Councillor says ‘leave our green space alone’ at meeting opposing controversial Hunsbury development

More than 50 residents attended a meeting to voice their concerns about a 92-home development in West Hunsbury.

Campaigners were joined by Cllr Pinder Chauhan along with representatives from West Hunsbury Parish Council, Hunsbury Meadows Parish Council and local organisations Welland Valley FC and the Drovers Return Cafe at the meeting, which was held on Monday September 7.

Residents are concerned about a planning application by developers Bellway Homes to build on land off Milton Ham in West Hunsbury.

The meeting at Parsons Meade Community Centre saw questions raised about flooding, wildlife, trees, safety and an increase in traffic, noise and mess.

Residents are also against plans to create an access road through an area of green space next to Ladybridge Drive and Teal Close, which the council has proposed to sell to developers for £1.5million.

Campaigners say so far some 60 objections have so far been lodged against the development.

Cllr Chauhan said: “I began the campaign in 2024 to protect the green space at Teal Close, alongside several of my conservative colleagues. We lobbied the then leader of the council to make an Executive Decision preventing the sale of this land to developers and to ensure any future access to the allocated housing site would be through the dual carriageway rather than through our residential areas.

“I have represented West Hunsbury for 10 years and our residents value their green spaces deeply. These areas have become well developed natural habitats for the wildlife in the area and places of wellbeing for the community.

“Unfortunately, the new Reform administration has reopened discussions with the developer about purchasing the land from West Northants Council, building a road through it, and installing a substation on a site that already suffers from significant winter flooding. This is deeply concerning.”

Cllr Chauhan is calling on leader of the council Mark Arnull to listen to resident’s concerns and not develop on the area’s green space.

She added: “West Hunsbury has faced a series of poor decisions from this administration from proposed parking charges at a residential park, to uncertainty over Collingtree Golf Course, and now the threat to Ladybridge Drive’s green space.

“My message to the leader is simple; leave our parks and green areas alone. Speak to residents, listen to their concerns, and engage in the democratic process you were elected to uphold.”

Cllr Arnull did not respond to request for comment.