Care home plans approved despite 47 objections

One resident said the care complex could create a “dangerous bottleneck” when driving past “the slalom of parked vehicles”.

Plans to build a short-term care complex have been approved by a council despite dozens of objections.

West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) granted permission for a two-storey care home, which will provide 24-hour care for two to three people, in Icknield Drive, Northampton.

It came after 47 locals raised objections to the proposals, citing parking and road safety concerns as well as the impact of a care home on the community.

Three letters in support of the care home were also received. The care provider, Time to Shine, said the area is “ideally located” in a quiet community with public transport to town, close links to schools and local amenities.

'Overwhelming local opposition'

According to the application, one full-time carer would be on site at all times, with changeovers taking place at 9:00 and 20:00.

One resident said: “There is an overwhelming local opposition. Nearly all the cars from two roads go right past this house and parking is often a problem.

"How this change of use to a commercial property could possibly be in the best interests of West Hunsbury residents is beyond me.”

Another objector wrote the safety of existing residents "outweighs" the need for a care facility for "a small number of people".

WNC Highways ruled that the change of use would not have “an undue impact” upon the local highway network, as there were two existing off-street parking spaces for staff, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Council planning officers ultimately approved the care home plans on 8 November.