Plans for 850-home development on the outskirts of Northampton thrown out by councillors
Plans to build a major housing development of up to 850 homes on the outskirts of Northampton have been rejected by councillors following strong public opposition.
The scheme, led by Manor Oak Homes, would have seen three agricultural fields in the countryside between Grange Park and Quinton transformed into a large residential development. The site stretched from Wootton Road and Foxfield Country Park in the north down towards the M1.
West Northamptonshire Council's strategic planning committee debated the outline application for almost three hours on Tuesday, June 16.
Alongside the homes, the plans included a new local centre, land for a primary school, open space including an extension to the country park, community allotments, pedestrian and cycle links, and 45 per cent affordable housing.
Residents, parish councillors, ward members and South Northamptonshire MP Sarah Bool all voiced opposition to the scheme.
Quinton resident Peter Shellard told councillors the development would destroy the buffer between Quinton and Grange Park.
"Quinton isn't an empty space on a map – it's a village with a thousand years of identity and history and our residents care deeply about their community. Please don't destroy it," he said.
Andy Millerchip, a local resident and member of Grange Park Parish Council, said: "Bolting 850 houses on the edge of Grange Park with some really superficial box ticking in terms of community amenities will not work."
Concerns were also raised about pressure on GP services and schools, as well as the likelihood residents would be heavily dependent on cars.
Nene Valley councillor Trefor Hughes said residents had engaged throughout the process and firmly rejected the proposed coalescence of Quinton and Grange Park.
The application attracted 534 public objections, while six neighbouring parish councils and the Campaign for the Protection of Rural England also opposed the plans.
Planning officers had recommended approval, citing the council's inability to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply and the significant benefits of delivering new homes.
Councillor Sally Keeble argued the development would help tackle West Northamptonshire's housing shortage and urged colleagues to support the scheme.
However, her motion to approve the plans failed, with four councillors voting in favour and six against. Members subsequently backed an alternative motion to refuse the application.