New homes on hold over site contamination fears

Plans for 47 new homes in Wellingborough are on hold over contamination concerns

Plans for a new neighbourhood of homes have been deferred after concerns were raised about contamination on site.

Bluestone Properties Limited planned to build an extra 47 homes in the new Stanton Cross development off Mill Road in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.

The brownfield area contains a disused building previously used for industrial purposes which would be demolished, but North Northamptonshire councillors raised concerns over how this would be handled.

The council's environmental protection officer reviewed the contamination assessment and did not object to the application, given that the developers would have to submit a suitable strategy to deal with the risks before construction.

The applicant planned to replace the disused industrial building with a row of townhouses and a large apartment block, which would be four or five storeys tall.

The homes would be divided into 30 two-bed apartments, eight three-bed apartments and nine three-bed townhouses, reports the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

An assessment considered that "potentially contaminative sources" may adversely impact future users of the site, however.

It added that it was "clear" that potentially contaminative activities were associated with the former use of the site and could represent a risk to human health and the natural environment.

The derelict and disused industrial building can be seen from Driver Way nearby

As a result of the works that would need to be carried out to ensure the site is safe, a number of Section 106 contributions have been reduced.

This includes no provision of affordable homes, lower financial contributions to local services and proposing half the number of parking spaces recommended.

Councillors were told that the viability of the residential development was "finely balanced," and without reductions, the scheme could not be implemented, resulting in the vacant derelict site staying as it was.

Speaking at the meeting on behalf of Bluestone Properties Limited, Hannah Fawdon said the location "desperately needs to be redeveloped" and was an "exciting opportunity" for new homes.

Councillors unanimously agreed to defer the application to receive more information from officers over concerns.