Cosmetics firm plans 1,500 homes

Avon moved its UK production to Poland

Plans for a huge housing and retail development in Northampton have been put forward by a cosmetics firm.

Plans for 1,500 new homes, restaurants, shops and offices have been submitted to Northampton Borough Council.

An outline planning application has been submitted by Avon Cosmetics, which is based in Northampton, and Gallaghers Estates, of Birmingham.

It is planned for the former Nun Mills Road power station site and current Avon premises.

The power station site has been derelict for more than 20 years.

Move to Poland

The scheme is in line with the council's long term vision for the regeneration of this part of Northampton to provide new homes, jobs and leisure facilities.

A decision is expected to be made by the council's planning committee by the early summer.

In April, 2003, the Northampton cosmetics firm cut 465 jobs, although it retained about 2,000 posts in Northamptonshire - including 700 at the Corby distribution centre.

It has moved its production to Poland, which has lower production costs.