The changing face of our countryside

NORTHAMPTONSHIRE is a rural area. It is a county of green countryside rather than sprawling cities and tower blocks.

But with plans to build thousands of houses on our doorstep, is this all about to change?

The plans will no doubt have an impact on the appearance of our towns but planners are doing their best to make sure Northamptonshire remains the green county we like living in.

The Environment Agency is working with all the other key agencies to ensure the environmental impact of the growth is as minimal as possible.

Paul Hunt, of the Environment Agency, said: "We recognise the growth in housing and jobs in Northamptonshire will have major impacts on the environment. We want these impacts to be positive, so we will support developments that provide real improvements and oppose developments that make things worse for the environment.