Planning approval granted for 450 homes in Brackley
Concerns raised about pressure on local facilities
Planning approval has been given for 450 homes on the edge of a Northamptonshire town, despite concerns that it could cause “permanent harm” to a nearby estate.
A planning meeting, held on Tuesday (August 17), heard that Mintondale Developments Ltd had submitted outline plans to build the new houses on green space at the northern edge of Brackley, beyond the recently completed Radstone Fields development.
Sammie Hawkins, a local resident, asked the committee to consider the scale of development already taking place on the north-western side of Brackley. Earlier this year, another planning application for 700 homes adjoining part of the site was granted planning permission at appeal.
She said both applications together would effectively more than double the number of houses in the immediate area and raised concerns with the pressure it would put on existing facilities.
In total, 39 letters of objection to the scheme were submitted by members of the public, alongside objections from the town council and Radstone parish.
Ms Hawkins also questioned the road access to the site, which includes two entrance points on Halse Road and a third from within the Radstone Fields development, through Miranda Lane. She warned that the route past the existing residential homes “would fundamentally change the function and character of our street” and also said there was already severe parking pressure in the area.
A statement read on behalf of Peter Frampton, the agent for the application, told the committee that all first purchasers of the houses fronting Miranda Way and Juno Crescent were notified at the point of sale about potential future uses of the road network.
He continued: “Radstone Fields is a highly attractive place to live and this development represents a logical extension to the development, allowing for active travel to the primary school and local centre and suitable connections beyond.”
The new residential project will provide 40 per cent affordable housing, equipped play space and public open space, and will also include land for a cemetery. Original plans to use the earmarked land as allotments, until a cemetery is required, were dropped over concerns that it would become protected under planning policy and the intended use as burial grounds wouldn’t come forward.
The committee voted to approve the outline housing application in line with officer recommendations, with six in favour, one against, and four abstentions.