Happy December everyone! This will be our last blog of the year before we turn the page for 2021! It’s no secret that it has been an incredibly difficult year and we have all had to make significant sacrifices in our everyday lives. But, despite all the madness, we are still here and have made it to the end of 2020.
We hope 2021 will be a better year and bring you all more happiness, joy, peace and prosperity!
Government Guidelines
As you all know, Christmas is right around the corner and while it won’t be completely ‘normal’ Christmas, there is hope of longed-for opportunities like seeing friends and family.
The Government has recently announced that coronavirus rules will be relaxed over the festive season, with people allowed to celebrate in three-household “Christmas bubbles” with their families.
The Government has said:
- Between 23 and 27 December, people across the UK will be able to meet with those in other households in their three-household bubble – but only in a private home, a place of worship or outdoors
- A bubble will not be allowed to meet in pubs, restaurants or bars
- Travel restrictions across the whole of the UK will be lifted during the period, allowing people to travel across the nations or between local tiers in order to meet with those within their bubble
- Once a bubble is formed, it is fixed and must not be changed or extended further at any point
However, from 2 to 23 December, a tougher regional tier system will come back into effect for England. In this tier system:
- Non-essential retail will be allowed to open in all three tiers
- Gyms will be allowed to open
- The 10pm curfew for pubs and restaurants will be scrapped
Moving forward, the Government has urged caution and it’s clear we all have a part to play to stop the future spread of coronavirus.
On a final note, we just wanted to say that we are so proud of the people of Oakley Vale and have been inspired by the community spirit during this challenging time. Hopefully, it’ll all be over soon!
Oakley Vale, a Place to Live and Thrive
Some of you may remember that back in March we told you we had to press pause on our new Oakley Vale video. Well, we can now reveal that they have been filmed, edited and uploaded to our website all while lockdown restrictions permitted! There are not one, but two videos, and you can find them here (LINK).
We wanted to showcase just how special life in Oakley Vale is, as well as all the things you can do and see here. Why not drop us a line and let us know what you think of our latest videos? We would love to hear your feedback!
Photo Competition Winner
Finally, a bit of good news we can’t wait to tell you…
We have announced the winner of our latest photo competition!
Congratulations to Agnieszka Kuras for this wonderful photo that perfectly captures our Autumn in Okaley Vale theme! The winding roads and changing colours look amazing!
Our Oakley Vale photo competition is open to people of all ages and skill and gives you an opportunity to win £50! Keep your eyes peeled for our next one, we can’t wait to see your entries.
Future Developments
Our last update is one on future development in Oakley Vale:
The design code for the final two phases of Oakley Vale (phases 8 and 9) is currently being discussed with Corby Borough Council, Northamptonshire County Council and the North Northamptonshire Joint Planning and Delivery Unit. It is hoped that this document, which will set out the design standards for the forthcoming phases 8 and 9, will be in an agreed form early in 2021.
Confirming this document will then enable phase 8 (which contains circa 270 new homes and a new primary school) to be offered for sale to housebuilders in early 2021 with a clear vision of what their homes will need to look like. This should pave the way for a new phase of housing to offer even more exciting new homes late in early 2022.
All that’s left to say is that we are sending you all our best wishes, stay safe, and we look forward to seeing you again soon in 2021!