Council to buy 36 new affordable homes for social rent and temporary accommodation on new-build estate on edge of Northampton
A campaign to try and prevent West Northants Council (WNC) from buying a two blocks of flats for social and emergency use on a Northampton estate has been lost.
The council’s cabinet members agreed at a meeting on Tuesday November 11 that the authority would buy 36 ‘high-quality’ new build properties for social rent and temporary accommodation in Buckton Fields, Northampton.
The decision will see the council purchase two newly built blocks of apartments from Taylor Wimpey, ‘helping to ensure these much-needed homes can be made available to local residents as soon as possible’, according to WNC.
A Buckton Fields resident, who described the estate as ‘wonderful’ and ‘peaceful’, had launched a campaign to try and stop the deal from going ahead.
The Home Farm Drive resident said: “While I fully appreciate the importance of such initiatives, I believe it is essential that the council and developer carefully consider the potential impact on the existing community and ensure appropriate consultation and safeguards are in place.
“Understandably, residents are concerned about this sudden change in use, particularly given the proximity of the flats to the primary school and the potential impact on the character and balance of the community. We also believe that homeowners were not adequately informed about this proposed change, and that it appears to be progressing without proper consultation.”
The resident asked the council to reject or reconsider the plans – a move which was backed by local MP Stuart Andrew (Conservative). Mr Andrew said: “I completely understand the concerns that have been raised. When people bought their homes, they were told one thing, and it now appears that something quite different may be proposed. I am calling on the council and the developer to ensure there is proper consultation and that local residents have their voices heard before any decisions are take.” Despite the concerns, WNC gave the plans the go-ahead on Tuesday evening.
The majority of the 36 units will be for social rent, with a small number allocated for temporary accommodation, ‘supporting residents most in need and reducing reliance on costly short-term placements’, say WNC.
The two blocks of flats will consist of 24-one beds and 12 two-bed homes.
Cllr Charlie Hastie, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to make sure newly built homes don’t stand empty, but instead provide a lifeline for local people who need them most.
“By acting quickly, the Council is not only delivering new social rent homes at pace, but also creating more temporary accommodation to reduce pressure on emergency housing. It’s a real example of how we’re delivering on our housing strategy and investing in homes that make a difference.”
The homes form part of Taylor Wimpey’s wider Buckton Fields development – an urban extension providing over 1,000 new homes, of which 35 per cent are designated as affordable.
The 36 properties had originally been earmarked for a private affordable housing provider, but following the collapse of that arrangement, WNC stepped in to secure the homes at a discounted rate.
Steven Clarke, Sales and Marketing Director at Taylor Wimpey East Midlands, said: “We are proud to be working with West Northamptonshire Council to deliver high-quality affordable homes that meet the needs of local people. Buckton Fields has been designed as a sustainable, inclusive community, and it’s great to see these new homes helping residents access affordable, modern living spaces close to local amenities.”
As the homes are already complete and ready for occupation, families are expected to begin moving in soon after purchase is finalised.