Homes near allotment approved after appeal

Plans for the development include demolishing 45 Hillside Road to make way for a new access road

Plans for new homes beside an allotment site have been approved after a planning appeal overturned an earlier council decision.

Applicant Mrs Shelley Brown appealed North Northamptonshire Council's refusal to grant permission for up to seven homes on land behind Hillside Road in Wellingborough.

The local authority had rejected the plans, citing concerns about the impact on the area's character and insufficient information regarding ecology and environmental protection.

However, the planning inspector overturned the decision, stating: "I see no suggestion that the standard of amenity which is currently enjoyed by adjacent residential occupiers would not be maintained."

The plans would see up to seven homes to the rear of Hillside Road in Wellingborough

The land, which was previously used for paddocks, sits behind existing gardens and is surrounded by the Ladywell Allotments.

Under the proposals, 45 Hillside Road will be demolished to create an access road for the development.

When the plans were first submitted, the council received objections from 23 households, along with a letter signed by 150 members of the allotment group.

Wellingborough Town Council also opposed the scheme, warning it would lead to overdevelopment, reduce biodiversity and harm neighbouring properties.

According to the Local Democracy Reporter, the inspector acknowledged residents' concerns about privacy and overlooking, but said these could be addressed later in the process.

The inspector stated: "Several objections have been received which cite overlooking, loss of amenity and privacy to nearby dwellings.

"As this is an outline scheme - these matters could be addressed at the reserved matters stage."

The developer must now submit detailed plans to the council for approval before construction can begin.