14 residential apartments at 34 Gold Street, Northampton

What was proposed

The application proposed remodelling the upper façade, adding a third floor and creating 14 self-contained residential apartments.

“Development: Remodelling and upward extension to upper level building façade along Gold Street and creation of third floor on vacant flat roof for the provision of 14 self-contained residential apartments (Use Class C3).”

“Proposal Remodelling and upward extension to upper level building façade along Gold Street and creation of third floor on vacant flat roof for the provision of 14 self-contained residential apartments (Use Class C3).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a three-storey town-centre commercial building with 31 existing apartments above a retail unit, partly within a conservation area.

“The application site consists of an existing three storey building located on Gold Street in Northampton Town Centre. The building is a mid-20 th century commercial building with facing brickwork and large windows to the Gold Street elevation at first floor level and smaller windows at second floor level within the mansard roof. The building comprises of a ground floor retail unit (currently Poundstretcher) with 31 apartments across the two upper floors.”

“The site is located within and outside of the All-Saints Conservation Area with the front portion of the building within it and the rearmost portion, which fronts onto St Katherines Street, outside the conservation area. The Grade II Baptist Church is located beyond College Street Mews to the north of the site, and a number of listed buildings are located opposite the site on the opposing side of Gold Street.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

Thirty-one apartments were approved in 2022, and pre-application advice was issued for a roof extension comprising 14 apartments.

“WNN/2022/0152 - Conversion of First and Second Floors to 31no Apartments – Approved – 13/10/2022”

“2024/3654/PRA Proposed roof extension comprising 14 new apartments. - Brix Building Solutions Ltd First And Second 34 Gold Street Northampton NN1 1RS - Pre- application advice issued…”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers concluded that the revised proposal would improve the building’s contribution to local character and that its planning impacts were acceptable subject to conditions.

“The initial proposals were based on pre-application discussions although no detailed information was provided to be able to assess the impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area.”

“Overall, for the reasons set out above, the proposed development would have an acceptable design and would improve the site’s contribution to local character. The proposal would accord with Policies Q1 and ENV6 of the LPP2, Policy BN5 of the WNJCS, and the relevant guidance contained within the NPPF.”

Officer report

Consultation and public views

The conservation advisory committee objected to the original plans, while other listed consultees raised no objections or had no comments; no resident letters were received.

“Town Centre Conservation Area Advisory Committee Objection based on original plans Endorses the view of the Conservation Team that the new 3rd floor will have an unacceptable impact on the character and appearance of the conservation area and the setting of heritage assets. The 'penthouse' will be visible from several viewpoints along the street frontage of Gold Street.”

“The revised plans are an improvement on the former plans and have the potential to enhance the conservation area due to the more traditional frontage to the building, which is more in keeping with the surrounding area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent for the applicant spoke in support, describing the proposal as an opportunity for much-needed housing with apartment sizes meeting local demand.

The committee vote

Councillors proposed and seconded approval, which passed with ten votes in favour, one against and no abstentions.

“It was proposed by Councillor Adrian Cartwright and seconded by Councillor Daniel Rainbird that application 2025/0953/FULL be approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation. The motion was put to the vote with ten votes cast in favour of the proposal, one vote cast against with no abstentions, therefore the motion was carried, and the application was approved.”

Minutes

The decision

The application was approved, with authority delegated to grant permission subject to the conditions in the case officer’s report.

“(1) That authority be delegated to the Assistant Director – Planning and Development to grant permission to application 2025/0953/FULL subject to the conditions set out in the Case Officer’s report (and any amendments to those conditions as deemed necessary.”

Minutes