Village context

Community

Boughton is a thriving village community situated three miles north of Northampton. Its mid-2002 estimated population was 915, spanning all age ranges. The village supports many active clubs and societies, together with a range of social, leisure and education opportunities.

The centres of community activity include the Primary School, Church of St John the Baptist, Village Hall, Whyte Melville Public House, Pocket Park and Cricket Club. There is a sub-Post Office [now closed], two art galleries, a farm shop and a small collection of office units in Kimbell's Mews. The village is mainly residential and surrounded by agricultural land. There are extensive open views, both into and out of the village, for example, from Boughton Green in the east and Bunkers Hill in the north.

Economy

Boughton has changed considerably since the Second World War. Until then it was a small farming community with a fairly static population. Everyday life revolved around Boughton Estate, which was the main employer, and workers were housed in estate-owned properties in the village. When the estate was sold in 1927 it marked the end of an important chapter in Boughton's history.

Since the Second World War, Boughton's population has risen steadily. The close proximity of Northampton and the desirability of Boughton's properties have increased its appeal. In 1969 a new estate of 40 houses was built off Humfrey Lane and many householders with large gardens have sold building plots for infill development.

Other developments, which have, or may have an impact on Boughton’s character in the future include:

• The mineral extraction sites north and west of Boughton;
• The inert waste recycling facility, operating at the inert landfill site, located in a former quarry in Brampton Lane;
• Land allocated in the LP 1997, HS2 - (1,000 dwellings at “Buckton Fields”);
• Land allocated in LP 1997, HS3 - (100 dwellings at “Boughton Rise”);
• Land at Boughton Cold Store, permission given to convert to a pub, nursing home and nursery;
• Future possible growth requirements for Northampton, as highlighted in the Milton Keynes and South Midlands Study, produced by consultants in 2002.