Persimmon Midlands give local MP tour of Towcester relief road

Persimmon Midlands welcomed South Northamptonshire’s MP to see the progression of the Towcester relief road.

Dame Andrea Leadsom was given a guided tour of the single carriage bypass, which forms part of the planning agreement for The Furlongs development in the town. 

The road, which will connect the A5 to the A43, is designed to ease traffic congestion through Towcester town centre and is currently ahead of schedule.

Simon McDonald, Persimmon Homes regional divisional director (Central), said: “We were very pleased to show Dame Andrea the road’s progress. 

“The relief road will bring significant benefits to the local area and we are doing all that we can to deliver the road as soon as possible. Dame Andrea’s support and partnership has been welcomed and we continue to work closely with Highways England and West Northamptonshire Council to deliver the project.

“We have currently committed more than £4 million towards the road’s construction with further significant investment to follow for its completion.”

The relief road forms part of Persimmon’s planning agreement which will see 2,750 new homes built over the coming years at The Furlongs development, as well as providing additional community investment in primary schools, a care home, retail opportunities, a nursery and multiple public open spaces and sports playing fields. 

Simon added: “As part of our planning agreement the relief road needs to be complete prior to the occupation of 1,016 dwellings. We started construction ahead of the suggested timescales and are working closely with Highways England to gain the technical approval for the roundabouts which will link the bypass to the A5 and A43.”

Dame Andrea Leadsom said: “The Towcester Relief Road is a top priority for local residents and the surrounding villages, and it was fantastic to see the work that is progressing with its construction.

“The Relief Road will help to cut congestion and improve air quality through Towcester, and I am continuing to work with Persimmon and Highways England, with support from West Northamptonshire Council, to push this project forward and speed up approvals for the A5 and A43 roundabouts.

“I am strongly lobbying the Department for Transport to provide the funding that could bring this road to A road standard, so that the A5 Watling Street through Towcester could be de-trunked.”

For further information on The Furlongs development