3,000-home Northampton extension set for nod

Outline plans for a major urban extension in Northampton, which could feature thousands of new homes, employment land, schools, eateries and a hotel, are set to get the thumbs up.The masterplan for Dallington Grange on Mill Lane has been developed by Persimmon Homes and BDW Trading. The application site comprises almost 514 acres of predominantly agricultural fields, with Grange Farm to the north.Under the plans, the land would become a sustainable urban extension featuring up to 3,000 new dwellings, including affordable housing.The scheme would feature 17.8 acres for employment use and a local centre with a food store, six retail units, a pub, restaurant, nursery, two primary schools and a secondary school.Grange Farm would also be redeveloped to provide a café, restaurant, public house or a hotel and the project includes open space, landscaping and wildlife corridors.The site was previously earmarked for a 3,500-home development but the application was withdrawn in 2015.The current application has been recommended for approval in principle ahead of a special Northampton Borough Council planning committee meeting next week (31 October 2018).Approval is subject to conditions and planning obligations outlined in a section 106 agreement.The section 106 heads of terms includes that 10 per cent of homes are affordable, as well as improvements to highways, provision of public transport and a healthcare contribution among other measures.