Plans to breathe new life into an old factory site in a Northamptonshire village by building new homes and apartments have been given the go-ahead by the council.

Fernbrook Builders Ltd made an application to build on the recently-demolished workshops and former factory located at the junction of Denford Road and Spencer Street in Ringstead.

Their vision also encompasses converting a standalone office building next to the site into apartments.

In total, the development will bring forward nine new homes, including six two to three-bedroom houses and three flats.

The old factory building has already been demolished under a separate planning application.
Credit: Fernbrook Builders Ltd — The old factory building has already been demolished under a separate planning application. Credit: Fernbrook Builders Ltd

placeholder image — The old factory building has already been demolished under a separate planning application. Credit: Fernbrook Builders Ltd

The former workshop building has already been demolished and will be replaced by two adjacent homes on Spencer Street.

A further terrace of four units has been approved fronting Denford Road. Parking will be allocated to individual properties with bay parking to the rear of the buildings and private drives for some properties.

However, not all onlookers were in support of the plans, with six members of the public lodging objections to the small development.

Most concerns were around overdevelopment, lack of amenities in Ringstead for new residents, parking and the impact on heritage.

The old factory site in Ringstead, pictured in April 2023 before its demolition, will be repurposed for residential housing.
Credit: Google Maps — The old factory site in Ringstead, pictured in April 2023 before its demolition, will be repurposed for residential housing. Credit: Google Maps

One person wrote: “Whilst housing has to include parking for a vehicle, visiting people and multiple household vehicles will cause extreme congestion to the bottom of an already congested, terraced housing street.

"This will cause untold nightmares for parking, especially for disabled residents who struggle already.

“There clearly will be housing built on this brownfield site as it appears to be a foregone conclusion, but housing in the village does not lend itself towards as many properties crammed onto a small space as possible.

“The proposed plans of the site do not take into consideration the rich heritage that Ringstead has as a small village community, and the work that Ringstead villagers have done to preserve its history for the community to enjoy.”

Plans for the nine new homes and associated parking.
Credit: Fernbrook Builders Ltd — Plans for the nine new homes and associated parking. Credit: Fernbrook Builders Ltd

Another, speaking in support of the application, said the new homes would be an ‘asset’ and that It would ultimately represent a reduction in parked cars from when the former factory warehouse was in operation.

Contributions towards education and libraries have been requested by the authority, however as it is not classed as a ‘major development’ no further contributions were sought.

NNC planning officers noted in their report: “The conversion of the existing office building into three flats and the construction of six dwellings sensitively addresses the site as a whole and is in keeping with the character of the area.

“Whilst it is unfortunate to lose some of the fabric of the former factory, the retention of the attractive office building and the high quality design of the proposed new build dwellings is welcomed.”

The council approved the proposals on July 17, subject to conditions.