As the assessment progresses, NEXO RADAR will continue to monitor submissions, responses from statutory consultees and the council’s analysis to report on any changes and the potential impacts for local services and the environment.
