Supported living conversion at The Factory, 64 72 Roe Road, Northampton

What was proposed

The application sought to replace approved drawings with as-built drawings for changes to a supported living conversion, including alterations to the northern elevation and windows.

“Development: Variation of Condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission WNN/2022/0173 to substitute the approved drawings with as-built drawings to reflect the development as constructed, including the retention of part of the northern elevation, minor alterations to window openings, and associated internal and external amendments of planning permission WNN/2022/0173 (Conversion of existing factory building (Use Class B2) to 19 no self- contained flats for supported…”

“Permission is sought for the variation of condition 2 (approved plans) of planning permission WNN/2022/0173 to substitute the approved drawings with as-built drawings to reflect the development as constructed, including the retention of part of the northern elevation, minor alterations to window openings, and associated internal and external amendments of planning permission WNN/2022/0173 (Conversion of existing factory building (Use Class B2) to 19 no self-contained flats…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a former four-storey factory in a built-up area, adjoining Victorian terraces and other former factories converted to residential use.

“The application site is located within the built-up area of Northampton. The site currently comprises a four storey Victorian former factory building. To the Roe Road frontage, the building has three visible storeys, and four storeys to the rear elevation. The building is sited on the back edge of the pavement in Roe Road. At ground floor…”

“Existing residential property, in the form of two storey scale Victorian terraces, adjoin each side of the building. To the rear, the site adjoins an existing two storey factory building now converted to residential use. A further former factory building lies opposite the site also now converted to residential.”

Officer report

Earlier planning permission

The site already had permission for conversion to 19 supported living flats, and this proposal sought to regularise works differing from the approved plans.

“The following Planning History is considered relevant to the current proposal:”

“Change of use of existing building from supported living accommodation (Use class C2) to a mixed use residential scheme comprising supported living accommodation (5 Units) and class C3 Self Contained Flats (14 units) Current full planning application under consideration • Conversion of existing Factory Building (Use Class B2) to 19no Self- Contained Flats for Supported Living (Use Class C2) and associated works including external alterations, formation of new vehicular…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended permission subject to conditions, finding the proposal acceptable after considering development principle, design, neighbour amenity and highway safety.

“Principle of Development • Design/ impact on appearance and character of area • Neighbour amenity • Highway safety…”

Officer report

Concerns and support

Supporters cited the appearance, community benefits, jobs and need for affordable housing, while objectors cited overlooking, privacy, noise, lighting, amenity and parking.

“Looks well • Is sympathetic conversion • Adds value to area • Benefits to community • Benefits to jobs • Area needs more affordable housing…”

“Causes significant direct overlooking • Noise transmission • Plans misleading • Rooms could easily be converted to bedrooms • Light pollution. • Contrary to original 2022 approved plans • Loss of privacy • Intrusive form of development • Impact on neighbouring amenity / living conditions • Were given assurances when original permission granted • Lack of parking…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A local resident and two ward members spoke against the application, while the applicant’s agent spoke in support and offered a window-opening condition.

The committee debate

Members proposed approval with an additional requirement for obscure glazing at least two metres above finished floor level on north elevation windows.

“Following a debate, it was proposed by Councillor Nigel Berrill and seconded by Councillor Daniel Rainbird that application 2026/0556/S73 be approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation, subject to the addition of a condition to require the applicant to submit full details of obscure glazing at no less than 2.0 meters above the finished floor level of each apartment/room for all windows on the north elevation as shown on the approved plans.”

“In reaching its decision, the Committee considered the Case Officer’s report and presentation, the addresses of the public speakers, and the Committee Updates.”

Minutes

The final decision

Authority was delegated to grant permission subject to the new obscure-glazing condition and the remaining report conditions, with necessary amendments.

“(1) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director – Planning and Development to grant permission to application 2026/0556/S73 subject to:”

“The remaining conditions set out in the Case Officer’s report (and any amendments to those conditions as deemed necessary).”

Minutes