Plans to build new housing development in Northamptonshire village given green light despite past objections

Plans to build 19 social rented and shared ownership homes in Paulerspury have been given the green light.

The decision was made on March 31 by South Northamptonshire Council (SNC) to allow the applicant, Grand Union Housing Group, to build the homes behind the village's Grays Lane.

This comes after a year long battle which saw SNC go against advice and refuse the initial proposals of 26 homes off High Street following 57 objections from people in the local area including the parish council.

A written statement from Paulerspury Parish Council previously outlined its opposition to the scheme, stating: “We object on the grounds of it being outside the settlement confines in open countryside; contrary to the linear character of the village; and affecting important open views.”

It also said it could lead to highway safety issues, with residents also highlighting that the position of the access on a bend in the road where there is on-street car parking would result in ‘severe congestion’.

Ward councillor for the area Councillor Sandra Barnes previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We didn’t want it and we didn’t need it. It’s the second time they tried to do this site and they came back with reduced numbers of homes, but it was still outside the confines.

"We’re quite strong on that aspect in South Northants, because if you’re not careful you get the incremental creeps and you end up being joined to Old Stratford.”

Editor's note: This article has been amended to clarify that the 57 objections were in relation to a larger application off High Street.