ECF submits plans for up to 1,220 homes at Greyfriars in Northampton

ECF has submitted two planning applications to West Northamptonshire Council for the Greyfriars regeneration in Northampton, seeking permission for up to 1,220 homes, with a decision expected in early 2027.

The applications also cover workspace, leisure and community uses and public open space, according to an announcement published by Muse on 2 October.

Muse describes ECF as its partnership with Homes England's national Housing Bank and L&G. The council describes ECF as a joint venture between Legal & General, Homes England and Muse.

Glyn Mutton, Development Director at ECF, said: "Our ambition is to turn a long-underused area into a welcoming, well-connected place that strengthens links to the centre and gives people more reasons to visit this part of town."

The applications

The first is a hybrid application. Its detailed element is 103 homes on the Upper Mounts and Newlands surface car parks, with the rest of the scheme submitted in outline for approval in principle.

The second application covers the Corn Exchange and is accompanied by a Listed Building Consent application. Muse said the scheme centres on a large public green space in front of the restored Corn Exchange, which is planned as a cultural destination.

Over the next decade the project is expected to deliver more than 100,000 sq ft of retail, leisure and commercial space, Muse said.

The first phase

The council has said the homes on the two car parks will be a mix of one-to-four-bedroom townhouses with private gardens, maisonettes and apartments, arranged around a large community garden for residents.

In July 2026 the council said it was exploring whether those homes could be secured as affordable housing. It also scheduled archaeological investigations at both car parks from September 2026, ahead of the planning submission.

Background

Muse said the original vision for Greyfriars was developed by West Northamptonshire Council, and that more than 3,000 residents, businesses and local organisations have contributed to the plans since the council first presented that vision in 2023.

Councillor Kamala Guliyeva, Cabinet Member for Local Economy, Culture and Leisure at West Northamptonshire Council, said: "These plans have also been shaped by the views of thousands of residents, businesses and community groups."

The council and ECF signed a Development Management Services Agreement in January 2025, followed by a Development Agreement that the council announced on 4 June 2025.

The council describes the regeneration area as 25 acres, taking in the former Greyfriars Bus Station, which was demolished in 2015, the Mayorhold and Victoria Street car parks, the Corn Exchange, Belgrave House and the East and West Islands. Muse describes Greyfriars as the largest brownfield regeneration in West Northamptonshire.

The number of homes proposed has risen as the plans have developed. The council's June 2025 announcement referred to more than 1,000 homes, and its consultation on a refined masterplan in April and May 2026 described up to 1,200 homes alongside student accommodation. The submitted applications seek up to 1,220.

In June 2025 the council said the plans would deliver a mix of affordable, build-to-rent and student housing. The Corn Exchange forms part of The Parade, which the council describes as Grade II listed.

The council's estimates

In June 2025 the council estimated that the scheme would create up to 7,000 full-time equivalent jobs during construction and unlock more than £1bn in economic value. It expects the completed development to add £21m a year to local spending.

What happens next

The council's planning authority will consider the applications in the coming months, with an outcome expected in early 2027.

If consent is granted, the first homes are expected to be completed and ready for occupation in 2029, Muse said.