Have your say on future environmental proposals in Northampton town centre

30 November 2023

Businesses and residents are being asked for their thoughts on proposals to introduce a new Environmental Policy for Northampton Town Centre.

West Northamptonshire Council is seeking to implement a policy which will help improve environmental standards and set out the way that businesses handle their commercial waste. This will be trialled in central Northampton before being considered for roll-out across the wider West Northamptonshire area.

The consultation opens today (30 November), closing on 28 January. and will ask public opinion to shape parts of the policy around waste from businesses in the town centre and help the Council to understand if there are any obstacles that businesses face in respect of their waste collections. This will form part of a wider project of engagement with Northampton town centre businesses.

There are several environmental issues which affect our residents and businesses, and as a Council we’re committed to tackling these head on. By developing a policy, we can help to understand the current challenges and how we can put measures in place to improve the environment for our community. We will look to trial this in Northampton and then consider implementing a policy for wider West Northamptonshire which seeks to support businesses with their waste and create a greener, cleaner space.Cllr David Smith, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Engagement and Regulatory Services at WNC

All organisations have a responsibility for ensuring that any waste arising from their activities is handled, stored and disposed of in a responsible manner as defined by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 (section 34) and the Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991. After consultation, a waste policy shall apply to the town centre of Northampton for the management of all commercial waste generated by businesses.

People can view the plans at: Give us your views on the draft Northampton Town Centre Environmental Policy - West Northamptonshire Council - Citizen Space

Feedback from the consultation will be collated and analysed and will help the council to prepare and shape the Northampton Town Centre Environmental Policy which will be considered by Cabinet in May 2024.

Prior to coming into effect, the Council will be working with businesses within the town centre to do a soft launch of the policy, in doing so we will be able to advice and signpost businesses for any assistance they may need to be able to work within the policy.