I have been living in the charming village of Crick for over a year now and I am privileged to enjoy the serene beauty of its surrounding countryside every day.

The very fabric of this community thrives on its close-knit nature and the beautiful landscapes that envelop us. However, this harmony is now under threat from a proposed development of over 40+ houses,  with a mixture of private housing (70% -75%) and social housing (25%-30%).

It also includes an unsightly block of flats - and all of this is planned behind Boat Horse Lane and Watford Road -  a precious greenbelt area that should never be compromised.

This proposed development will most probably bring 60 to 100 new cars and 80 to 200+ new people into the village. A pathway will be created into Boat Horse Lane, meaning all the new residents will be walking down a lane with no footpath and they will gain new vehicular access on Watford Road - an already busy hill into the village.

Crick is a delightful haven that already balances its growth with the preservation of its unique community spirit and environment. With just one small shop, (with little to no parking), and a doctor’s surgery already stretched to its limits, our village infrastructure is at a tipping point. 

This project raises concerns regarding infrastructure and community resources. An influx of new residents will strain our already limited public services, including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, which are not equipped to handle a significant increase in population. Traffic congestion will likely increase, leading to heightened pollution levels and potentially compromising road safety in our village. Not to mention trying to park anywhere in the centre of the village!!

The proposed development poses severe risks not just to our community lifestyle and amenities but also to the natural environment surrounding Crick. This region is home to diverse wildlife, and constructing over their habitat would lead to irrevocable biodiversity loss. Additionally, the increased traffic and pollution would further strain our already busy roads, contributing negatively to air quality and road safety.

Greenbelts were created to prevent urban sprawl and maintain a balance between the urban areas and the natural ones. Once this dividing line breaks, it sets a precedence and raises concerns on whether more developments could follow.

We are calling on the local authorities in Northampton, and our Parish Council, to listen to the voices of the Crick residents and to protect our community’s future by rejecting this development proposal. Preserving this greenbelt is crucial not solely for the here and now but for future generations who deserve to inherit the same beautiful environment and community-centered lifestyle we enjoy today.

I truly believe this proposed development is unnecessary and brings little benefit to our village.

Please join me in standing against this proposal to safeguard the essence and integrity of Crick by signing this petition.