This week in West Northamptonshire:

Tattoo Studio Bar Denied Licence: Safety Concerns Trump Business Dreams

The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee denied a new premises licence for EyeCanditattoos UK at Billing Garden Village in Northampton, citing concerns about health and safety risks associated with combining a tattoo studio and a bar. Candi Lewis, the applicant, sought permission to sell alcohol at her tattoo studio, but faced objections from the public who raised concerns about hygiene, impaired judgment, and potential violations of the Tattooing of Minors Act 1969.

• Applicant's Vision: Ms Lewis, who has a background in criminal law and psychology, argued that the bar would operate primarily after tattoo hours and that she would enforce a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol consumption before appointments. She also presented a letter of support from the property manager, who vouched for her professionalism and community-mindedness.
• Public Objections: Objectors argued that tattooing requires a sterile environment and that alcohol consumption could lead to impaired judgment, increased bleeding, and a higher risk of infection. Concerns were also raised about Ms Lewis allegedly promoting alcohol consumption while getting tattooed on social media.
• Licensing Officer's Confirmation: The licensing officer, Michael Sands, confirmed that the application requested opening hours from 10:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday.

The decision highlights the council's commitment to prioritizing public safety and upholding licensing objectives, even when faced with innovative business proposals.

Link to the meeting.

Post Office Alcohol Licence Deferred: Residents Fear Antisocial Behaviour

The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee deferred a decision on a new premises licence application for Whitehills Post Office in Northampton, following objections from residents who fear increased street drinking and antisocial behaviour. Rajesh Khunti, the applicant, seeks to sell alcohol from 6am to midnight, Monday to Sunday.

• Applicant's Experience: Frank Fender, agent for Mr. Khunti, argued that Mr. Khunti is an experienced operator with a clean track record and that none of the responsible authorities had raised any objections. He also referenced Section 182 guidance, which states that shops should normally be free to sell alcohol during their opening hours unless there are good reasons based on the licensing objectives to restrict those hours.
• Resident Concerns: Objectors raised concerns about the lack of need for another premises selling alcohol, the potential for increased street drinking and antisocial behaviour, fly tipping, traffic volume, and dangerous parking.
• Licensing Policy: The sub-committee was referred to the Northampton Licensing Act 2003 Statement of Licensing Policy 2021 – 2026, which states that consideration will always be given to the individual merits of an application in line with the four licensing objectives and any relevant representations.

The deferred decision reflects the council's careful consideration of community concerns and its commitment to balancing business interests with public safety.

Link to the meeting.

Social Housing Future in Focus: Committee to Discuss NPH Transition

The Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to discuss the future delivery of social housing services currently run by Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH), an arm's length management organisation¹ (ALMO). The committee was also scheduled to discuss a proposal for a scrutiny review of addressing disrepair in social housing in West Northamptonshire.

• NPH's Role: NPH manages around 11,500 properties in Northampton on behalf of West Northamptonshire Council (WNC), providing services such as repairs and tenancy management.
• Legislative Changes: The report pack noted that many authorities have moved away from the ALMO model because changes to legislation mean it is less financially beneficial. It also stated that following the Grenfell Tower Fire, new regulations for social housing have been introduced, including the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023.
• Tenant Consultation: A tenant consultation found that 60% of respondents agreed with the transfer of services to WNC, while 30% were undecided.

The potential transition of social housing services back to WNC could have significant implications for tenants, affecting everything from repair response times to tenancy management policies.

Link to the meeting.

Planning Committee Approves and Refuses Housing and Industrial Developments

The Non-Strategic Planning Committee approved the construction of five homes on land east of Towcester Road, Milton Malsor, but refused an outline application for 100 new homes on land at Harlestone Road and York Way, Northampton. The Strategic Planning Committee approved reserved matters for industrial buildings at Towcester Park and approved recommendations for the Kab Seating Ltd site, while also refusing the Podium Business Park application and deferring a decision on the Car Park Railway Station application.

• Milton Malsor Housing: Councillors approved application 2023/0022/FULL for the erection of five homes with associated access and landscaping on land east of Towcester Road, Milton Malsor, subject to requirements to be set out in the minutes.
• Harlestone Road Housing: Councillors refused outline application 2025/0057/MAO for up to 100 new homes at land at Harlestone Road and York Way, Northampton, contrary to the planning officer’s recommendation. The reasons for refusal are to be set out in the minutes.
• Kab Seating Ltd: The committee approved recommendations for application 2025/1769/MAF, concerning Kab Seating Ltd, located at 1 Stone Circle Road, Northampton, NN3 8RS. The proposal involves the demolition of an existing building and the erection of two employment units (B8 use²), including an additional access from Stone Circle Road and other associated works and infrastructure, subject to conditions.
• Towcester Park: The committee approved recommendations for application 2025/1147/MAR, concerning Towcester Park, AL3, Tiffield Lane, Towcester, NN12 6PG. The proposal is for the approval of reserved matters, including layout, scale, appearance, and landscaping, for the erection of two buildings for industrial and/or storage and distribution purposes (Use Classes B1(c)³, B2⁴, and/or B8 respectively), including ancillary offices (B1(a)⁵) at Plots 4 and 5 within Zone B, subject to conditions.
• Car Park Railway Station: The committee deferred a decision on application WNN/2023/0083, concerning the Car Park Railway Station, Black Lion Hill, Northampton. The reasons for deferral are to be set out in the minutes.
• Podium Business Park: The committee refused application S/2020/2337/MAO, concerning Podium Business Park, Shacks Barn Farm, A43, Oxford Road, Silverstone, NN12 8TB. The reasons for refusal are to be set out in the minutes.

These decisions will shape the future of housing and economic development in West Northamptonshire, balancing the need for growth with the protection of local communities and the environment.

Link to the Non-Strategic Planning Committee meeting. Link to the Strategic Planning Committee meeting.

Private Hire Driver Licences Discussed in Private

The Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss applications for new private hire driver's licences, but excluded the press and public from the meeting due to the discussion of exempt information, as defined in the Local Government Act 1972.

The decision to exclude the public raises questions about transparency and accountability in the licensing process.

Link to the meeting.

Pension Board Focuses on Data Matching, Gender Gap, and Governance

The Local Pension Board discussed a range of issues related to the Northamptonshire Pension Fund, including data matching for pension dashboards, the gender pensions gap, and governance and compliance.

• Pensions Dashboards: The board discussed the Northamptonshire Pension Fund Data Matching Policy 2025, which sets out the personal data required to achieve a full match and instant return of value data to an individual's dashboard.
• Gender Pensions Gap: Analysis of the Fund's data showed that for every £1 of pension paid to males, 45p is paid to females. The analysis also showed that female pensions are consistently lower than male pensions across all age brackets.
• Governance and Compliance: The board discussed significant current issues impacting the governance, management and administration of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund, including the government's intention to allow councillors in England to join the LGPS.

These discussions highlight the board's efforts to ensure the effective management and administration of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund, while also addressing issues of equity and transparency.

Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84337) - October 28th: Consideration of a premises licence review for JBS Daily.
• Northamptonshire Integrated Care Partnership (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84664) - November 6th
• Non-Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84666) - November 6th

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Schools Face Funding Crunch: Forum Debates Budget Cuts and Classroom Growth

The West Northamptonshire Schools Forum convened to grapple with critical funding decisions for the 2026-27 academic year, focusing on how to balance resources across schools and early years provisions. The discussions centered on potential budget cuts, the allocation of funds for growing schools, and the future of early years funding.

• High Needs Block Deficit: A major concern is the projected £32.1 million deficit in the high needs block¹, which supports children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). To alleviate this, the council proposed transferring 0.5% of the schools block to the high needs block, a move that has been made annually since 2023-24.
• Schools Funding Formula: The forum discussed the possibility of capping per-pupil funding increases to align school budgets with available grant allocations. This could mean some schools receive less funding than they might otherwise be entitled to under the national funding formula.
• Growth Fund Policy: The forum reviewed the Growth Fund Policy, which supports schools experiencing increased pupil numbers. Adjustments to formula budgets were proposed for several schools, including Marie Weller Primary School, Buckton Fields Primary School, Northampton School for Boys, and Overstone Primary School.
• Early Years Funding: The forum also discussed proposed arrangements for early years funding, including increasing the pass-through rate to providers to 97% of the total budget for 3-and-4-year-old funding.

These decisions have significant implications for schools, teachers, and students across West Northamptonshire. Budget cuts could lead to larger class sizes, reduced resources, and fewer support services for vulnerable students.

Link to the meeting.

Family Help Strategy: Cabinet Aims for Child Friendly Place Amidst Prevention Efforts

The Cabinet approved the Family Help Strategy for West Northamptonshire 2025-2028, a plan designed to create a Child Friendly Place where children and families receive timely and collaborative support. The strategy emphasizes prevention and early intervention, aiming to strengthen family resilience and ensure equitable access to support.

• Key Objectives: The strategy focuses on embedding a culture of family help across all services, strengthening family resilience, ensuring equitable access to support, promoting co-production with families and young people, and delivering integrated services through Family Hubs² and Local Area Partnerships.
• Locality-Based Prevention: The Cabinet also endorsed West Northamptonshire’s approach to locality-based prevention, including Local Area Partnerships (LAPs) and neighbourhood working. The council will reduce and realign the current nine LAPs to five, congruent with the five Neighbourhoods adopted by health and the Integrated Care System (ICS)³.
• Health Protection and Enforcement: The Cabinet approved four plans concerning public health and safety: the Health Protection Service Plan, the Food & Feed Standards Service Plan, the Spray Paint Enforcement Plan, and the Tobacco Enforcement Plan for 2025-26.

The success of the Family Help Strategy hinges on effective implementation and collaboration across various services. The reduction of LAPs could streamline services, but it also raises concerns about local representation and community engagement.

Link to the meeting.

Community Safety and Domestic Abuse: Scrutiny Committee Examines Key Strategies

The Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee reviewed the Community Safety Partnership Annual Report and the draft Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy, highlighting the council's efforts to reduce crime and support vulnerable individuals.

• Community Safety Partnership: The Community Safety Partnership Annual Report highlighted a reduction in overall crime across West Northants by 1.8% and a reduction in violent crime by 8.1%. However, reports of anti-social behaviour increased in both the Daventry and South Northants sector and in Northampton.
• Domestic Abuse Strategy: The draft Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Strategy aims to ensure that everyone in West Northamptonshire can live safely and experience healthy relationships without the threat of domestic abuse or sexual violence. The strategy has five objectives: early intervention & prevention, support & protection for all victims and survivors, trust & confidence, coordinated community response, and holding perpetrators accountable.
• Scrutiny Prioritisation Toolkit: The committee was advised of a new Scrutiny Prioritisation Toolkit designed to support the prioritisation of their work programmes.

These strategies are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable. The increase in reports of anti-social behaviour underscores the need for continued vigilance and targeted interventions.

Link to the meeting.

Other Matters

• The Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss budget scrutiny, a performance monitoring report, Section 106 agreements² and the committee's work programme. The committee was also expected to receive updates on budget monitoring and budget setting, and regeneration and asset management. No transcript or video was provided. Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83631) - October 20th: Discussion of the future of social housing services, a scrutiny prioritisation toolkit, and the committee's work programme.
• Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83635) - October 21st: Discussion of planning applications, including developments at Podium Business Park, Northampton Railway Station, Towcester Park and Stone Circle Road.
• Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83876) - October 21st: Discussion of a premises licence application for Billing Garden Village.
• Planning Policy Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83637) - October 22nd
• Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83877) - October 22nd: Review applications for new private hire driver's licences.
• Non-Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83644) - October 23rd: Discussion of planning applications, including a development of up to 100 new homes on land in Northampton, and the erection of five homes in Milton Malsor.
• Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83878) - October 23rd: Discussion of a premises licence application for Whitehills Post Office.
• Local Pension Board (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83641) - October 23rd: Discussion on governance, compliance, pension dashboards, audit plans, and the gender pensions gap.
• Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84337) - October 28th

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Children's Home Approved: Expanding Care Options or Overburdening Communities?

The Non-Strategic Planning Committee approved a change of use for a property at 3 Whaddon Close, Northampton to a children's home, a decision that could provide much-needed residential care for vulnerable children aged 7-17. The home will be staffed 24/7 by two care professionals working 12-hour shifts.

• Residential Care: The application seeks permission for the change of use from a dwelling to a children's care home and the conversion of the garage into residential space.
• Staffing: The home will be staffed 24 hours a day by two care professionals working 12-hour shifts.
• Planning Legislation: The committee was advised that a similar use could be implemented without needing planning permission under class C3 of the Planning Legislation for a dwelling with an element of care with 6 people living together as a single household.

While the decision aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for children in need, some residents may have concerns about the potential impact on the local community.

Link to the meeting.

Commercial Units Get the Green Light: Boosting Economy or Disrupting Residents?

The Non-Strategic Planning Committee approved the demolition of existing buildings and construction of a new terrace of seven commercial units at Headway, Heathfield Way, Northampton. The development includes associated parking, landscaping, and EV chargers.

• Commercial Development: The application site consists of existing industrial units located within an employment area on Heathfield Way close to King's Heath in Northampton.
• Class E Use: The proposal involves the erection of metal clad buildings to be used for commercial purposes with some of the development as Class E light industry/offices. The application proposes an ancillary gym and trade counter to unit 5.
• Access: Access would be retained from Heathfield Way.

While the project aims to boost the local economy and provide new business opportunities, some residents may have concerns about increased traffic and noise in the area.

Link to the meeting.

Rural Dwelling Appeal: Upholding Standards or Stifling Development?

The Non-Strategic Planning Committee approved the Appeal Statement of Case already submitted to the Planning Inspectorate regarding application WND/2023/0046 for the construction of a dwelling and outbuildings at Land at Dale Farm, Harborough Road, Maidwell. The Statement of Case requested that the appeal be dismissed.

• Isolated New Homes: The planning application was submitted under the exception criteria for isolated new homes in the open countryside, which have to meet an exceptional standard as per Policy RA6(iii) of the Local Plan Part 2, and Paragraph 84(e) of the National Planning Policy Framework.
• Reasons for Refusal: The Statement of Case requested that the appeal be dismissed because officers would have recommended that the application be refused for the following reasons: the proposed design does not meet the exceptional standards for a new dwelling in the open countryside; the proposal would have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of the landscape; and the application could not be determined in any case, because there are important planning matters that the appellant must address prior to determination.

The decision reflects the council's commitment to protecting the rural landscape and upholding planning standards, but some may argue that it stifles development and limits housing options in rural areas.

Link to the meeting.

Other Matters

• Agenda item 2025/2241/FULL regarding Sears Farmhouse, Hill Road, Lower Boddington was withdrawn. The application was for the conversion and extension of an existing garage into a self-contained dwelling with associated parking turning and landscaping. Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/82462) - October 13th: Discussion of the Family Help Strategy, an update on the Place Model, and various enforcement plans.
• West Northamptonshire Schools Forum (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/67658) - October 14th: Discussion of Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG) monitoring, school funding and early years funding.
• Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/82465) - October 14th: Discussion of the Community Safety Partnership Annual Report, and the draft Domestic Abuse Strategy.
• Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/82469) - October 15th: Discussion of budget scrutiny, performance monitoring, and regeneration and asset management.
• Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83631) - October 20th
• Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83635) - October 21st
• Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83876) - October 21st
• Planning Policy Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83637) - October 22nd
• Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83877) - October 22nd
• Non-Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83644) - October 23rd
• Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83878) - October 23rd
• Local Pension Board (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/83641) - October 23rd

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Solar Farm Approval Sparks Debate: Balancing Renewables and Local Impact

The Strategic Planning Committee approved recommendations for the Green Hill Solar Farm Development Consent Order (DCO) application, a decision that could significantly impact the local landscape and energy infrastructure. The project, proposed by Island Green Power, spans approximately 1,200 hectares across nine sites, with three sites located within West Northamptonshire.

• Nationally Significant Project: Due to its scale, the project is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP)[^2], requiring a Development Consent Order (DCO).
• Council's Role: West Northamptonshire Council is acting as a statutory consultee and 'Host Authority' in this process, with the final decision resting with the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy, Security and Net Zero.
• Delegated Authority: The committee delegated authority to the Assistant Director of Planning to respond to consultations and engagement from the applicant and the Planning Inspectorate during the DCO stages.

The proposed solar farm has a generating capacity of approximately 500MW and includes battery storage, connecting to the existing Grendon substation. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) covers a range of environmental matters, including landscape and visual impact, ecology and biodiversity, hydrology, cultural heritage, and transport.

While the project aims to contribute to renewable energy targets, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the local environment and community. The council's decision to delegate authority aims to ensure that local knowledge and community interests are considered throughout the DCO process.

Link to the meeting.

Street Trading Consent Application Discussed Behind Closed Doors

The Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss a street trading consent application, but the public and press were excluded from the meeting due to the discussion of exempt information, as defined in the Local Government Act 1972[^2].

• Exempt Information: The agenda noted that the report pack contained exempt information, as defined in paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, which relates to information about an individual.
• Public Exclusion: The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider excluding the press and public from the meeting for particular items of business, due to the discussion of exempt information.

The decision to exclude the public raises questions about transparency and accountability in the licensing process.

Link to the meeting.

SEND Improvement Plan: Addressing Delays and Improving Support for Vulnerable Children

The West Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board received an update on the local area SEND partnership's progress against the Priority Action Plan, following an OFSTED and Care Quality Commission inspection in March 2024. The plan addresses five specific areas, including waiting times for assessments and therapies, accuracy of Education, Health and Care plans[^2], and joint approaches to speech, language, and communication needs.

• Five Key Areas: The plan focuses on developing a Joint Strategic Needs Assessment[^1] and Joint Commissioning Strategy, addressing waiting times for Education, Health and Care needs assessments, ensuring the accuracy of Education, Health and Care plans, addressing waiting times for speech and language therapy, mental health services and neurodevelopmental assessment, and improving the joint approach to speech, language and communication needs.
• Family Help Strategy: The board was scheduled to consider the West Northamptonshire Family Help Strategy 2025-2028, which aims to create a child-friendly place where children and families thrive through timely, joined-up support.
• Disabled Facilities Grants: The board was scheduled to note the Disabled Facilities Grant End of Year Report 2024/2025, which provided an overview of how the Disabled Facilities Grant allocation was spent during the financial year.

The SEND Improvement Plan and Family Help Strategy aim to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families in West Northamptonshire, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive.

Link to the meeting.

Other Matters

• The Pensions Fund Committee discussed the Northamptonshire Pension Fund's annual report, equality and diversity initiatives, and an update on connecting to the pensions dashboards. Link to the meeting.
• The Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Priority Action Plan, West Northamptonshire Council's response to the new national policy direction for early years provision, and the committee's work programme for 2025-26. No transcript or video was provided. Link to the meeting.
• The Shareholder Cabinet Sub-Committee approved the Landlord Services Q1 Performance Report 2025/26 and a suite of Landlord Compliance Policies. Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• Non-Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/81761) - October 9th: Discussion of planning applications, including a change of use for a property to a children's home, the construction of commercial units, and the conversion of a garage into a self-contained dwelling.
• Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/82462) - October 13th: Discussion of the Family Help Strategy, an update on the Place Model, and various enforcement plans.
• West Northamptonshire Schools Forum (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/67658) - October 14th
• Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/82465) - October 14th
• Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/82469) - October 15th