‘This is a village not a town’ – Dozens object to plans for 150 more houses in Earls Barton

The application is the fourth new-build estate proposed in Earls Barton, with up to 250 from both Richborough and William Davis proposed on land near Northampton Road, and a further 600 on land near Dowthorpe Hill from developer Redrow.

If each are approved, it could see up to 1,250 houses built around Earls Barton which some say ‘risks fundamentally altering its rural character and identity’.

Currently, 65 comments have been published on the application, all of which object to the proposal on the basis that it would increase noise pollution, put a higher strain on the village’s infrastructure, potentially negatively impact the local wildlife and could see a loss of privacy for homes near the proposed development. Many say the village is already overcrowded.

One comment reads: “Earls Barton is an historic village that is increasingly in danger of ceasing to exist as such.

“With this application being the third speculative to be submitted for outline planning and a fourth proposal awaiting submission. Which will in total amount to 1,250 more houses in an already over developed village.

“All of these new proposed expansions to the village should be considered together as the cumulative impact will be immense, affecting every aspect of the village and its surrounding area, including neighbouring villages that use the services and facilities of Earls Barton. The whole character of the village will be permanently destroyed.”

Another adds: “There are already too many planning applications in the village. The village facilities, water pipes, roads, are breaking under the pressure of the amount of people and cars using them.

“This is a village, not a town, and we want it to stay that way. Doctors are full to bursting, school hasn’t enough places, open spaces and wildlife environment are being ruined. The village can’t cope with any more new builds.”

A third said: “Earls Barton has been a home for my three children their whole lives, they were born in the area and raised by me in our family home with lovely field views.

“The new homes are planned to be built right next to and behind our family home, with the main road going right beside us and really close to our driveway.

“Building all these houses would significantly impact our family life, privacy and tarnish the lovely countryside fields surrounding our home.”

A public consultation was launched by developer Clayson Country Homes and earlier this month the application was submitted to North Northants Council (NNC), which is pending approval.

The application includes the provision of up to 150 houses consisting of a range of sizes and types, with 40 per cent being affordably housing. The developer says existing vegetation and green spaces will be retained where possible, and a pedestrian route would be provided to connect new and existing dwellings with open space and areas of play.

A series of drop-in sessions are being held at the Church Hall in Earls Barton next month by residents who oppose the plans. There, people can learn more about the development, and how to register a comment on the application.

The sessions will take place on Monday, November 2, and Thursday, November 5, from 5pm until 7pm, and Friday, November 6, and Monday, November 9, from 5.30pm until 7pm. A further session on Thursday, November 12, will take place from 5.30pm until 7.30pm.

The full application can be found online here, or by searching 26/02838/OUT on the North Northants planning portal.