Plans revealed to build 28 new council home apartments in Northampton

Plans to build an apartment block of 28 council homes on land in Northampton will be discussed next week.

Northampton Borough Council cabinet members are due to discuss the proposal for land in Southbridge East that will let the homes to eligible households on the housing register.

The land on Trenery Way was transferred to the council’s ownership in January 2020 on the condition that it can only be used for affordable housing. To meet this requirement, cabinet is being asked to approve the transfer of the land to the council’s housing revenue account for £1.

Councillor Stephen Hibbert, cabinet member for housing, said: “This proposal represents a fantastic opportunity to increase the council’s stock of affordable rented housing and reduce its use of temporary accommodation.

“If this development is approved, we will ensure that the homes are energy-efficient, low-carbon and have electric charging points, and that they fit in with the overall character of the surrounding area”.

It is proposed that Northampton Partnership Homes oversees the design and construction of the development – which will consist of 19 one-bedroom apartments and nine two-bedroom apartments – on the council’s behalf.

Planning permission will still need to be obtained for any future development on the land. Construction of the new council homes is expected to take 18 months.

Cabinet will discuss the proposal at its virtual meeting on Wednesday 16 December at 6pm. Full details on the proposals can be found online at www.northampton.gov.uk/decembercabinet