Proposals
Our vision for a vibrant sustainable community in Hardingstone
Catesby Estates is bringing forward plans for Hardingstone Rise – a new neighbourhood of around 1,000 homes on the south-eastern edge of Northampton, with homes to suit a range of needs, from first-time buyers and families to those looking to downsize.
Hardingstone Rise will offer a natural place for Northampton to grow, with space for new homes, a primary school, new routes for walking and cycling and natural green spaces at the very heart.
Hardingstone Rise is about more than building houses – it’s about creating a new part of the community where people can live well, stay active and feel connected to both town and countryside.
Key features
Delivering high-quality new homes, green space and community benefits
- Up to 1,000 high-quality new homes – A mix of one to five bedroom properties for first-time buyers, families and those looking to downsize.
- Affordable housing – In accordance with local policy a percentage of the homes will be affordable, including affordable rent and shared ownership. This will ensure local people – from first-time buyers to families – can access high-quality housing, helping more residents stay close to the community they know and love.
- Green space – At the heart of the new community will be ‘The Rise’ – a linear park, as well as allotments, play areas and natural areas offering space for walking, play and community events.
- A new two-form entry primary school – Land will be set aside for a brand-new primary school at the heart of the development, providing much-needed school places for local families.
- Community facilities – Play areas, growing spaces and contributions to local infrastructure including education and health.
- Biodiversity net gain – Our plans will deliver a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain. This will be achieved by creating vibrant green spaces, establishing wildlife corridors and planting native species, helping to enhance local habitats and support Hardingstone Rise’s natural environment.
- Sustainable transport – A network of new walking and cycling routes will connect residents to schools, shops and Brackmills Country Park. Links to National Cycle Route 6 and new bus services are also planned.
The site
Site location
The site lies north of Newport Pagnell Road, adjacent to the south of Brackmills urban extension and is well connected to the rest of Northampton. The site forms part of a wider area that West Northamptonshire Council has identified as a suitable location for future homes and which was included as a draft allocation in the Council’s emerging Local Plan published for consultation in 2024. Hardingstone Rise also links in with nearby proposals including Homes England’s Wymersley Green development.
Site boundary
Upper Rise
Middle Rise
Lower Rise
Primary School
Open Space
Key building Frontage
Focal points
Gateway
Active travel route
Bus route
Potential location for community use
Open green space
The Rise – a green park at the heart of the development
At the heart of the plans is The Rise – a green park running through the centre of the development. It will be a space for the whole community to enjoy, with room for walking, play, nature and informal get-togethers. The park will also include natural planting and features that help manage rainwater and support local wildlife.
Character
Connecting the neighbourhood to its surroundings
Hardingstone Rise is being carefully planned to fit in with its surroundings – creating a place that feels connected to the town, while keeping the countryside and nearby villages close by.
We’ve designed Hardingstone Rise to make the most of the site’s natural features – including its hedgerows, trees and nearby walking routes. New paths will help connect the neighbourhood to its surroundings and care is being taken to make sure the layout blends in with the countryside and nearby villages like Preston Deanery and Great Houghton.
Timeline
How will the project move forward?
We are in the early stages of bringing forward our plans for Hardingstone Rise. Below we have included an anticipated timeline of activity over the coming months and years.
Summer 2025
Consultation with the community commences.
Winter 2025
Anticipated submission of an outline planning application to West Northamptonshire Council.
2026 onwards
Anticipated determination of the outline planning application by West Northamptonshire Council.
Once outline planning permission is approved,
a housebuilder(s) will be selected to prepare reserved matters submissions to West Northamptonshire Council for the detailed elements of the development.
Once all the reserved matters applications are approved
by West Northamptonshire Council construction on the site can commence.
Catebsy Estates will provide updates
on the timeline for commencement of development as the planning process progresses.
About
Catesby Estates
Catesby Estates help deliver sustainable developments and homes where people have the opportunity to take their first steps on the housing ladder, buy a family home, or downsize.
Our developments help maintain and enhance the vitality of existing communities through job creation and socio-economic growth.
Considerations for the environment and sustainability are at the forefront of our decision-making process.
For example, electric charging points, early landscape planting and biodiversity improvements are just some of the features included in our sites.
All our sites provide policy compliant levels of affordable housing, and significant public open space as a key feature. We consult with leading ecology and landscaping experts to ensure ample public space is provided within developments for both residents and local wildlife to flourish.
By approaching residential development in the right way, we can leave a positive legacy for the area and build a level of trust as a preferred land promoter.
