Plans for 150 homes approved despite objections

Plans to build up to 150 homes in a new extension to a Northamptonshire town have been green-lit, despite objections.

Housing developer Greystoke Land has received outline permission for the new estate on the northern edge of Brackley, to the east of Radstone Road.

Reform UK-controlled West Northamptonshire Council's strategic planning committee voted in favour of the development at a meeting on Tuesday.

That was despite the plans receiving 22 letters of objection, raising concerns about the impact on views and the character of the area, increased traffic and insufficient parking, and the impact on key services.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Brackley Town Council also submitted its own opposition to the plans, raising concerns that the extra homes would be "too much too soon" alongside other major housing developments and the lack of supporting infrastructure.

The decision comes after a controversial 700-home housing estate on the western edge of the town was recently granted planning approval at appeal.

The exact details and layout of the housing scheme have not yet been confirmed, however indicative proposals show it will offer a range of one to five-bed properties.

The developer has also said that 40% of the units will be affordable.

Ashley Collins, who addressed the committee on behalf of the applicant, said the homes would be a "contained and natural extension of Brackley" and pointed out that the site had been identified as a proposed housing allocation in the council's emerging local plan.

He said: "The council cannot currently demonstrate a five-year supply of housing land, reinforcing the weight to be given to sustainable and deliverable housing proposals such as this one."

The committee voted to follow officers' recommendations and approve the plans, with 11 in favour, one against - and one abstention.

A Section 106 agreement must also be agreed, setting out the provision of affordable housing, a £170,000 contribution towards primary care facilities, and further fees towards education, libraries, sustainable transport and refuse and recycling.

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