New estate becoming a 'total farce' claim residents
The condition of a new housing estate in Northampton has been labelled a farce by councillors who have voiced strong reservations about plans to build more houses there.
In September last year, developers Taylor Wimpey announced they were pulling out of the redevelopment of the former hospital building in the middle of the new St Crispin estate.
At the time, residents expressed fears the building, which dates back to 1876, would simply be left to rot.
They repeated their fears to members of Northampton Borough Council's planning committee last night as councillors discussed Taylor Wimpey's latest plans to build more than 80 new homes in a field close to the derelict hospital.
Anti-expansion campaigner, Roger Kingston, told councillors: "Taylor Wimpey have blighted the area by failing to complete the promised refurbishment of the hospital. They've left this very significant Northamptonshire landmark to rot and possibly fall down.
"St Crispin's should be a showpiece estate, but it isn't, it's rapidly becoming a slum."
He was backed by members of the committee who expressed strong reservations to Taylor Wimpey's latest plans for new houses on the west of the estate.
Councillor Christopher Malpas (Con, Billing) said: "These developers have got a building they could redevelop, but they can't be bothered to do the work. It really speaks volumes.
"The roads on the new estate at the moment are also, at the best, poor. It's becoming a complete and utter farce."
Councillor Matt Golby (Con, New Duston) added: "I think this is a completely inappropriate application. Any more cars on those roads would just add to the problems there already are."
The development would feature 31 three bedroom houses, 36 four bedroom homes, 15 two bedroom houses and a two bedroom flat. Nobody from Taylor Wimpey spoke at last night's council meeting.
A final decision on whether the development should be allowed is due to be made by the West Northamptonshire Development Corporation later in the year.
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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