Derelict land to be developed as affordable housing

West Northamptonshire Council says the project is crucial to its housing strategy

A council has agreed to buy derelict land from a developer to add more than 80 affordable homes to its housing portfolio.

Vistry Homes had applied to West Northamptonshire Council last September to turn a former car dealership and petrol station on Harlestone Road in Northampton into a £20m housing scheme.

However, the Reform UK-controlled authority has approved plans to take on the brownfield land from Vistry so that it can deliver all 82 homes as affordable housing.

Council members voted to approve the capital expenditure for the project at a meeting on Thursday to authorise the land acquisition.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service the scheme will comprise of 31 homes for affordable rent, 26 homes for shared ownership and 25 homes for social rent.

Councillor Charlie Hastie said the project had "strategic importance" that addressed "affordability challenges in West Northamptonshire".

He said: "This also transforms a brownfield site into a vibrant residential area supporting local employment, we hope, and also economic development. Public engagement has shown very strong support for the scheme."

It is anticipated work will start on the site in early 2026, with a planned completion date achieved by the middle of 2027.

However, the project is still subject to receiving formal planning approval from the council.

The scheme will comprise of 31 homes for affordable rent, 26 homes for shared ownership and 25 homes for social rent

Vistry Group said its consultation on the plans received widespread support from the public.

However, more than 70 comments have been received through the WNC planning application, with many raising concerns about a lack of infrastructure in Duston and how it would be able to accommodate so many new homes.

Reform councillor Vincent Clive, who represents Duston ward, said: "I'm keenly aware of some of the strength of feeling which has been expressed by some residents in Duston, not all positive.

"It has been my view that I would be minded to support almost any positive development of this site. As it presently stands, most of the site is derelict and adds very limited value to the community.

He also made a plea for developers to include some items of play equipment for children in green space within the residential site, due to difficulties with young people accessing the nearest play park on the other side of a busy main road.

A council report said if the council decided not to proceed with the plan, the land would likely be developed for open market housing with only a few affordable units.