Decision due soon on huge 3,400-home development on edge of Northamptonshire town after six-year wait
A decision is to be made soon on a huge 3,400-home housing development planned on the edge of a Northamptonshire town – six years after the plans were first submitted.
Plans for the Churchfields development in the north-east of Daventry could be approved soon – after they were first submitted in January 2020.
The site covers around 248 hectares of farmland, equivalent to around 340 football pitches, between Daventry Reservoir, the Grand Union Canal and the village of Norton.
In planning papers, the applicant Davidsons Homes said: “Churchfields is a new extension to Daventry with almost eight thousand residents, located close to a historic trade route, the Grand Union Canal.
"Churchfields will provide a high quality place for families, first time buyers and retired people to live, work and play.”
Planning documents show the scheme would include a wide range of infrastructure and facilities alongside the homes, including a new secondary school and primary school provision within the development.
A local centre is also proposed, which could include a convenience shop, a pub or restaurant, community facilities and small retail units.
The plans also include major road changes, such as a new roundabout on the A5, a realigned B4036 road and a new road link towards Norton, as well as walking and cycling routes running through the development.
Large areas of green space are also planned, including an extension to Daventry Country Park, along with parks, play areas, wildlife corridors and landscaped drainage ponds.
Other facilities proposed as part of the development include a day nursery, community uses and accommodation for elderly residents.
The scheme would also include affordable housing, although the exact number of homes has not yet been confirmed.
Planning documents show the development would be built in four phases, each expected to take several years.
The first phase would include about 850 homes and is expected to take six to seven years to complete.
A second phase of around 850 homes is expected to take five to six years, followed by a third phase of about 850 homes taking another five to six years.
The fourth and final phase, also around 850 homes, is also expected to take five to six years to complete.
A spokesman for Davidsons Homes South Midlands previously said: “For a development of this size, especially one that is focused on sustainability, consulting with stakeholders and the local community plays a crucial role in developing proposals.
“At Davidsons Homes, we take our responsibility as placemakers seriously, and the plans that have been submitted reflect our commitment to quality.”
More than 50 residents have submitted comments to the council, with many residents raising concerns about traffic and the impact on nearby villages – particularly Norton, which sits next to the site.
One resident aid: “I live on the road that runs through the village of Norton. We already have considerable problems with the speed and volume of traffic running through our village.
“Our cars are regularly damaged by drivers going too fast through the village. The road already makes us feel unsafe and fear for our safety.
“Please put in place proper traffic calming measures in our village before your plans serve to increase traffic, speeding traffic, noise and pollution on our doorsteps.”
West Northamptonshire Council is expected to make a decision on May 27.