Plans for housing estate near woodlands rejected

The new estate was earmarked for green space off Harlestone Road and York Way, next to Harlestone Firs

A council has rejected plans to build new homes on green space after more than 700 objections from residents.

West Northamptonshire Council's planning committee voted against proposals for a 100-home development off Harlestone Road and York Way in Northampton, despite planning officers recommending approval.

The committee heard concerns the scheme would encroach on green space and fail to "protect the tranquil nature of the forest".

Amanda Onyett, a local resident said: "For many of us, this woodland is a sanctuary. Once that buffer is gone, the character of Harlestone Firs will change and we can't get it back."

Developers said the outline application would consist of up to 100 new homes, with 40% marked as affordable housing

The outline application, submitted by Barwood Development Securities, proposed new housing on a five-hectare site that included 40% affordable homes, public open space, a play area, pedestrian links to the woodland, and a small visitor car park.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported the council received 731 letters of objection, including one from Harlestone Parish Council, warning that the homes would remove the "green wedge" separating Northampton from Lower Harlestone.

Developers argued that the site was a leftover parcel of land suitable for modest housing.

Gary Halman, speaking for Barwood Land, said: "It is well suited to the modest scale of housing which is proposed and it will help meet the council's local needs.

"Almost half the site will be retained as green space open to the wider community."

Despite those assurances, councillors voted to reject the plans.