Community Governance Review - Draft Recommendation 8(d) - Rushden Lakes ward

Overview

Summary of Proposal

Rushden Lakes ward – The Town Council proposes splitting the existing Rushden Lakes ward into two separate wards.  The proposal presents a revised Rushden Lakes ward that would take in the existing Donne Close and Prospect Avenue wards and extend Southwards towards Peck Way.  The second ward would have a similar geographical area to the historic Hayden ward and reflect previous arrangements that were in place before the LGBCE review amended the town council warding structure.  The proposal suggests Hayden ward should have 5 councillors whilst the revised smaller Rushden Lakes ward should have 2 councillors.

View the full submission (CGR 27, page 59) by Rushden Town Council.

View a map (Draft Recommendation 8a-8d) of the proposal. (Please note that the map was updated on 4 August 2026).

Observations

The proposed electoral balance and councillor allocation are based on the assumption that Donne Close and Prospect Avenue wards will be incorporated into a revised Rushden Lakes ward. However, for the purposes of this review, that aspect of the proposal is being considered separately (see Draft Recommendation 8a). The proposal references the High Hayden Garden Community development (Rushden East Sustainable Urban Extension) that is planned for the area to the east of the A6 bypass.  This development will add approximately 2700 additional homes that will be apportioned across the current Higham Ferrers Lancaster ward (polling district HFD), and the Rushden Lakes and Rushden South wards over the coming years.  Housing trajectories for the period 2025/2026 to 2029/2030 indicate approximately 370 new homes will be built in the existing Rushden Lakes ward over the next 5 years, though it is difficult to accurately apportion the development at this time across the proposed warding arrangement.

Draft recommendation (Recommendation 8d)

(d)         That the proposal to split Rushden Lakes ward into a Rushden Lakes ward with 2 councillors and Hayden ward with 5 councillors be taken forward for further consultation.

Reason for recommendation - The proposal supports representation at a local level and facilitates effective and convenient local governance

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