Installation of ‘noise barrier’ between university campus and residents remains ‘under consideration’

A report compiled by the Northampton Borough Council overview and scrutiny committee last year had put forward a host of recommendations that deal with the impact the new campus is having.

One such recommendation called on the University of Northampton to investigate the installation of a noise barrier between the student accommodation at the campus and residents who live in Thomas Chapman Grove and Malthouse Close.

A report, to be read by cabinet members next Wednesday (January 20), states: “This has been investigated and is planned to be delivered as part of a future phase of development when further planting and screening will take place.

“The need and scale of the screening will be assessed, working closely with

the local community groups, when the next phases take place. The screening of the Taxi drop off point was also raised with this area seen as another that needed screening which will be looked at as part of this recommendation.

“While this recommendation hasn’t been implemented it remains under consideration.”

The report does state however that since the time of the scrutiny report being put together, there has been a reduction in complaints from residents regarding noise.

The borough council’s cabinet is set to formally respond to the scrutiny report next week, and will hear how the University has already implemented and financed a parking permit scheme for residents at Thomas Chapman Grove and Malthouse Close .