| The Village of Great Billing was originally quite separate from Northampton and was protected by green pastures locally known as the Green Lung. When Northampton was expanding, the plans included an area of grass and parkland to ensure the village was not suffocated by the surrounding new builds. This area was predominantly around St Andrews Church and Great Billing Park, including surrounding Pearce’s Leather Factory.
Over time, some of this land has been built on and the photos tell the story of the objections raised and steps taken during the course of the mid-80s. The Village is still fortunate to have green areas which help it retain its village identity. |
 Article from Newspaper April 1976 outlining proposed plans for the Green Lung in Great Billing  Article in Chronicle & Echo April 1987 regarding meeting from residents objecting to the proposal to build 190 homes on Village Lung  Newspaper article Outlining support from local MP for the 190 homes to be built on Village Lung – Feb 1988  Newspaper article Approval given to development of 190 houses on Village Lung June 1988  Newspaper article Outlining the intent to build on land and the resistance to this from residents |
Written by Ruth Palmer