'Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever': Dozens of residents protest Reform-led council's plans to allocate part of Northampton golf course for 300 homes

Collingtree Residents staged a peaceful protest outside Northampton Guildhall on Saturday April 25 in a bid to “Save Collingtree Park Golf Course”.

The protest was held over plans that could see around 300 homes built on land at Collingtree Park Golf Club as part of the draft Local Plan from the Reform-led West Northamptonshire Council (WNC).

The proposals, which were out for consultation between January and March, identify land at the golf course as a potential housing allocation as part of wider development plans across the area up to 2043.

Iain Tait, chairman of Friends of Collingtree Golf Course, said: “Plans for housing development would erase irreplaceable habitat and steal a green lung which the community depends on. It's incompatible to build more houses across Northampton and at same time remove a facility that creates mental and physical well being. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.”

A spokesperson for West Northamptonshire Council said: “We acknowledge concerns raised about the draft Local Plan and the former Collingtree Golf Course site.

“The public consultation has now closed and all feedback received will be carefully reviewed before any decisions are made. Inclusion of a site in the draft plan does not mean development has been approved.

“The next stage will focus on assessing consultation responses alongside updated evidence on infrastructure, environmental impacts and sustainability. A revised plan will be brought forward for further public consideration before independent examination.

“The Council is committed to ensuring that future development is properly planned, sustainable, and supported by appropriate infrastructure and services.”

Conservative councillor Pinder Chauhan said: “The Friends of Collingtree Park have been working tirelessly to oppose this development.

“Collingtree Park already has a substantial number of homes built, with many more underway. What is missing is the essential infrastructure that should accompany this level of development. There are no additional doctors’ surgeries, dentists, bus services, community buildings, shops or schools to support the growing population.

“Right now, the Golf Club is the only community facility in Collingtree. It is where residents meet, socialise, and hold local events. I host meetings here, as do many other community groups. If this land is added to the local plan, the area risks losing its only community hub.

“I have said before that I am not a ‘Nimby’. I support the need for more homes, but they must be built in the right places, with the right infrastructure, and with proper consideration for the communities they affect.

“Locally, the Reform administration at WNC has been responsible for shaping the draft plan. This parcel of land should not have been included, given the loss of a sporting facility, a green space, and the only community venue in Collingtree Park.

“The impact on community life, local wellbeing, and the natural environment would be significant. For many people here, this is about protecting the heart of Collingtree Park – not resisting new homes, but ensuring development is fair, sustainable, and properly supported.”

Cllr Chauhan said she has written to Labour MP Mike Reader to ask for his support in opposing the inclusion of the land, but has not yet received a response.

She said: “The Labour government have set additional housing targets for Northamptonshire, and some people have raised concerns about whether these targets fully account for where new homes can realistically go or how local services will cope.”

Mr Reader told this newspaper: “It is encouraging to see Cllr Chauhan recognise that the previous Conservative administration failed to deliver any doctors’ surgeries, dentists, bus services, community buildings, shops or schools throughout the development of Collingtree over the past decade. I have had a number of residents get in touch with me to raise concerns regarding the development on Collingtree Golf Course. I will continue to represent their views to the council.”