New homes plan for derelict site moves forward

The site, pictured when still open, has been derelict for years

Plans to build homes on the site of a derelict former care home have taken a step forward after a council agreed to appoint a contractor and transfer the site for a reduced land value.

Ecton Brook House in Northampton was built in the 1970s but has been empty since 2016.

The plans will see the building demolished and replaced with 12 homes for social rent and six for shared ownership.

Charlie Hastie from Reform UK-controlled West Northamptonshire Council said the development would make "the best use of a disused site to create high-quality affordable family homes for local people".

Work is already under way to prepare the site, with demolition and asbestos removal funded by a £200,000 grant from the government's Brownfield Land Release Fund, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The project also forms part of the council's affordable homes delivery plan, with more than 1,000 new affordable homes needed in West Northamptonshire every year.

According to council figures, just 63 affordable homes were completed between April and June this year, out of its 122-home target. The authority said the scheme would help to meet the high demand for affordable housing across the area.

Construction of the new homes was expected to begin following a procurement process later this year, with completion anticipated in spring 2027.

It will be funded through a combination of Homes England grant support and Housing Revenue Account borrowing.

According to a report to the council, the land has been valued at £500,000 but the authority will transfer for £50,000 to ensure the homes remain affordable.