The plans for 108 homes at Booth Rise and Lumbertubs Way were thrown into question over issues with traffic and wildlife, after planning officers said an ecological survey had been completed at the wrong time of year – in February and July, instead of the breeding season.

Members of Northampton Borough Council's planning committee said information on the wildlife inhabiting the site was a major issue.

Derek Tucker from the Boothville residents' association raised concerns at a planning meeting about the impact of the proposed development on the roads.

Councillor Richard Church (Lib Dem, Kingsthorpe) said: "I find it very difficult to express a view without having any advice from the county council and the Highways Agency.

"I would expect from a development like this to see perhaps that the access is made safe and that a fairly considerable amount of money is spent on insuring all of these things happen."

Councillors agreed the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation should defer the decision until further work had been completed on the application.