The big planning applications approved in Northampton this week

The committee last met on March 17, just a few days before the Government implemented a nationwide lockdown to tackle the coronavirus pandemic.

Although smaller in scale than usual planning meetings – understandably due to a first tryout of Zoom technology – the committee still managed to unanimously approve seven applications during a meeting lasting just over two hours on Tuesday (May 12).

All the applications submitted were from Northampton Partnership Homes (NPH), with a series of schemes from other applicants set to be determined in another special meeting next Tuesday (May 19).

Here’s a rundown of the decisions:

APPROVED: Additional storey to existing block of flats to create ten new flats at Dover Court, St James Road

The application was seeking planning permission for an additional storey to Dover Court to create 10 new flats operated by NPH. The new third floor flats would comprise three one-bed units and seven two-bed units. Artur Postoliuk, a nearby resident, raised complaints about possible sewage problems and overlooking of buildings. But Helen Town, on behalf of NPH, said the company was ‘doing a big push’ on housing as it had 3,852 people on the housing register, and the figure had gone up during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite an objection from the county council’s highways department, as it didn’t offer any extra parking, planning officers at the borough council said the parking harm was outweighed by the offer of much needed affordable housing.

APPROVED: Additional storey to existing block of flats to create ten new flats at Woodstock, Billing Road

A very similar scheme to the one already approved at Dover Court. The application had been amended since its submission to reduce the number of flats from 17 to ten units. It neighbours an apartment block to the southern side, York House, and offices currently occupied by Hewitsons solicitors to the western side. Gemma Dudley, head of planning at Hewitsons, told the committee that there was ‘already a hugely inadequate level of parking’ and this would be exacerbated as there was no extra parking planned. But NPH said they would be speaking to highways at NCC regarding a traffic regulation to enforce parking on double yellow lines, and that a lot of people parking in the area were not residents. Councillor Muna Cali asked if they could look at installing a car park barrier which could only be accessed through a fob issued to residents, which has been used at other town centre locations for NPH.

APPROVED: Demolition of existing lock-up garages and development of two flats on land adjacent to 62 Maidencastle

NPH had applied for the demolition of four existing garages and the erection of a building containing two flats. The site would feature seven parking spaces and an existing step path would be repositioned. There had been 29 neighbour objections, as well as objections from the Woodland East Unincorporated Residents Association. Complaints focused on the ‘cramped overdevelopment’ and the loss of parking spaces. Officers said ‘no harm has been identified that would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits’.

APPROVED: Installation of brick built bin enclosures with drop kerb adjacent to 34-56 Broom Court

The application site is an area of green space located next to an existing block of flats at Broom Court. NPH was seeking permission for the installation of brick built bin enclosures, and members quickly approved the scheme.

APPROVED: Demolition of outbuilding and erection of new single storey side extension at 191 Fullingdale Road

A rather simple side extension, together with new off road parking and a dropped kerb, was quickly approved. Officers said there would be no detrimental impact on the character of the local area or on neighbour amenity.

APPROVED: Change of use of community room to dwelling at 19a Blackberry Lane

It was proposed to change the use of a community room near Briar Hill Primary School to a single home with three bedrooms, a disabled bathroom, kitchen and living room. A link to a neighbouring property would be demolished. Ward councillor Julie Davenport said she ‘feels that the centre is used every day’ and the loss of the community room ‘will further isolate vulnerable residents of the local community’. But planning committee chairman Councillor Brian Oldham disagreed, instead agreeing with NPH assertions that the centre was under utilised and that nearby residents tended to use the Parsons Meade Community Centre instead.

APPROVED: New porch to front entrance together with garage conversion at 24 Mortar Pit Road

It took just a few minutes for councillors to quickly wave the final application of the evening through.