A plan to build 140 new homes on a farm outside Daventry has been recommended for approval by a council officer. Bellway Homes hope to develop the 4.5-hectare parcel of land between the A425, the A45 Steffen Way and the old Staverton Road.

The site is allocated for housing as part of the approved Daventry SW Sustainable Urban Extension, which consists of 1,100 properties overall.

The scheme is currently opposed by both Daventry Town Council and Staverton Parish Council, despite three revisions due to the lack of off-road parking spaces, and the design of the children’s play area.

West Northamptonshire Council’s planning officer believes the current proposal would bring a sustainable development ahead of the Daventry area planning committee meeting on June 8, where a decision will be made.

In a report, the planning officer stated “It will deliver a balanced and sustainable development of 140 new homes and community infrastructure in an attractive, well-designed, landscaped and pleasant environment. The proposed arrangements for accessing the development will enable it to be safely and conveniently accessed by car and public transport without significant adverse impacts on the existing highway network.

The scheme will promote sustainable transport within and beyond this site. The application will protect and enhance the site’s biodiversity and historic heritage. The scheme will not cause flooding. Nor will it have any other significant adverse environmental impact that would warrant the refusal of planning permission

The scheme will, of course, extend into open countryside, taking up agricultural land and will change the appearance of the existing countryside. On balance, however, that change is justified by the positive contribution that the scheme will make.”

Drayton Lodge Farm currently has a bed and breakfast, holiday cottages, agricultural buildings, and agricultural land, though the hospitality areas have been disused since July 2019.

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