The Planning Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 11 March 2026, approving several planning applications and electing a new Vice-Chair. Councillor Jennie Bone was appointed as Vice-Chair until the end of the 2025/26 municipal year. The committee also approved applications for a children's care home in Desborough, holiday lets in Lilford, and a Battery Energy Storage System in Earls Barton. An application for a 3G artificial grass pitch at Oundle Rugby Football Club was deferred for further consideration regarding acoustic fencing and lighting.

Election of Vice-Chair

Councillor Jennie Bone was elected as the Vice-Chair of the Planning Committee until the end of the 2025/26 municipal year, following a proposal by Councillor Paul Brooke and a second by Councillor Maurice Eglin.

Application 25/00920/FUL - 16 Ironwood Avenue, Desborough

The committee approved the change of use of a dwelling at 16 Ironwood Avenue, Desborough, from Use Class C3 (dwelling house) to Use Class C2 (children's care home). This decision was made subject to conditions outlined in the report and delegated authority given to the assistant director for planning to approve any necessary amendments to those conditions. The application had been deferred from a previous meeting due to issues with notification letters to objectors.

Application NE/24/01223/FUL - Former Estate Officer, Lilford, Peterborough

Planning permission was granted for the erection of five holiday lets on two parcels of land at the former Estate Office, Lilford, Peterborough. This decision was delegated to the Executive Director of Place and Economy, subject to the securing of a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Programme (SAMM) for the area and the conditions detailed within the report. Concerns had been raised by Lilford Parish Council and residents regarding increased residency, traffic, and the impact on heritage assets, but these were addressed through revised plans and conditions.

NE/25/00627-FUL - Oundle Rugby Football Club, Oundle

The application for a 3G artificial grass pitch (AGP) with spectator paths, perimeter fencing, sports lights, team shelters, covered stands, an access path, and biodiversity enhancement works at Oundle Rugby Football Club was deferred. The deferral is to allow for further consideration of acoustic fencing and lighting by Environmental Protection. The proposal had attracted significant objections from residents and Oundle Town Council regarding noise, light pollution, traffic, and the visual impact of the development.

Application NW/25/00360/FUL - 301 Grendon Road, Earls Barton

The committee approved the construction and operation of a Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and associated infrastructure at 301 Grendon Road, Earls Barton. This approval is subject to conditions detailed in the report, including the securing of a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring programme (SAMM) for the area. Concerns had been raised by Earls Barton Parish Council and residents regarding fire risk, environmental contamination, cumulative impacts with other energy developments, and the loss of agricultural land. The Environment Agency, National Highways, and the NNC Ecology Officer raised no objections, subject to conditions.

Committee Update Report

The committee noted the committee update report.

Close of Meeting

There being no further business, the meeting was closed at 9.57 pm.