Planning appeal secures approval for two new homes in Northamptonshire village

Two new family homes – including a bespoke self-build unit – are set to be delivered on the edge of a Northamptonshire village after a successful planning appeal led by our team.

The development, located on land adjacent to Orchard Way, Easton on the Hill, had initially been refused by North Northamptonshire Council, citing concerns about encroachment into the countryside, heritage impact and whether the scheme qualified as infill development.

However, following a robust and comprehensive appeal case presented by our team, the Planning Inspectorate has now overturned the refusal, granting full planning permission.

The approved scheme will deliver one three-bedroom home and one four-bedroom self-build property, each with private gardens, landscaping and traditional boundary treatments. The project will also implement highway works to complete a previously approved turning head.

Sachin Parmar, planning director, said: “This was a well-designed, locally supported scheme that ticked all the right boxes in planning terms, but it was unfortunately met with resistance at a local authority level. 

“We’re pleased the inspector recognised the infill nature of the site and the substantial public benefits, particularly in delivering a high-quality self-build home and enhancing local biodiversity. 

“This appeal reinforces the importance of rigorous evidence and planning strategy, especially in areas where local interpretation of policy can become overly restrictive.” 

North Northamptonshire Council had argued the site represented an unsustainable location and that development would cause harm to the setting of nearby heritage assets. However, the inspector agreed with our position that the site was a logical infill opportunity – visually contained, well related to the existing built form, and supported by the local community and parish council.

The four-bedroom self-build home will incorporate solar panels and an air source heat pump. Additionally, a 50% biodiversity net gain will be achieved through reinstatement of a locally designated orchard priority habitat, supported by a long-term management plan.

Sachin added: “The new homes will sit comfortably within the village setting, surrounded by existing development and designed to transition sensitively to the countryside beyond. It’s a thoughtful scheme, shaped by the landscape and community it serves – and we’re delighted to have helped make it a reality.”

William McCormack from Harris McCormack Architects led the design of the scheme. Simon Macklen, head of socio economics, provided a local housing needs assessment. Heritage expertise was also provided by our team.