Hanwood Park secures outline planning permission
5 February 2026
Hanwood Park has secured outline planning approval from North Northamptonshire Council for its remaining development phases, marking a major milestone in the long-term delivery of one of the area's most significant new neighbourhoods.
The approval, issued alongside its accompanying Section 106 agreement on 16th January 2026, grants outline consent for up to 3,383 new homes, together with new schools, a district centre, local centres, employment space, community facilities and extensive green infrastructure. This consent follows more than five years of detailed collaboration with the Council, statutory bodies, local stakeholders and residents.
Councillor Jan O’Hara at North Northamptonshire Council said: “This is a really exciting milestone. I am delighted that this project can continue to move forward and deliver high-quality new homes, an exciting new leisure facility, and a wonderful new school, all of which reflects the needs of the local community. It will deliver much-needed infrastructure, open spaces and cycle ways to connect our communities, and provide enjoyment for all.”
Rosie Wrighting, MP for Kettering, said: “It’s vital that Kettering is a place where young people and families can shape their futures, so I’m pleased that plans to build homes for the next generation are progressing. I’ve been working with the Government to secure the right infrastructure at Hanwood Park, including the recently confirmed new secondary school, and I will continue pushing for further schemes that support our communities.”
With outline planning now in place, Hanwood Park will move forward with a programme of Reserved Matters applications, bringing forward the next stages of development in line with the community-led vision for a healthy, well-connected and inclusive place fully aligned with the national vision for better places. The scheme continues to be well supported by Homes England – the government's agency responsible to drive the UK's housing agenda, grow local economies and create safe, affordable, sustainable places.
A key priority for the next phase is the delivery of new education provision, responding directly to the needs of local families. Work is continuing with the Department for Education and education partners to progress the planned Hanwood Park secondary school, alongside further primary provision funded through Section 106 contributions.
In parallel, momentum is building around health, leisure and wellbeing facilities. David Lloyd Kettering, which has already secured planning consent and has started on-site construction for opening in winter 2026, will bring a high-quality health and fitness destination to Hanwood Park, reinforcing the development's commitment to active lifestyles and preventative wellbeing.
The outline approval also underpins the delivery of the District Centre and local commercial spaces, creating opportunities for shops, cafés and other services at the heart of the neighbourhood. These spaces are being designed to support everyday needs as the community grows.
Residents shaping the future
The planning milestone comes alongside the findings of a recent residents' survey, which attracted nearly 300 responses and provides a clear picture of what matters most to people living at Hanwood Park.
The feedback highlights a young, local, family-focused community, with many residents having moved from Kettering and surrounding towns to put down roots close to friends, family and work. Access to schools, childcare, health services, local shops, cafés and green spaces consistently emerged as top priorities.
Residents also placed strong value on safe, well-lit streets, walkable neighbourhoods, cycling routes and improved public transport, reinforcing the long-term ambition for Hanwood Park to function as a connected neighbourhood where daily needs are close to home.
Encouragingly, the survey revealed a strong appetite for involvement, with high levels of interest in community events, volunteering and ongoing consultation. This reflects the creativity and initiative already evident across Hanwood Park, from resident-led running groups and walking clubs to community events, ecology projects and local partnerships.
A place built around community, connectivity and creativity
Speaking about the approval, Chris Langdon, Project Director said: "Securing outline planning for the remaining phases is a hugely important step for Hanwood Park and everyone who calls it home. It gives certainty, momentum and a clear framework for delivering the schools, facilities, green spaces and local services that residents have told us they value most.
“We are proud of the strong sense of community that has taken root here already, and we remain committed to working with residents, partners and the Council to deliver a place that people are proud to live in – now and for generations to come."
With more than 3,000 residents already living at Hanwood Park, the outline approval provides a platform to continue building not just homes, but a complete, connected and creative community that supports wellbeing, opportunity and local pride.
Further updates on schools, commercial opportunities and upcoming consultations will be shared through the Hanwood Park website and residents' channels in the coming months as we continue to work with all of our stakeholders.
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