Council reverses decision on housing plans

An artist's impression of what the site in Far Cotton could look like

A council has changed its decision to delay planning proposals for a housing development on an abandoned site.

The brownfield land, off Ransome Road in Far Cotton, Northampton, is flagged as a potential site for 217 homes.

Councillors deferred their decision in May because of concerns over increased traffic and struggling local facilities.

But now a report from West Northamptonshire Council said the plans are acceptable “on balance” and will go to the authority's planning committee this month, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The developers are applying to build 217 homes at the site on Ransome Road

The grounds used to house part of the Northampton to Peterborough branch railway and a former landfill site, which was subsequently cleared.

The applicants, Tilia Homes, are offering a mix of two to four-bed homes, including 24 affordable apartments.

All properties would have their own off-street parking, with 454 allocated parking spaces for residents and 52 visitor spaces on residential roads.

A council spokesperson said while the plans have "a number of complexities", the report recommends the plans would be acceptable “on balance” subject to an agreement securing the affordable housing provision and a TRO [traffic regulation order].

The scheme will go before the council’s planning committee on 13 August.