Northampton Borough Council has tonight objected to plans to build 1,250 homes at Buckton Fields, next to Whitehills and Spring Park in Kingsthorpe. The planning application will be decided by Daventry District Council, but Northampton Borough Council has objected on grounds of the traffic impact in Kingsthorpe. Andrew Simpson, Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Northampton North had written in with his objection, and local councillors for Boughton Green, Trini Crake and John Yates have added their support to the objections.

If the Government insists, we cannot stop new development on green fields around Northampton, but we should not accept development without the roads and local facilities neccessary to protect the quality of life of existing residents.

Andrew Simpson, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North, has expressed concern over the future of Kingsthorpe (Thornton) Hall after publication of the latest historic buildings at risk register.

The register, published by English Heritage, draws public attention to important listed buildings that are neglected and, have fallen into disrepair, but have important historical character or significance.

“The hall was sold by the previous Labour administration of Northampton Borough Council to be converted for flats and whilst new flats and a small community centre have been built in the grounds there little has been done to restore the main building.”

Liberal Democrats opposed the loss of the community facilities in the hall, fearing that an important local building would be lost to the public. One of the arguments was that converting the building to flats was a way of preserving it, but it is now in a worse condition than when it was owned by the council.

“It looks like the developer has done the easy bit which is the construction of the new buildings in the grounds whilst still leaving the Hall to be completed. This calls into question whether it really is being preserved for future generations”.

A planning application has been submitted for the demolition of the United Trades Club at the corner of Balmoral Rd and Kingsthorpe Rd and the building of 23 flats with parking. The plans are available on the Borough Council’s website www.northampton.gov.uk, the reference number is N/2008/0762.

Looking for something for the Kids to do over the long summer holiday? There’s local courses in Badminton, Golf, Netball, Girls football, Athletics and Cricket at reasonable prices

In addition theres multi-sport activities on the Racecourse (meet at the changing rooms) and Kingsthorpe Rec (meet at the booking office) from 28th July to 22nd August for 5 to 12 year olds. 2 sessions per day 10am-12pm, 1.30pm-3.30pm. Sessions are £1 per child or 50p if they have a leisure card. For more information contact Northampton Borough Council’s Sports Development Team on 01604 837774, email sportsdevelopment@northampton.gov.uk or visit their website www.northampton.gov.uk/sports.

A new planning application has been submitted for the empty St. Davids Middle School building. Richardson Homes plan to convert it to a residential care home and nursing home, with access from Kingsland Gardens. The plan includes a new single storey extension and the closure of the vehicle access onto Harborough Rd. The old school is a grade 2 listed building. Comments to the planning department should quote ref.no. N/2008/746