Approval recommended for 10-home plan on old garage site in Northamptonshire village despite opposition

A proposal to replace a former petrol station in a Northamptonshire village with 10 homes has been recommended for approval despite opposition from the parish council.

Barry Howard Homes wants to build on the land of the now-demolished garage in the centre of Flore with a mix of two-to-five bedroom two-storey properties.

Flore Parish Council strongly objects to the scheme for several reasons, including the development's scale and the loss of the petrol station, but neighbours are in favour.

Daventry District Council's planning officer wrote: "The provision of residential development on this previously developed site to replace the former commercial garage use would lead to environmental and highway improvements for the local area and the proposal would provide a mix of market and affordable housing for the village near to the target mix.

"It is considered that such benefits would outweigh the other harm which this proposal may have on the village of Flore and the Flore Conservation Area."

The parish council raised concerns about the size of the housing development and its proximity to High Street so the developer amended the application.

The planning officer said there was no interest in the petrol station and garage for 12 months before it was torn down in December 2019 so there could not be much demand for it.

The district council's planning committee will decide whether to accept the officer's recommendation or not at a meeting on Wednesday (February 10).