The Strategic Planning Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss three planning applications, including a solar farm and a residential development. The agenda for the meeting included reserved matters for a health and well-being hub, and a residential phase of the Norwood Farm Sustainable Urban Extension (SUE).

Here's a breakdown of the key items that the committee were expected to consider:

Land at Norwood Farm, Sandy Lane, Harpole

The committee were scheduled to consider an application for reserved matters relating to Phase 2 and part of Phase 1B of the Norwood Farm SUE. The application, 2024/5633/MAR, sought approval for 278 dwellings, including 139 affordable houses, along with associated infrastructure.

The report pack noted that the site is within both the N9a and N4 SUE allocations in the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy (WNJCS), and the Hemplow Hills, Cottesbrooke and Brington Special Landscape Area.

Key issues outlined in the report pack for the committee's consideration included:

• The principle of the development, given the prior hybrid planning permission S/2016/1324/EIA.
• Design and layout, with reference to the Norwood Farm Design Code.
• Density and mix of house types, considering Policy H1 of the LPP1.
• Affordable housing provision, in line with Policies H2 of the LPP1 and LH8 of the LPP2.
• Highways and parking, referencing Policy SS2 of the LPP2 and the Northamptonshire Parking Standards.
• Open space provision and landscaping.
• Surface water and foul drainage management.
• Residential amenity for future occupiers.

Two letters of objection had been received, raising concerns about the overall Norwood Farm development and increased traffic on the A45. The British Horse Society had also provided comments, requesting road safety measures for vulnerable road users.

Mercedes Benz Grand Prix, Lauda Drive, Brackley

The Strategic Planning Committee were scheduled to discuss application 2024/5346/RM, concerning reserved matters for a health and well-being hub at Mercedes Benz Grand Prix, Lauda Drive, Brackley. This related to Phase 3 of development pursuant to outline permission 2023/5463/MAF.

The reserved matters under consideration were appearance, landscaping, layout and scale. The proposed building was described as being part 3 storeys and part 2 storeys in height, with a ground floor restaurant, a first floor gym and restaurant space, and a second floor for multi faith, occupational health and medical uses.

The report pack highlighted the following key issues for the committee:

• The design and appearance of the building.
• The proposed landscaping scheme.
• The impact of the development on trees on the site.
• The proposed biodiversity net gain.
• The impact of the development on the neighbouring strategic highway (A43).

Brackley Town Council had expressed support for the application. National Highways had initially objected, but following further correspondence, they had withdrawn their objection subject to a landscaping condition.

Land East of Crockwell Hill

The committee were scheduled to discuss planning application 2024/4395/MAF for the installation of a ground-mounted solar farm on land east of Crockwell Hill. The proposal included photovoltaic panels and associated infrastructure.

The report pack stated that the application site comprised a single pastoral field of approximately 7.5 hectares, located to the north-east of Daventry. The proposed solar farm would have a capacity to generate up to 6 megawatts of renewable electricity.

The key issues outlined for consideration were:

• Principle of development, with reference to national and local policies supporting renewable energy.
• Loss of agricultural land, considering the quality of the land and potential for continued agricultural use.
• Design and impact on the character of the area and surrounding amenity.
• Heritage impact on nearby listed buildings and conservation areas.
• Archaeology, given the site's location in an area of known archaeological interest.
• Ecology and biodiversity, including potential impacts on protected species and habitats.
• Highway matters, including construction traffic management.
• Flood risk and surface water drainage.
• Minerals safeguarding, as the site is located within a sand and gravel minerals safeguarding area.
• Environmental Impact Assessment.

No objections had been received from consultees.