Major £20 million Harlestone Road housing scheme set for approval – which is set to be bought by WNC

The 82-home scheme on the former car dealership and petrol station site off Harlestone Road, Duston, is set for approval next week.

In September 2025, the council approved plans to take on the brownfield land from the developer, Vistry, so it can deliver all 82 homes as affordable housing. This will comprise 31 homes for affordable rent, 26 homes for shared ownership and 25 homes for social rent.

It is anticipated that work will start on the site in early 2026, with a planned completion date achieved by summer 2027.

The 3.03-hectare site would include 1.03 hectares of public open space, a children’s play area, and a mix of houses and apartment blocks served by a single central access point from Harlestone Road.

WNC will use Housing Revenue Account (HRA) borrowing to cover any costs above the Homes England grant to the developer, with the obligation for Vistry to build out the homes and transfer them at completion. The project finances have so far been kept confidential and were exempt from public discussion during the meeting in September, however WNC said it has carried out appropriate financial checks.

WNC councillor Charlie Hastie, cabinet member for housing, previously told a full council meeting that the project would “transform a brownfield site into a vibrant residential area” and help tackle the area’s housing pressures.

More than 70 public objections have been submitted, raising concerns about GP capacity, school places and safety in Harlestone Road. One resident described the access route as a “death trap”, pointing to multiple accidents in recent years.

Duston Parish Council said it accepted the site has long been earmarked for development but urged WNC to address key issues.

In its response, the parish said: “We acknowledge that this site has been earmarked for development for some time through various local plans. We welcome the retention of much of the existing tree coverage around the site… However, we recommend serious consideration is given to the developer’s impact on local services – particularly GP surgeries, health provision and education – as residents have already raised concerns about added pressure. We also suggest extending the 30mph speed limit along the whole length of Harlestone Road and upgrading the Firs View Drive/Lodge Farm junction to a roundabout. Duston Parish Council would greatly welcome the opportunity to adopt all public open space on the site, including the tree belt, to ensure their long-term preservation.”

Local ward councillor Vincent Clive backed the redevelopment despite reservations in the community.

Councillor Clive previously said: “I believe the site will present residents with a good standard of living and I’m pleased to support this plan despite some of the misgivings in my community.”