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Weekly updates
North Northants approves Household Support Fund delivery
This week in North Northamptonshire:
- The Audit and Governance Committee approved the Risk Management Policy and Strategy, the Internal Audit Plan for 2025/26, and the Internal Audit Charter and Mandate.
- The Planning Committee (South) deferred a decision on residential dwellings at Land area 26A Stanton Cross due to contamination risks, parking, and waste management concerns.
- The Executive approved the delivery of the Household Support Fund 7 and a capital programme update for 2025/26.
Audit and Governance Committee - Monday 14 April 2025
The Audit and Governance Committee convened to discuss governance, risk management, and audit functions. Approvals were granted for the Risk Management Policy and Strategy, the Internal Audit Plan for 2025/26, and the Internal Audit Charter and Mandate. The committee also reviewed the External Quality Assessment of the Internal Audit service, and the Internal Audit progress report.
The External Quality Assessment (EQA) of the Internal Audit service, conducted by Business Risk Solutions, concluded that the North Northamptonshire Council internal audit service (NNCIAS) generally conforms with the Public Sector Internal Audit Standards. The report highlighted good communication protocols and a detailed Internal Audit Manual, but recommended increasing integration of risk-based techniques and enhancing focus on identifying significant risk and key controls. Councillor Andrew Weatherill, Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, noted the findings.
The Internal Audit Plan for 2025/26, developed based on the council’s Corporate Plan and Risk Register, was approved. Key areas of focus include mandatory training, equalities, diversity and inclusion, cyber security, climate strategy, and SEND1. The committee also approved delegating authority to Claire Edwards, Executive Director of Finance (Section 151 Officer), to amend the plan as necessary, in consultation with Councillor Weatherill.
The Risk Management Policy and Strategy, informed by best practice from sources like ISO 31000:2018 and HM Treasury’s “Orange Book”, was approved. The policy outlines how the council will manage risk at each level of the organisation.
The committee received the Monitoring Officer Report from Kamila Coulson-Patel, Director of Law and Governance & Monitoring Officer, detailing the role and statutory functions of the Monitoring Officer. The report reflected on the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024, noting that a permanent Monitoring Officer was appointed in 2025.
The Internal Audit progress report highlighted findings from completed audits. These included procurement compliance issues, temporary accommodation compliance, and the successful management of the Kettering Library roof project. The report also noted improvements in schools' health and safety compliance.
Finally, the committee approved the interim report of the Audit and Governance Committee, summarising its work in embedding good governance, internal control, and risk management.
Planning Committee (South) - Wednesday 16 April 2025
The Planning Committee (South) deferred a decision on the application for residential dwellings at Land area 26A Stanton Cross due to concerns about contamination risks, parking, and waste management. They approved the change of use of 4 Knox Road into a House of Multiple Occupation, and also received an information update on the Green Hill Solar Farm.
An application was submitted for the demolition of an existing building and the construction of 47 residential dwellings at Land area 26A Stanton Cross, Mill Road, Wellingborough. Councillor Lora Lawman proposed that the application be deferred to a future meeting to enable further information to be provided in relation to the contamination risks and mitigation, parking strategy, including input from highways and input in relation to waste. Councillor Andy Mercer seconded the proposal, and it was carried.
The committee considered an application for a change of use from a class C12 18-room guest house to a 15-bedroom House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) for a maximum of 20 occupants at 4 Knox Road, Wellingborough. Eight letters of objection had been received from neighbours, citing issues with the previous use of the property, concerns that a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) will attract anti-social behaviour, parking issues on Knox Road, difficulties housing so many people in a small area, increase in noise, bins and rubbish, and impacts on existing infrastructure and existing sewage system. The committee resolved to grant planning permission subject to conditions.
The committee received an information update regarding the Green Hill Solar Farm, a proposed solar farm including battery storage on land located to the west and south of Wellingborough, and north of Milton Keynes. The development is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) and is subject to a Development Consent Order (DCO).
Executive - Thursday 17 April 2025
The Executive approved the delivery of the Household Support Fund 7 (HSF7), which was announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in October 2024 as a continuation of cost of living support packages. The funding, estimated at £4.3 million for North Northamptonshire, is intended for vulnerable households experiencing severe hardship. Councillor Gill Mercer, Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing, has been delegated authority, in consultation with the Director of Public Health, to redistribute any unassigned or uncommitted funds by 31 March 2026.
The Executive delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place and Economy, in consultation with the Executive Member for Growth and Regeneration, to agree the details of any habitat bank proposal to be secured by legal agreement. They also adopted the information requirements and evaluation of habitat bank proposals, and approved the principle of a price on application fee for processing habitat bank proposals. These decisions aim to ensure that biodiversity gain remains within North Northamptonshire and that the council's costs are recovered. Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) is an approach to development and/or land management which aims to leave the natural environment in a measurably better state than it was beforehand.
The Executive authorised the commencement of procurement for Microsoft Licensing to continue providing productivity and infrastructure software licences for North Northamptonshire Council. The council uses Microsoft software licensing for productivity and infrastructure, including MS Teams, MS Outlook, and MS Office Suite.
The Executive delegated authority to the Executive Director of Children’s Services, the Director of Law and Governance (Monitoring Officer) and Executive Director of Finance, in consultation with the Executive Member of Children, Families, Education and Skills, to take all necessary actions to deliver the projects detailed in the report.
The Executive approved the updated Performance Management Framework and KPI set for 2025/26. Formal reporting to the Executive will remain on a quarterly basis, with the core indicator set being made available to members on a monthly basis.
The Executive approved a number of changes to the Capital Programme Update 202526, including additional budget approvals for the Isham Bypass, Alfred Lord Tennyson School, Rowan Gate Primary School, Latimer Arts College, and Prince William School Alternative Provision. Budget approvals were also granted for Warkton Lane Traffic Calming, Broughton Village Hall Changing Rooms, and Desborough Library improvements, funded from Section 106 3 Contributions.
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SEND refers to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. ↩
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Class C1 is a planning use class designation that refers to hotels and guest houses. ↩
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Section 106 contributions are financial contributions made by developers to mitigate the impact of their developments on the local community and infrastructure. ↩
North Northants travel plan guidance updated. LTP progresses
This week in North Northamptonshire:
- The EAP Sustainable Communities meeting included discussions on developer travel plan guidance, updates to the Local Transport Plan, and a review of the Executive Forward Plan.
EAP Sustainable Communities - Wednesday 09 April 2025
The EAP Sustainable Communities meeting covered several topics, including developer travel plan guidance, an update on the Local Transport Plan (LTP), and a review of the Executive Forward Plan.
Local Transport Plan Update
The meeting included a presentation on the progress and timetable for the Local Transport Plan (LTP). The current LTP is the Northamptonshire Transportation Plan, which was produced by Northamptonshire County Council in 2012. The council is developing a new North Northamptonshire LTP to reflect the community's needs, priorities, and investment plans in a more integrated approach, aligning with the council’s vision and strategic policies such as the Corporate Plan, Local Development Framework, the Greenway Strategy and Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plans.
Government guidance for LTPs is expected in Summer 2025. The indicative programme over the next 18 months includes establishing the context/baseline, building consensus, setting a policy direction, developing policies, forming the LTP, and agreeing on the plan, with completion expected by Summer 2026.
A draft Baseline Report has been developed, identifying changes since the 2012 LTP, relevant targets and policies, and information on place, people, and the environment in North Northamptonshire. Public engagement and consultation on the draft Baseline Report concluded on 23 March 2025, using the NNC Citizenspace online platform.
Developer Travel Plan Guidance
Updated travel plan guidance for developments was discussed. Development travel plans are required for planning proposals above certain threshold sizes. A travel plan is a set of actions designed to encourage safe, healthy, and sustainable travel options, reducing car travel and improving health, wellbeing, and the environment.
The updated guidance combines previous commercial and residential guidance into a single document, outlining the benefits of travel plans, identifying when they are required, detailing the structure and contents, and suggesting measures. An interim target for reducing motor vehicle traffic by 10% has been identified, to be reviewed as part of future Local Transport Plan consultation. The guidance also identifies requirements for monitoring and review of travel plans and refers to a fee for monitoring Travel plans.
Section 106 1 travel plan monitoring fees are to be linked to first occupation, and the existing £1,000 sum per year of build is to be reviewed. Section 106 travel plan performance bonds are to be used where appropriate to ensure developers progress their travel plan, and Section 106 monitoring fees are to be used to fund monitoring of developer travel plan compliance.
Executive Forward Plan
The Executive Forward Plan for April 2025 to July 2025 was included in the report pack.
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Section 106 agreements are legal agreements between local authorities and developers; these are used to mitigate the impact of new developments on the community and infrastructure. ↩
Health and Wellbeing Focus: Better Care Fund and Local Area Partnership
In the past week, the North Northamptonshire Council has held three meetings. Here are the details:
- Health and Wellbeing Board - Tuesday 25 June 2024
- Licensing Panel - Tuesday 25 June 2024
- Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 25 June 2024
Health and Wellbeing Board - Better Care Fund and Local Area Partnership
The most significant meeting this week was the Health and Wellbeing Board on Tuesday, 25 June 2024. The Board covered several important topics, including updates on the Better Care Fund (BCF), the development of Phase 4 of the Local Area Partnership (LAP), and presentations on various health initiatives.
Better Care Fund
The Board received a report on the Better Care Fund (BCF) for 2023-2024. The BCF is a national programme that pools funding for health and social care services. The report outlined the progress made against the BCF plan's objectives, highlighting the integration of health and social care services to improve patient outcomes.
Local Area Partnership
The development of Phase 4 of the Local Area Partnership (LAP) was a key focus. The LAP is a collaboration between the council, NHS, and other organisations aimed at enhancing the health and wellbeing of North Northamptonshire residents. Three operational models for Phase 4 were discussed:
- A 'One LAP' approach, continuing with the three existing places (Corby, Kettering, and Wellingborough).
- A 'Two LAP' approach, with one LAP covering Corby and Kettering, and the other covering Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire.
- A 'Three LAP' approach, consisting of Corby, Kettering, and a combined Wellingborough and East Northamptonshire.
The Board resolved to note the report and update provided on the options for the future model for place-based partnerships. A workshop to discuss these options in more detail is scheduled for September 2024.
East Midlands Ambulance Service Clinical Strategy
The Board also received a presentation from the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) on their new clinical strategy. The strategy outlines EMAS's plan to deliver safe and effective ambulance services over the next five years, addressing challenges such as increasing demand and workforce pressures.
Smoking and Vaping Programme
An update on the council's smoking and vaping programme was provided. The programme aims to reduce smoking and vaping prevalence in North Northamptonshire. Efforts to prevent young people from starting to smoke and vape, as well as support for quitting, were discussed.
Ofsted Inspection of Children's Services
The Board was briefed on the recent Ofsted inspection of Children's Services. The inspection focused on the experiences and progress of children needing help and protection, children looked after by the local authority, and care leavers. Key areas for improvement identified included the quality of assessments and plans, management oversight, and the effectiveness of the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).
Licensing Sub-Committee - Premises Licenses in Raunds and Rushden
The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Tuesday, 25 June 2024, to consider two applications for premises licenses.
Rutland Convenience Store, Raunds
The Sub-Committee reviewed the premises license of Rutland Convenience Store, 25 High Street, Raunds. The review followed an incident where illegal cigarettes were found for sale. This was the second such incident in under 12 months. The Sub-Committee decided to modify the conditions of the license, requiring the installation of a CCTV system, maintenance of a refusals book, and staff training on age-restricted products.
Pasha Shawarma, Rushden
The Sub-Committee also considered an application for a new premises license for Pasha Shawarma, 16 High Street, Rushden. The application sought permission for late-night refreshment between 23:00 and 02:00. The application was approved with conditions, including the installation of a CCTV system, closing doors and windows after 23:00, and ensuring no noise nuisance to nearby residents.
Other Meetings
The Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee scheduled for Tuesday, 25 June 2024, and the Scrutiny Management Board scheduled for Wednesday, 26 June 2024, were both cancelled.
This week's meetings highlighted ongoing efforts to improve health and social care integration, address public health issues, and ensure compliance with licensing regulations.
Major Development Approved in Kettering: Key Decisions from North Northamptonshire Council
In the past week, the North Northamptonshire Council has held four meetings. Here are the details:
- Planning Committee (North) - Monday 20 May 2024
- Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee - Tuesday 21 May 2024
- Employment Subcommittee - Wednesday 22 May 2024
- Council - Thursday 23 May 2024
Planning Committee (North) - Hanwood Park Development
The most impactful meeting this week was the Planning Committee (North) on Monday, 20 May 2024. The committee discussed the planning application for Hanwood Park, a significant development project in Kettering. This project involves the construction of up to 3,383 dwellings, schools, a district center, local centers, healthcare facilities, leisure and employment spaces, and associated infrastructure. The development is part of a larger sustainable urban extension (SUE) that has been in progress since 2010.
The committee approved the application with conditions, emphasizing the need for further negotiations on healthcare and other planning obligations. Here are the key points discussed:
Healthcare Provision
The committee highlighted the importance of healthcare provision within the development. Concerns were raised about the current lack of clarity on how healthcare facilities, such as GP surgeries and dental practices, would be delivered. The Integrated Care Board (ICB) and NHS have been in discussions with the council and the developer, but no final agreement has been reached. The committee emphasized that healthcare provision is a top priority and must be addressed before further development.
Traffic and Transportation
Traffic and transportation were also significant concerns. The committee discussed the removal of the Weekly Walk-In Avenue (WWA) from the current plans, which was initially intended to mitigate traffic impacts. The developer proposed a monitor and manage
strategy to address traffic issues, focusing on trip suppression and modal shift to reduce car usage. However, some committee members and public speakers expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of this approach and the ambitious targets for modal shift.
Local Infrastructure
The committee also discussed the project's impact on local infrastructure, including roads and schools. The development includes plans for new primary and secondary schools, as well as improvements to existing road networks. The committee noted that some junctions are already over capacity and will require mitigation.
The committee approved the planning application with several conditions, including the need for further negotiations on the Section 106 planning obligations, which will cover contributions to healthcare, education, and other community facilities. The final details of these obligations will be brought back to the committee for approval.
In summary, the committee approved the Hanwood Park planning application, emphasizing the need for further negotiations on healthcare provision and other planning obligations. The development will include significant housing, infrastructure, and community facilities, but concerns remain about traffic impacts and the delivery of essential services.
Other Meetings
The Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee met on Tuesday, 21 May 2024. Unfortunately, we have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
The Employment Subcommittee met on Wednesday, 22 May 2024. Again, we have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Finally, the Council met on Thursday, 23 May 2024. We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting either.
This week’s meetings have highlighted ongoing concerns about healthcare provision and traffic management in new developments, themes we will likely revisit in future updates.
Recent meetings
Executive - Thursday 17th April, 2025 10.00 am
At a meeting of the North Northamptonshire Council Executive, a range of key decisions were made, including the approval of the North Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2024 – 2029, an uplift in fees for adult social care providers, and the adoption of the Wellingborough and Rushden Area Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). The Executive also approved the procurement of a new adult social care case management system and reservoir drawdown capital works at Sywell Country Park Reservoir.
Planning Committee (South) - Wednesday 16th April, 2025 7.00 pm
The North Northamptonshire Council Planning Committee (South) met to discuss a change of use application for a property on Knox Road, an application for partial demolition and construction on Canon Street, and to receive an update on the Green Hill Solar Farm project. Councillors voted to approve the change of use for 4 Knox Road, and also voted to approve the application for 21 Canon Street. The committee noted an update on the Green Hill Solar Farm.
Audit and Governance Committee - Monday 14th April, 2025 2.00 pm
The North Northamptonshire Council Audit and Governance Committee met on 14 April 2025, and approved the risk management policy and strategy, the internal audit plan for 2025/26, the internal audit charter and mandate, and the interim report of the committee. The committee also reviewed the monitoring officer report, the external quality assessment of the internal audit service, and the internal audit progress report.
Democracy and Standards Committee - Monday 14th April, 2025 7.00 pm
This meeting has been cancelled.
EAP Sustainable Communities - Wednesday 9th April, 2025 9.30 am
The EAP Sustainable Communities Panel met to discuss developer travel plan guidance, a draft baseline report, and the executive forward plan. The panel reviewed updated guidance for developer travel plans, which aims to reduce motor vehicle traffic by 10%. They also discussed the progress of the Local Transport Plan (LTP) and its draft baseline report, which is currently undergoing public consultation.
Planning Committee (North) - Wednesday 2nd April, 2025 7.00 pm
This meeting has been cancelled.
Licensing Panel - Monday 31st March, 2025 11.30 am
The Licensing Panel of North Northamptonshire Council met on Monday 31 March 2025 to discuss the fitness of an individual to continue to hold both a Private Hire Licence and a Hackney Carriage Driver Licence. The panel was also scheduled to elect a chair for the meeting.
Licensing Sub-Committee - Monday 31st March, 2025 9.30 am
The Licensing Sub-Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met to consider a new premises licence application for Sondhi Convenience Stores in Kettering, and an application for a variation of the premises licence for Morrisons Daily in Broughton. Both applications had received objections from the public and responsible authorities.
EAP Active Communities - Thursday 27th March, 2025 3.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.
Planning Committee (South) - Wednesday 19th March, 2025 7.00 pm
We have not been able to find a video broadcast of this meeting.