The hospital site, in Wellingborough Road, has been disused since it was closed by the National Health Service in 1999.

Work to redevelop the area, including the former workhouse at the centre of the site, originally began in 2004, but it was delayed because of what the developers described as the "complexities of the planning system."

The new scheme for the area would see a retirement village built behind the 173-year-old former workhouse, with the workhouse itself converted into offices and new shops built nearby.

But members of the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation's (WNDC) planning committee for Northampton described parts of the plans as being "childlike".

Committee member, Councillor Penny Flavell (Con, St Crispin) said: "This is a main gateway entrance to the town and I can't see anything attractive in the plans, apart from the old workhouse.

"The new shops in Wellingborough Road look like a kiddie has drawn them and I just don't think they're attractive enough for Northampton.

"It's wonderful there's going to be a new development, but I just don't think it's good enough."

Her concerns about the appearance of the new buildings were backed by other committee members.

Design expert John Weir said: "I think we should welcome this development, because this area has been an eyesore in Northampton for years. But it doesn't look particularly exciting or invigorating."

Councillor Sandra Barnes (Con, Tove) added: "It's high time something happened on that site, but I think it could have been a little more adventurous and I must say I'm disappointed."

Despite their concerns about the design of the new development, the committee unanimously agreed to grant planning permission.

Northampton-based developers Rochmills, who own the site, now hope to have the development work completed within the next two years.