‘This is a huge win’: Plans for 300 homes on Northampton golf course dropped after campaign – but ‘the fight is not over yet’
Plans to build around 300 homes on part of a Northampton golf course have been dropped from West Northamptonshire Council’s latest local plan.
Collingtree Golf Club had previously been identified as a possible site for housing, prompting a campaign from residents and golfers who feared the loss of the green space and community facility.
But the council’s latest version of the local plan no longer includes the site as a proposed housing development.
In a report, the council said: "Further consideration has been given to the impacts that this proposed allocation for approximately 300 dwellings at Collingtree Golf Course would have on this important green space and it is not carried forward into the Regulation 19 draft of the local plan.”
The decision by the Reform-led council has been welcomed by Conservative councillor Pinder Chauhan, who represents Collingtree, West Hunsbury and East Hunsbury.
Councillor Chauhan said: “Some very welcome news. This weakens any future developer applications to build on this land.
"I am really pleased that I have been able to lead these conversations with residents and put pressure on the Reform administration to turn around the ludicrous decision to consult to include this land in the local plan in the first place. The golf club should never have come up for housing allocation as this would have been the end of Collingtree Golf Club as we know it.
"This is a huge win for Collingtree, but it didn't happen by accident or without a fight.
"However, the fight continues, because developers can still apply and appeal the decision, and we are still applying for the land to be allocated as a local green space.
"Celebrations for now. Well done, Collingtree – this is what community activism looks like.”
In April, dozens of residents and golfers gathered outside Northampton Guildhall to protest against the proposed housing allocation.
Iain Tait, chairman of Friends of Collingtree Golf Course, previously said: “Plans for housing development would erase irreplaceable habitat and steal a green lung which the community depends on. It's incompatible to build more houses across Northampton and at same time remove a facility that creates mental and physical well being. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.”
Councillor Chauhan previously said: “Collingtree Park already has a substantial number of homes built, with many more underway. What is missing is the essential infrastructure that should accompany this level of development. There are no additional doctors’ surgeries, dentists, bus services, community buildings, shops or schools to support the growing population.
“Right now, the golf club is the only community facility. It is where residents meet, socialise, and hold local events. I host meetings here, as do many other community groups. If this land is added to the local plan, the area risks losing its only community hub.
“I have said before that I am not a ‘Nimby’. I support the need for more homes, but they must be built in the right places, with the right infrastructure, and with proper consideration for the communities they affect."
The council received 6,184 responses to its second consultation, which ran from January to March this year.
The Local Plan is due to be considered by West Northamptonshire Council’s Full Council on Monday, September 24. If approved, the latest version will then be published for further representations before being submitted for independent examination.