20 new ‘affordable’ apartments to be built on Towcester office site

The Grand Union Housing Group has successfully applied to bulldoze its existing office on Burcote Road and construct a three-storey building with 20 apartments.

The scheme had been before members of South Northamptonshire Council’s planning committee in August, but a decision was deferred as councillors were not happy with the ‘contemporary’ design of the building.

Now a revised design, with a white render applied to the first floor, a pitched roof instead of a flat roof and more ‘traditional’ window designs has finally won the backing of councillors, with the committee voting to grant planning permission unanimously when it met on Thursday (October 29).

The changes were made so that the building more closely resembled the appearance of the developments at Leeson Court and Plessey Close across the road.

Councillor Martin Johns said: “I think this fits in with the street scene much better. I had no problems with the original application if it was in a different location, but given the adjacent properties I think this design is preferable.”

And Councillor Steven Hollowell added: “It’s a much better design, and I think we were right to refer it back and this is a compromise that is acceptable.”

There remained some concerns over the impact that noise at the nearby BAE Systems building could have for residents at night, and that if neighbours were to complain that the facility could face restrictions.

An original condition to fix windows shut was removed though, and now windows will open away from BAE, while residents can turn on mechanical ventilation if they have to shut the windows due to noise.

A major benefit for the scheme is the affordable housing it will offer, with 12 of the 20 apartments falling into that category, which is four more than required under council policy.