Plans to build 108 modular homes across two sites in Northampton have been approved at committee, despite concerns raised.

The first set of 70 homes will go forward on the Claret Car Park on Edgar Mobbs Way, close to Sixfields stadium. The next 38 units are sited on the former Lings Upper School site off Billing Brook Road, near Northampton Academy.

Both proposals will provide a mixture of one and two-bedroom temporary accommodation units, as well as a residents’ community hub, laundry room, site office, and children’s play area.

Speaking at the planning meeting on Thursday February 5, cabinet member for housing Councillor Charlie Hastie said the schemes were “an unusual solution to a very urgent problem” of homelessness.

CGI illustrations of the proposed scheme at the old school site.
Credit: West Northamptonshire Council — CGI illustrations of the proposed scheme at the old school site. Credit: West Northamptonshire Council

placeholder image — CGI illustrations of the proposed scheme at the old school site. Credit: West Northamptonshire Council

He explained that the council is currently providing temporary accommodation to around 750 households, but that more than half are placed in accommodation the council does not own, such as HMOs and hotels which are procured on a nightly paid basis.

Cllr Hastie said: “During consultation, concerns were raised that the proposed accommodation could be used for asylum seekers. Council can confirm this is not the case – the accommodation is intended solely for households who have a legal right to remain in the UK and are eligible for public funds.”

According to the report, eight letters of objection were submitted.

Local councillor John East raised concerns that the existing business next to the proposed car park location would expose future residents of the modular homes to “round-the-clock, noise, light and air pollution”.

Speaking on the plans for the former upper school site, the principal of Northampton Academy, Owen Jones, told councillors there were risks from increased public access near the school site and the homes’ direct line of sight onto the playground, which he labelled a “safeguarding issue”.

The applicant Michael O’Connell said the council’s environmental protection team were satisfied that noise and air quality impact from industrial uses next to the car park site wouldn’t be detrimental.

He also said that having housing next to schools was “far from unusual” and that there was a 50 metre separation distance as well as vegetation in between. He also said that housing services would prioritise accommodating families.

Both applications were approved by the planning committee.