Development of 361 homes on estate approved

Plans to build 361 homes next to a massive housing estate on the edge of Northampton have been approved.

The new homes will join on to Collingtree Park, which is a 1,000-home urban extension on the southwestern edge of the town, near East Hunsbury.

The M1 motorway runs along the bottom of the site, and the western edge borders the West Coast Mainline Railway.

West Northamptonshire Council approved the plans despite concerns that new residents would struggle to access overloaded primary healthcare services.

The council's planning committee heard the authority received 29 letters of objection, which criticised the project for inadequate infrastructure, exacerbating road congestion and the removal of green space.

A further 11 letters of support were also submitted, which highlighted the delivery of much-needed new homes, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Michael Campbell, from East Hunsbury Parish Council, spoke against the proposals due to the pressure it could put on the Danes Camp doctors surgery.

He asked councillors to defer the decision to allow for further investigation into improving the "desperately needed" healthcare provision.

Members were told at the meeting on Tuesday that 35% of the homes will be marketed as affordable housing, including 88 homes at social rent.

Initial plans also indicate that parts of the development have been designated for play areas and parks.

The applicant, Vistry Latimer Collingtree LLP and Lagan Homes, has been given outline permission at this stage.

Further proposals containing more detail about the individual parcels of homes must come forward before construction can start.

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