More than 100 modular homes planned for two sites in Northampton set to be approved by council
More than 100 modular homes are set to be approved by West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), as it explores new ways to address the growing need for temporary accommodation.
Plans to build 108 self-contained modular accommodation units across two sites in Northampton will go to the planning committee having both received officer recommendations for approval.
The first set of 70 homes is proposed on the Claret Car Park on Edgar Mobbs Way, close to the Sixfields stadium. The next 38 units could be built on a former Northampton school site off Billing Brook Road. The old Lings Upper School was demolished more than 10 years ago, since which time the site has been disused and become overgrown.
Both proposals will provide a mixture of one and two-bedroom temporary accommodation units, as well as a residents’ community hub, laundry and site office, and children’s play area.
WNC says the relocatable homes will provide short term housing for vulnerable people in need within West Northamptonshire. It is anticipated that most people will reside in the temporary accommodation for between three and six months.
WNC first announced its intentions to explore how modular homes could be used by the council in 2024, after visiting a similar project in Milton Keynes.
According to the officer’s report, the homes will be manufactured off-site and will be fully self-contained, offering areas for sleeping, cooking, washing, and lounging facilities. It adds that all appliances and systems will be factory-installed and tested before the units arrive on site, meaning that the accommodation units will be ready for someone to move into as soon as they are connected.
The homes on the Claret Car Park will also provide a total of 70 parking spaces and 43 parking bays are proposed at the former school site.
However, concerns have been raised by ward councillors over the modular homes, with Dallington Spencer councillor Sally Keeble calling the car park location “isolated”.
She added: “While it may be a suitable site for experimental, temporary housing, it may not be suitable if the housing remains there for any length of time. In addition, care would need to be taken to ensure residents can access the services etc they need.”
Councillor John East (Dallington Spencer) also put in objections to the Edgar Mobbs Way plans, warning that future tenants would be subject to the neighbouring industrial buildings operating around the clock, and the potential for further noise and pollution levels in the area due to the vicinity of the football and rugby stadiums.
Northampton Academy, which borders the old Lings Upper School site also objected citing safeguarding and visual privacy, due to the proximity of the units overlooking school grounds, highway safety and access and insufficient detail on monitoring, vetting, and safeguarding protocols.
The council has said it faces a significant challenge in accommodating individuals and families experiencing homelessness, with current demand surpassing available housing resources.
The plans will go to a meeting of the WNC planning committee on Thursday February 5. Each scheme will be determined separately.