Homes approved in 'sensitive' racecourse location

The site is next to Towcester Racecourse, which closed in 2018 but reopened two years later as a greyhound-only venue

Plans to build up to 110 houses on historic parkland next to a racecourse have been given the green light.

The development is earmarked for land off London Road next to Towcester racecourse in Northamptonshire.

One local councillor said the homes were not needed in this "sensitive location".

Planning officials said the land was no longer accessible and was "physically separate" from the rest of the parkland.

The development will be built in a historic part of Towcester, within a Grade II* listed registered park and garden associated with Easton Neston House, the home of the Fermor-Hesketh family for several generations.

The site is next to Towcester Racecourse, which went into administration in 2018 but has hosted greyhound racing since re-opening in 2020.

The planning application from Pomfret Management Ltd includes 68 retirement living homes, 15 apartments and 27 houses.

Conservative-controlled West Northamptonshire Council received 18 letters of objection and the application was considered for approval by councillors on Thursday.

Martin Johns said Towcester has already accepted nearly 5,000 houses and did not need another 110

Speaking on behalf of Towcester Town Council, Martin Johns told members: “In terms of its asset and setting within the landscape, this is a vital part of Towcester’s heritage.

“Towcester hasn’t been backwards in accepting developments over recent years. Towcester SUE (Sustainable Urban Extension) is such a site- some 3,000 houses and 1,800 yet to be built.

“It doesn’t need an additional 110 in this sensitive location.”

The site is next to the A5 in parkland currently separated from the road by a line of trees and a brick wall

Councillors raised concerns about the historic location, with Sue Sharps commenting that the decision to get rid of a piece of the listed parkland “weighs heavy” on her.

Officers told the committee that, although the development was in part of the parkland, it was no longer accessible and was physically separate from the rest of the park.

Speaking on behalf of Pomfret Management Ltd, the agent said: “The site represents an ideal opportunity for elderly living as it lies close to local amenities and services including a supermarket, multiple food and drink facilities on the high street and Towcester Medical Centre."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said West Northamptonshire Council ultimately approved the outline plans in a split decision.