This week in West Northamptonshire:

Pension Fund's Future Strategy and Governance Under Review

The Local Pension Board met on Thursday 2 April 2026 to discuss the strategic direction and operational health of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. A key focus was the Northamptonshire Pension Fund - Business Plan and Medium-Term Strategy 2026/27[^1]. This plan outlines the Fund's priorities and activities for the next three years, covering areas such as procurement, governance, member services, investments, and communications. The Board was set to review the progress of the current year's business plan and the procurements that have been concluded. The strategy also includes the 2026/27 Climate Action Plan, detailing the Fund's approach to sustainability.

The meeting also addressed the General Code of Practice Review[^2]. This code, set by The Pensions Regulator, outlines expectations for pension scheme governance and administration. The Northamptonshire Pension Fund was reported to be largely compliant, with actions being taken to ensure full adherence. Updates were also scheduled on the Review of Employer Contribution Rates Policy, which dictates how employer contributions are reviewed between formal valuations, and the Administration Report, detailing performance against Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for January and February 2026. The Board was also to receive updates on the Fund's valuation and strategic asset allocation, crucial for ensuring its long-term financial stability and ability to meet pension obligations.

Link to the meeting.

Planning Applications Spark Debate on Development and Local Impact

The Non-Strategic Planning Committee convened on Thursday 2 April 2026 to consider a range of planning applications, with several proposals drawing significant attention and local concern.

Pattishall Developments Face Scrutiny

Two applications concerning Fourways, 2 School Road, Pattishall[^3] were on the agenda. The first proposed a new self-build dwelling, while the second sought to demolish the existing property and garage to construct two new self-build dwellings. These applications were called in by Councillor Stuart Tolley due to concerns about overdevelopment and highway safety. The outcome of these discussions will shape the character of this part of Pattishall.

Daventry Truck Stop Proposal Recommended for Refusal

A significant application for a truck stop (Sui Generis)[^4] at Land West of Browns Road, Daventry[^5] was also discussed. This proposal had generated substantial objections from Staverton Parish Council, Daventry Town Council, the Crime Prevention Officer, and WNC Environmental Health. Concerns centred on the impact on the local area's character, particularly as the site is within a Special Landscape Area, as well as noise, air quality, and driver facilities. The officer recommendation was to refuse this application, highlighting the council's role in balancing development with environmental and community protection.

Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) Applications in Northampton

Several applications for Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs) in Northampton were also on the agenda, each with potential impacts on local amenity and infrastructure.

• At 45 Greenfield Avenue, Northampton[^6], an application sought to increase occupancy from six to nine residents, with extensions proposed. This was called in by Councillor Joanne Blythe due to concerns about overdevelopment, parking, and drainage.
• 102 Ashburnham Road, Northampton[^7] saw an application to increase occupancy from six to seven residents, with retrospective permission sought for roof alterations. Councillor Zoe Smith raised concerns about overdevelopment and impact on neighbouring amenity.
• An application for 97 Bush Hill, Northampton[^8] proposed changing the use from a six-occupant HMO to a ten-occupant HMO. Councillor Cameron Emery highlighted concerns about over-intensification, noise, cumulative impact, and parking. The officer recommendation for this application was to refuse planning permission.

These decisions will directly affect the housing stock and living conditions in these Northampton neighbourhoods.

Link to the meeting.

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Noise and Smoking Complaints Lead to Licence Review for Maya Lounge

The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 26 March 2026 to consider a critical review of the premises licence for Maya Lounge, located at 32 Wellingborough Road, Northampton. The review was initiated by Northamptonshire Police due to serious concerns about the venue's failure to uphold the licensing objective of preventing public nuisance.

Residents have lodged numerous complaints about excessive noise emanating from Maya Lounge since May 2025. These complaints, some supported by recordings made via The Noise App, led council officers to witness significant noise nuisance during an out-of-hours visit. Consequently, a noise abatement notice was served on the premises in July 2025 under section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Despite this, further noise complaints continued, with evidence suggesting breaches of the abatement notice.

Adding to the concerns, the West Northamptonshire Council's Health Protection team raised issues regarding the prevention of crime and disorder. Allegations of non-compliance with the Health Act 2006, which mandates that smoking be prohibited in enclosed or substantially enclosed premises, were detailed. The Health Protection Team's representation outlined a history of contacts with the premises regarding smoking in a rear, substantially enclosed area, despite repeated advice and warnings.

The sub-committee was presented with several potential outcomes, ranging from modifying licence conditions to revoking the licence entirely. The decision will weigh the impact on residents' quality of life against the business's operation, guided by the Northampton Statement of Licensing Policy 2020-2025 and statutory guidance.

Link to the meeting.

Roads, Youth Violence, and Parking Charges Dominate Council Agenda

The Council met on Thursday 26 March 2026 to tackle a range of pressing issues affecting residents across West Northamptonshire. Key discussions focused on the deteriorating state of local roads, the critical challenge of serious youth violence, and the controversial impact of parking charges in Northampton.

Potholes and Highways Maintenance

Residents have voiced significant frustration over the condition of local roads, with potholes becoming a widespread problem. Despite substantial funding from the Department for Transport, questions were raised about how these funds are being allocated and whether they are translating into visible improvements. The agenda highlighted the safety risks posed by potholes, including vehicle damage and hazards for cyclists and pedestrians.

A motion was proposed to establish a Pothole and Highways Task Force to monitor repairs and scrutinise the maintenance programme. The council was also urged to produce a highways maintenance action plan within 60 days, detailing how the backlog will be addressed, resources deployed, and expected timescales. This plan is intended to ensure transparency and accountability in how taxpayer money is spent on road repairs.

Serious Youth Violence and County Lines

The council addressed the urgent issue of serious youth violence and county lines exploitation. The recent fatal stabbing in Northampton underscored the need for a coordinated, multi-agency response. The agenda noted Northampton's vulnerability due to its location on major transport routes, which criminal networks exploit to traffic drugs, often through the coercion of young people.

A motion called for a community safety meeting involving police, health services, schools, and other partners to develop a joint action plan. The Northamptonshire Children's Trust was tasked with reviewing support for young people at risk of exploitation, with a particular focus on looked-after children. The council also planned to write to the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Education to highlight the strain on local services and advocate for adequate national funding.

Parking Charges in Northampton

A debate was scheduled concerning the impact of increased parking charges and the reduction of free parking in Northampton, particularly for Blue Badge holders. The Liberal Democrats, who proposed the motion, described the decision to charge Blue Badge holders as profoundly unfair, penalising disabled residents and visitors and their carers. The motion highlighted the additional financial burdens faced by disabled households.

The council was to consider endorsing work to re-establish the West Northamptonshire Disabled People's Forum and create disability champions within council departments to ensure decisions are made with a clear understanding of the social model of disability¹.

Other Scheduled Business

The meeting also included updates on children's services, including the Annual Report of the Service Delivery Contract with Northamptonshire Children's Trust and the Trust's Business Plan. A Corporate Parenting Strategy and the West Northamptonshire Council Pay Policy Statement were also on the agenda. Discussions on changes to political balance and committee places, and the appointment of independent persons were also scheduled.

Link to the meeting.

Health and Wellbeing Board Tackles SEND, Integration, and Women's Health

The West Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board met on Thursday 26 March 2026 to discuss a broad spectrum of health and wellbeing priorities. Key topics included the progress of the SEND Action Plan, the integration of health and social care through the Better Care Fund, and a dedicated focus on women's and girl's health.

SEND Action Plan and Better Care Fund

The Board received an update on the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Action Plan, which aims to improve support for children and young people. Significant attention was also given to the Better Care Fund (BCF), with discussions covering its Quarter 3 submission for 2025-2026 and guidance for the upcoming year. The BCF is crucial for integrating health and social care services, pooling budgets to address local needs effectively. An update on the Ethical Migrant Worker Charter was also provided, focusing on ensuring fair recruitment practices for care providers.

Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Specific Health Needs

The mid-term refresh of the Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy for 2023-2028 was a key item, ensuring the strategy remains relevant to evolving local needs. The Board was also set to hear about the Leicester, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Rutland (LNR) Integrated Care Board (ICB) Cluster's 5 Year Strategic Commissioning Strategy, outlining long-term health improvement priorities for the region. A presentation on women's and girl's health was scheduled, addressing specific health needs and potential interventions. The Board also reviewed the Health and Wellbeing Strategy section of the NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board's Annual Report.

Link to the meeting.

Taxi Driver Licence Applications Reviewed

The Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee met on Wednesday 25 March 2026 to consider applications for new Private Hire Driver's Licences. Due to the personal nature of the information involved, these discussions were held in private, with the press and public excluded, in accordance with Section 100A of the Local Government Act 1972. This ensures the confidentiality of individuals applying for licences, balancing public interest with personal privacy.

Link to the meeting.

This week in West Northamptonshire:

McDonald's Seeks 24/7 Alcohol Sales, Residents Raise Concerns

A proposal to allow McDonald's on Kettering Road, Northampton to sell alcohol 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is being considered by the Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 17 March 2026. The fast-food giant, Kazper Restaurants Limited, wants to extend its late-night refreshment licence from midnight to 5 am daily, aligning with its planning permission.

However, the application has drawn significant opposition from local residents, who have lodged representations focusing on the potential for increased public nuisance. Concerns include a rise in anti-social behaviour, littering, noise, and unpleasant odours, particularly in a predominantly residential area. This is not the first time this application has been heard; a similar request was refused by the sub-committee on 2 January 2026, and an appeal is currently underway.

McDonald's has outlined measures to mitigate these concerns, including CCTV, staff training, regular litter patrols, and reminders for customers to leave quietly. However, objectors question whether these measures will be sufficient to address the issues arising from late-night vehicle activity. The sub-committee has the power to modify licence conditions or reject the application, with its decision needing to balance the applicant's request against the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm.

Link to the meeting.

Child Mental Health Services and School Places on the Agenda

The Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee met on Monday 16 March 2026 to discuss vital services for young people. A key focus was the provision of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), with reports indicating improvements in waiting times for initial appointments, now at eight weeks for routine cases and seven days for urgent referrals. This is a positive step, as timely mental health support is crucial for young people's development and well-being. The committee also reviewed the progress of the SEND Priority Action Plan and the council's strategy for ensuring sufficient school places.

The update on CAMHS highlighted the expansion of Mental Health Support Teams in schools and the continued investment in local Wellbeing Cafes, which support an average of 143 young people and their families monthly. However, concerns were raised by Councillor Anthony Owens regarding the NHS THRIVE model, with worries that it could negatively impact children's services.

The discussion on school place planning is critical for ensuring that all children in West Northamptonshire have access to education. The committee also reviewed performance data for the One West Northamptonshire Plan, covering a wide range of service areas.

Link to the meeting.

Pension Fund's Financial Health and Governance Reviewed

The Pensions Fund Committee met on Monday 16 March 2026 to oversee the financial management of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. The committee reviewed the Business Plan and Medium-Term Strategy for 2026/27 to 2028/29, which outlines key activities and budget requirements for procurement, governance, member services, investments, and communications. The report indicated that most business plan activities for 2025/26 were on track.

The committee also received updates on the fund's compliance with the Pension Regulator's General Code of Practice, with the fund reported as largely compliant. A revised Data Improvement Strategy and Plan for 2026/27 were presented, focusing on enhancing data quality for member services and readiness for Pension Dashboards. The review of the Communications Strategy and Plan for 2026/27 was also discussed, detailing planned activities for various stakeholder groups.

The Administration Report for October to December 2025 showed that while most Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) indicated improvement, 28% were rated 'Red', signifying less than desired performance in some areas. The committee also reviewed the fund's Risk Register. Discussions on exempt items, likely concerning sensitive financial or investment information, were also part of the agenda.

Link to the meeting.

Other Matters

The Non-Strategic Planning Committee met on Thursday 19 March 2026 to consider a range of planning applications. These included proposals for a care home in Deanshanger, a micro energy storage project in West Haddon, and changes to retail units at Riverside Retail Park in Northampton. The committee also discussed an outbuilding at 63 Bougainvillea Drive, Northampton, a change of use for 139 St James Road, Northampton, and the replacement of a front door at Hall Court House in Brixworth. The decision on these applications will shape local development and community spaces.

Link to the meeting.

The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday 19 March 2026 to consider a new premises licence application for Elizabeth Convenience Store. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises, with proposed hours of 06:00 to 00:00 daily. Representations from the public raised concerns about potential increases in public nuisance, anti-social behaviour, littering, and parking issues in the residential area, particularly given the proximity to Vernon Terrace Primary School. The sub-committee had to balance these concerns against the licensing objectives.

Link to the meeting.

The Strategic Planning Committee met on Tuesday 17 March 2026 and approved the reserved matters application for 295 dwellings at Dallington Grange, Mill Lane, Kingsthorpe, Northampton. The development includes 20 affordable dwellings, with the council's Strategic Housing Team deeming the overall affordable housing provision acceptable within the wider Dallington Grange development. Conditions were attached to the approval, covering aspects such as noise mitigation, highway safety, and landscaping.

Link to the meeting.

This week in West Northamptonshire:

West Northamptonshire Eyes Devolution for Increased Funding and Powers

West Northamptonshire Council is actively exploring options for devolution, a move that could unlock significant funding and greater local control over services. The Council met on Friday 13 March 2026 to discuss a comprehensive report outlining potential devolution models, including the establishment of a Foundation Strategic Authority. This initiative is driven by the recognition that regions with devolved powers are securing substantial investment and economic benefits, opportunities West Northamptonshire is currently missing.

The report presented to the Council highlighted that by not being part of a devolution area, the region risks being overlooked for crucial funding streams. The government's framework for devolution offers various structures, such as Foundation Strategic Authorities and Mayoral Strategic Authorities. The Council considered several pathways forward:

• Doing nothing: This option carries the risk of devolution being imposed by central government, potentially without local consensus.
• Pursuing a South Midlands Foundation Strategic Authority: While considered economically sensible due to existing regional ties, this option faces challenges in achieving full consensus among all constituent authorities.
• Establishing a Northamptonshire Foundation Strategic Authority: This approach prioritises local agreement and allows for future expansion if opportunities arise.
• Linking into an existing devolution geography: This was deemed not a viable immediate option due to strict deadlines.

The Council's recommended approach is to express an interest in devolution, specifically by submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI) for a South Midlands or South Midlands Plus geography. Simultaneously, they aim to establish a Northamptonshire Foundation Strategic Authority, remaining open to broader collaborations. It's important to note that an EOI is not a legally binding commitment and is contingent on the government making suitable resources available. This strategic move, informed by the English Devolution White Paper, signals a proactive stance in seeking greater autonomy and investment for the region.

Link to the meeting.

Adult Social Care Faces Requires Improvement Rating, Action Plan Underway

West Northamptonshire Council's Adult Social Care services have been rated as Requires Improvement by the Care Quality Commission (CQC)[^1], according to a report presented to the Adult Social Care, Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Monday 9 March 2026. The overall score of 59% highlights areas where significant improvements are needed to ensure timely and coordinated care for residents.

While the CQC acknowledged clear strengths in person-centred practice, prevention, safeguarding, and partnership working, critical issues were identified. These include capacity challenges, long waiting times for assessments and support, data quality problems, and inequalities in access to services. The report stated, many people do not consistently receive timely, coordinated care. This directly impacts vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with disabilities, who rely on these services for their daily well-being and independence. Long waits for assessments, equipment, and therapy can lead to deteriorating health and increased reliance on informal carers, who themselves face significant strain.

In response, the council has developed a five-point action plan, Becoming Better Together, which includes:

• Workforce development: Embedding a consistent practice framework.
• Improved communication: Enhancing how information is shared with residents and staff.
• Leadership development: Ensuring stable leadership and support for the workforce.
• Data and performance management: Focusing on reducing waiting times for assessments and support.
• Partnership working: Strengthening collaboration with the NHS and other organisations.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Addressing inequalities faced by different groups.

This plan is being co-produced with service users, carers, staff, and partners, aiming for a comprehensive overhaul of the service. The report also noted that the council is engaging with the Partners in Care and Health support programme to aid in this improvement process. The committee also reviewed its own work programme, indicating ongoing scrutiny of these vital services.

Link to the meeting.

McDonald's Seeks 24/7 Alcohol Sales, Residents Raise Concerns

A proposal to allow McDonald's on Kettering Road, Northampton to sell alcohol 24 hours a day, seven days a week, is being considered by the Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee on Tuesday 17 March 2026. The fast-food giant, Kazper Restaurants Limited, wants to extend its late-night refreshment licence from midnight to 5 am daily, aligning with its planning permission.

However, the application has drawn significant opposition from local residents, who have lodged representations focusing on the potential for increased public nuisance. Concerns include a rise in anti-social behaviour, littering, noise, and unpleasant odours, particularly in a predominantly residential area. This is not the first time this application has been heard; a similar request was refused by the sub-committee on 2 January 2026, and an appeal is currently underway.

McDonald's has outlined measures to mitigate these concerns, including CCTV, staff training, regular litter patrols, and reminders for customers to leave quietly. However, objectors question whether these measures will be sufficient to address the issues arising from late-night vehicle activity. The sub-committee has the power to modify licence conditions or reject the application, with its decision needing to balance the applicant's request against the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm.

Link to the meeting.

Other Matters

The Democracy and Standards Committee met on Thursday 12 March 2026 to discuss the recruitment of Independent Persons, who play a vital role in upholding ethical standards by advising on complaints against councillors. The committee also reviewed its annual report for 2025/26, highlighting its work in safeguarding governance and transparent decision-making, and began planning its work programme for the upcoming year. An update was also provided on the ongoing review of the Council's Constitution.

Link to the meeting.

The Cabinet met on Tuesday 10 March 2026 to consider a range of important council business. Key discussions included the proposed adoption of a new Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan for Northampton, an update on the Planning Service Transformation Programme, and the Corporate Parenting Strategy for West Northamptonshire. The Cabinet also reviewed proposals for housing adaptations, adult social care provider fee uplifts, and employment and skills programmes.

Link to the meeting.

The Audit and Governance Committee met on Wednesday 11 March 2026. The committee reviewed the council's internal audit plans for 2026/27, examined the strategic risk register, and received an update on the application of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000.

Link to the meeting.