128 homes for Northamptonshire village refused permission by councillors

South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) refused outline permission for a development which received 84 letters of objections from village residents.

On Thursday, July 30 members of SNC’s Development Control Committee backed officer’s recommendations to refuse permission for up to 128 new homes on farmer’s fields to the west of Greens Norton.

The objections from residents were supported by Greens Norton Parish Council which stated the site is outside the village confines and any development would be against SNC policy.

In their report SNC officers said the proposal went against the adopted development plan for the area, which is designed to deliver a well-planned, sustainable development strategy through to 2029 and also protect the character and appearance of the district.

The council said it is able to demonstrate the requisite five year housing land supply required by Government, ensuring there is a ready supply of new houses in the district.

As a result, the council is able to refuse developments which do not accord with local policies, rather than a shortfall in delivery over-riding the need to stick to the development plan.

Councillor Rebecca Breese, SNC’s portfolio holder for planning and environment added: “As a council we also have taken the decision that if we do have to take new homes, they will be built in locations that can sustain them, and where the impact on people already living here can be minimised.

“This decision demonstrates that we have a robust planning policy which is balancing the national need for housing with local desires to preserve what is special about south Northants.”