Plans submitted for more than 80 homes on site of derelict car dealership in Northampton

A derelict warehouse and the remaining part of the showroom building will be demolished if the project is approved.

The applicant, Countryside Properties (UK) Ltd and Vistry Group, has notified West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) of its intent to build an 84-home housing estate below Harlestone Road in Duston. The three-hectare site is currently made up of an existing motor sales garage (M&A Motors), a hand car wash and a former car repairs warehouse at the rear.

Developers say the housing estate will feature four three-storey blocks of flats, containing 28 one or two-bedroom apartments and 56 homes that are between two and four-bedrooms in size. The plans also state that 30 of the properties will be rented or sold as affordable homes.

Part of the site was formerly used as a car dealership, but a large part has now been demolished. The canopy area that remains is now being used as a hand car wash. A large warehouse at the back of the land has remained empty for several years.

The applicant has stated that both remaining structures will be demolished to make way for the homes. In total, 156 car parking spaces would be allocated to the site and an equipped play area and new road and pedestrian access would be delivered as part of the scheme.

Developers have also noted the retention of the dense woodland to the east and south of the site, which separate the area from its neighbouring housing estates in Duston.

Andy Reynolds, managing director of Vistry South East Midlands, said: “We are thrilled to have secured the land to build these much-needed family homes in Northampton, demonstrating our commitment to planning high-quality communities that meet the diverse housing needs of individual areas.”

Olivia Haslam, Associate Director in the development team at Savills in Nottingham, added: “The sale of the site now creates a significant pipeline to address housing need in the area which will deliver sustainable homes and benefit the local community for generations to come.

"Vistry has a proven track record in delivering high quality living accommodation and this new development, subject to planning, will help create a new community which benefits from great links to town centre amenities and good schools nearby.”

Five objections have already been submitted by members of the public over the lack of medical, education and leisure infrastructure in the area and the dwindling amenities being crushed by further residential applications. One person commented that it would be “irresponsible” to build more houses without adding more support to GP surgeries and dentists.

Comments on the application from local residents are due by Monday, November 4. WNC has committed to making a decision on if the plans will go ahead before the end of December 2024.