Major plans for another 450 homes as extension to quiet village near Northampton set to be approved

Proposals for a new housing development called Roman Fields in Harpole are set to be approved next week at a council planning committee meeting next week, according to a report by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).

The scheme, submitted by Davidsons Developments and John and Iris Green in March 2024, would see 450 homes built on land north-west of Upper High Street. The first phase of 100 homes would be built under full planning permission, with a further 350 homes in outline. The development would also include public open spaces, an equipped play area, landscaping, and pedestrian and cycle routes, according to the WNC report.

Access to the site is already being provided via a new roundabout off Roman Road, which is currently under construction.

A total of 63 ‘affordable’ homes are included, making up 14 per cent of the total. The first phase would provide 35 affordable homes, while the remaining 28 would be delivered in later phases. The affordable homes mix would be 70 per cent affordable rent and 30 per cent shared ownership, meeting local housing needs, according to WNC’s Strategic Housing Team.

The report also outlines 7.5 hectares of public open space, including a central play area and smaller green pockets across the site.

In total, 27 objections were submitted by residents.

One objector said: “There is a dire need for road calming measures… Harpole village is being used as a rat run and this will continue unless careful thought and consideration is given to these issues.”

Another said: “The number of houses being built in the area of Harpole and Duston is completely out of proportion with the size of land and facilities. It is changing the community in a damaging way by swallowing up green space and merging Harpole village with the edge of Northampton. The only purpose is to make as much money for the developer as possible with no concern for the local area. A further 450 houses with no real community of their own and no facilities is ridiculous.”

The application was originally due to be approved at WNC’s September 2025 planning committee, but was deferred so officers could reassess the financial viability of the scheme in relation to contributions for maintaining the open spaces. Officers were also asked to explore a potential pedestrian footpath link from Harpole village to the development.

Harpole Parish Council requested safer pedestrian routes along Upper High Street and better connections to bridleways. The Ramblers and local horse riders highlighted the need for safe crossings on Nobottle Road.

However, the WNC report notes that while these concerns were reviewed, officers concluded that a footpath link from Harpole village to the site would not be achievable or reasonable. The council said the development can still be safely accessed by car, public transport, and on foot.

The planning report states: "The application accords with the development plan. It would deliver a balanced and sustainable development of up to 450 new homes and community infrastructure in an attractive, well designed, landscaped and pleasant environment. It is considered that the planning balance in this case comes down firmly in favour of approval. It is therefore recommended that planning permission be granted for the development."

The plans will be decided by WNC’s planning committee on Tuesday, 18 November.