Locals '˜shell-shocked' by valley homes plan

The proposal for the houses between Rothwell Road and Sycamore Drive to the south of Desborough has been criticised as spoiling a nature rich corridor of land bordering the River Ise.

Kevin O’Brien of the residents’ group Desborough LADS (Land at Desborough South) said the scheme would put “dense town housing in the market town’s picturesque Ise Valley”.

And he argues that Desborough “already has enough land allocated for development to meet the town’s housing requirements until 2031”.

The application, made by Central England Co-Operative Ltd, involves houses, a public open space and a nature area.

Hundreds of residents in the town have already made their opinions known to Kettering Borough Council’s planners at a public consultation event.

One response read: “I believe that the proposed development is inappropriate because there are more acceptable sites available which are currently providing sufficient development.”

Another read: “Local schools and doctors are all full to capacity now.

“It is impossible to get appointments and the only local secondary school for both Desborough and Rothwell is Montsaye, already bursting at the seams.”

But the developers say their aim is to create an estate of high quality homes for south Desborough.

They claim: “The new, sustainable neighbourhood will be well connected to the surrounding areas and incorporate green recreational spaces, pocket parks and allotments.

“Bordering the Green Belt with views across the River Ise, the new development will sit in harmony with its surroundings, enhancing the characteristics of this unique area.”

A final decision on the scheme by council planners is expected by April 19 this year.