More than 300 residents criticise plans for 41 homes as extension to quiet village near Northampton

The proposal, submitted by developer RO Land, would see up to 41 houses built on a 2.32-hectare field off Fosters Booth Road in Pattishall. The site currently forms part of the open countryside on the edge of the village.

Residents say the development is unwanted, unnecessary and driven by profit rather than local need.

Ian Taylor, chair of Pattishall Residents Against this Development Association (PRADA), said opposition in the village is overwhelming.

He said: “This is not about meeting local need. This is about a private developer trying to cash in on housing shortages elsewhere in West Northamptonshire.

“Over 300 people have signed our petition against this development. Nearly everyone who attended the public consultation opposed it.”

The plans include a mix of two, three and four-bedroom homes, with around half classed as affordable housing. Access to the site would be from Fosters Booth Road.

Residents say the village “cannot cope” with a development of this size. They also raised concerns about pressure on GP services, a lack of secondary school places, increased traffic and poor public transport.

Mr Taylor continued: “Roads around the village are already busy and dangerous. Fosters Booth Road and the A5 junction are not suitable for the extra traffic these homes would bring.”

Residents also say the development would damage the rural character of Pattishall and lead to the loss of green fields and wildlife habitats.

Mr Taylor said: “This is open countryside. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.”

Residents have also criticised the consultation carried out by the developer. A public event held at Pattishall Parish Hall in November was attended by more than 100 people.

“Almost everyone there signed our petition against the plans,” Ian said. “Claims that there is little or no local opposition are simply not true.”

PRADA says allowing the development would “open the door” to further building around small villages across the area.

“If these plans are approved, it sends a message that villages like ours are fair game whenever developers can’t build elsewhere,” Mr Taylor added.

In a statement, RO Land said the development would create a “sustainable and sensitive extension” to the village and provide “high-quality homes to meet growing local need”.

An RO Land spokesman said: “The proposed development at Pattishall aspires to create a sustainable and sensitive extension to the village, rooted in its unique character and architectural heritage.

“The new homes will sit with the existing fabric, offering high-quality living spaces that meet the growing local need.

“The vision for the site is based upon a holistic approach to placemaking – enhancing village life and supporting wellbeing for all generations.”

The developer says the scheme would include an expanded children’s playground, a new dog park and improvements to the surrounding environment. The homes would be mainly two storeys, with some larger properties.

West Northamptonshire Council is expected to make a decision on the application by March 10, 2026.