Major plans unveiled to build large housing estate as extension to quiet Northamptonshire village – whopping 125 residents OBJECT
Major plans have been submitted to build a large housing estate as an extension to a quiet Northamptonshire village – but a whopping 125 residents have objected so far.
A planning application has been submitted by Rainier Developments Ltd for a new housing development of up to 63 homes on land north of Rugby Road in Kilsby.
The applicant said: “Our vision is to deliver a high quality and sustainable development that is a positive asset to Kilsby. The proposals will benefit new and existing residents by delivering a healthy, attractive and safe extension to the village, integrated with the surrounding landscape, services, facilities and housing. Development will provide an inclusive community with a mix of homes inspired by the best of local vernacular, respecting and enhancing the natural environment and promoting active travel.”
The development covers a total of 6.29 hectares of greenfield land, with approximately 1.89 hectares allocated for residential development, including a mix of homes ranging from one-bedroom dwellings to four-bedroom houses.
Of the 63 homes proposed, 40 per cent (25 properties) would be affordable housing. The application states that these homes would be built to the same design standard as market housing and would be ‘indistinguishable’ in appearance.
Around 66 per cent of the site area (4.16 hectares) is proposed as green infrastructure. This would include parks and gardens, amenity open space, accessible natural and semi-natural green space, children and young people’s facilities, and allotments.
The applicant says it carried out a public consultation which saw residents ‘primarily express objections to any development on the site’, raising concerns about infrastructure capacity and the potential impact on Kilsby’s rural character’.
The applicant added: “However, there is also recognition of the need for housing for the younger generation, with support for environmentally sustainable homes.”
A total of 125 objections have been submitted by residents at the time of writing (February 4).
One objection reads: “There is no need for additional housing in Kilsby. It will destroy the village and put increased pressure on infrastructure that is not designed or prepared for increased population.”
Another resident wrote: “More unnecessary housing that doesn't help the character of the village or help current residents. This proposal is outside the envelope of the village and is to be built on green space that does not satisfy the requirements for a rural exception. The proposed entrance is on a dangerous piece of road, and the application is contrary to the local village plan. The WNC Planning committee recently agreed that building outside the village boundary into green space should not be permitted.”
Many of the other objections raise similar concerns.
The application has also drawn comment from Stuart Andrew MP, Member of Parliament for the Daventry Constituency. He said: “I am aware of a significant number of constituents who have consistently and clearly opposed previous development proposals outside of the village boundaries, and now hold deep concerns about the current application. Having carefully considered the issues highlighted, I fully share my constituents’ concerns and strongly support their view that this proposal is inappropriate.”
A target decision date has been set for March 16.