Major plans submitted to build ‘high-quality’ block of flats on vacant brownfield land next to former school in Northampton

An application by York Group Ltd has been lodged with West Northamptonshire Council for a new apartment block next to the former Bosworth Independent College buildings in Barrack Road.

The proposed development would comprise 12 one-bedroom apartments and two two-bedroom apartments, according to the plans. A total of nine car parking spaces, 32 cycle spaces and 18 bin spaces would also be provided.

The applicant said: “The site is a highly sustainable and underutilised urban location within Northampton, and the sensitive infilling of the longstanding gap in the Barrack Road street frontage will result in both physical and visual improvements to the conservation area.

Planning papers state: “At present, the council is unable to demonstrate a 5-year housing land supply. Therefore, this proposed development offers a key opportunity to provide additional housing within the urban area, in a highly sustainable residential location.

“The proposals will deliver a range of clear benefits, all of which weigh in favour of granting permission when considered in the overall planning balance.”

The documents add: “It is considered that the proposed development is of a high-quality design and will enhance the Barrack Road street scene.”

According to the application, all 14 apartments would be delivered as market housing.

Planning papers state: “All 14 of the apartments will be delivered as market dwellings, as there is no policy requirement to provide affordable units for schemes providing fewer than 15 dwellings.

“However given that all of the apartments would have either one and two bedrooms, naturally they will be at the lower end of market pricing for the highly sustainable location.”

Planning papers also say four trees would need to be removed to make way for the building, although much of the green frontage along Barrack Road would remain.

The site sits within the Barrack Road Conservation Area and next to several historic buildings, including the Grade II-listed 5 Leicester Parade.

A heritage assessment submitted with the plans says the vacant plot was always intended to be developed and that the exposed side walls of neighbouring buildings were ‘never intended to be seen’.

The neighbouring Queen’s Building originally opened in 1901 as the Northampton Queen Victoria Nursing Institution, built to commemorate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.

Historic maps included in the heritage report show the area was once made up of market gardens and open land before Barrack Road was developed during Northampton’s Victorian expansion.

West Northamptonshire Council’s target decision date for the application is July 16.