Appeal lodged over refusal to build 60 homes

The local planning authority rejected the scheme over concerns about its viability

Developers have lodged an appeal against a refusal to approve 60 homes at a large housing development.

Grace Homes had proposed the demolition of former farm buildings and the construction of a neighbourhood of homes at Stanton Cross, near Wellingborough.

North Northamptonshire Council's planning committee rejected the plans in March on the grounds of viability and stated the development lacked supporting infrastructure and affordable housing.

Council planning officers had initially advised the committee to approve the plans because it would be difficult to defend a decision to not grant planning permission.

The site is east of Wellingborough town centre, next to Irthlingborough Grange, and would have included a mix of one to four-bedroom homes, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Grace Homes would have also had to pay £1.5m for remedial works to deal with the historical use of the land – which could affect the viability of the project and the number of affordable homes that could be offered.

The site to the east of Wellingborough town centre would have included a mix of one to four-bedroom homes

Members were told that if the council wanted the full amount of S106 contributions (money provided by the developer for community projects and facilities) and for the scheme to meet affordable housing guidelines, the project would become unviable.

Despite this, planning officers still advised the committee to approve the housing plans.

However, members believed they had to consider the financial burden on the council and the risk of having to subsidise the developer.

The panel later ruled the development lacked infrastructure, affordable housing and would have a negative impact on neighbouring properties – and rejected the plans.

The government's Planning Inspectorate will now review the council's decision.

The council and Grace Homes will make their cases at a hearing in February.