Plan for up to 12 homes for older people recommended for approval outside Northamptonshire village

Council officer believes meeting the need outweighs loss of countryside but neighbours are not happy
By Jack Duggan
Published 8th Apr 2021, 16:43 BST
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A collection of up to 12 homes for people aged over 55 have been recommended for approval on the outskirts of a Northamptonshire village.

A West Northamptonshire Council planning officer thinks the homes on land north of Church Lane in Bugbrooke should be allowed ahead of a meeting next week.

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They believe the the loss of countryside is outweighed by several benefits including meeting the need for older people accommodation in the area and that half of the properties will be affordable, according to a report published today (Thursday, April 8).

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How the 12 homes on land to the north of Church Lane in Bugbrooke would be laid out if approved. Photo: Land Allocations/Clendon ArchitectureHow the 12 homes on land to the north of Church Lane in Bugbrooke would be laid out if approved. Photo: Land Allocations/Clendon Architecture
How the 12 homes on land to the north of Church Lane in Bugbrooke would be laid out if approved. Photo: Land Allocations/Clendon Architecture

Bugbrooke is also considered a sustainable location for new residential development and it would provide economic benefits, net biodiversity gains and better pedestrian access to public footpaths, the report adds.

However, some neighbours disagree, claiming the village's facilities are at capacity, it lacks the infrastructure to take more development and ruin their privacy.

One wrote: "However most importantly for villagers it is pivotal that we are able to maintain a level of rural land around us to retain the beautiful of the countryside and nature that Bugbrooke is known for."

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Bugbrooke Parish Council supports the application due to the need for older person’s accommodation within the village but has asked for cash from the developer to fund several schemes.

Land Allocations, the firm behind the proposal, initially wanted 31 ordinary homes, before reducing it to 20, and now 12 for older people, which the council officer is satisfied with.

Usually applications outside development boundaries would not be acceptable but this one is because it is for a specific purpose, the officer's report reads.

But a series of conditions and a section 106 notice, which forces a developer to make financial contributions towards the area, should be included in the approval.

The council's interim planning committee for the South Northamptonshire area will discuss the scheme on Thursday (April 15).

Related topics:BugbrookeNorthamptonshireWest Northamptonshire Council