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Weekly updates
West Northants: Village Housing Debate, Pension Fund Risks
This week in West Northamptonshire:
Kilsby Housing Development Sparks Debate Over Village Character
The Non-Strategic Planning Committee met to discuss a planning application for up to 19 dwellings on land off Barby Road, Kilsby. The proposal has drawn significant local opposition, highlighting the tension between meeting housing needs and preserving the character of rural villages.
- The Stakes: Residents fear the development will harm the village's character and strain local infrastructure.
- Parish Council Opposition: Kilsby Parish Council objected to the application.
- Resident Concerns: 234 submissions raising objections were received, focusing on highway safety and the impact on the village.
- Officer Support: Despite the objections, planning officers concluded the proposal was acceptable, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement1.
- Site Visit: The application had been deferred for a site visit following consideration by the Non-Strategic Planning Committee on 5 June 2025.
This decision reflects the ongoing debate about balancing development with the preservation of rural communities, a key concern for many residents.
Weedon Road Self-Build Dwelling Approved Amidst Limited Objections
The Non-Strategic Planning Committee also considered an application for a new self-build dwelling at Heyford Mill, Weedon Road, Upper Heyford. Unlike the Kilsby application, this proposal faced minimal opposition.
- Limited Concerns: No consultees raised objections, and the WNC Design Officer and WNC Landscaping Officer supported the application.
- Key Issues: The report pack outlined key issues including design, impact on the area, neighbouring amenity, highways, and ecology.
- Officer Conclusion: Planning officers concluded the proposal was acceptable, subject to conditions.
This decision highlights the council's support for self-build projects that align with planning policies and minimize community impact.
Pension Fund Faces Scrutiny Over Investment Strategy and Audit Risks
The Pensions Fund Committee met to discuss the Northamptonshire Pension Fund's draft statement of accounts, external audit plan, and business plan activities. The meeting shed light on the fund's financial performance and the challenges it faces.
- Asset Growth: The fund's assets rose to £3,738.4m, an increase of £119.5m due to positive investment performance.
- Rising Costs: Benefit payments and administration expenses have increased, reflecting the growth in the number of pensioners and inflation.
- Audit Risks: Grant Thornton's external audit plan identified the valuation of Level 3 investments2 and management override of controls as key risks.
- McCloud Remedy: The committee discussed extending the McCloud implementation phase by 12 months for certain qualifying members, due to delays in remedial work.
These discussions are crucial for ensuring the effective management and oversight of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund, safeguarding the financial security of its members.
Planning Policy Committee Reviews Local Plan and Biodiversity Net Gain
The Planning Policy Committee met to discuss the West Northamptonshire Local Plan, housing land availability, the local validation list, and government consultations on biodiversity net gain (BNG).
- Local Plan Delay: The submission of the West Northamptonshire Local Plan is now expected in the autumn of 2026, following an update to the National Planning Policy Framework that increased the council's overall housing need.
- Housing Land Supply: The Housing Land Availability Report 2025 identifies a 5.5 year supply of deliverable housing sites as of 1 April 2025.
- Biodiversity Net Gain: The committee considered responses to government consultations on improving the implementation of BNG for minor, medium and brownfield development, and BNG for nationally significant infrastructure projects (NSIPs). The Environment Act 2021 introduced a mandatory BNG requirement in England for most new developments, requiring them to deliver a 10% increase in biodiversity.
- Planning Committee Reforms: The committee considered a response to the government's consultation on proposed reforms to planning committees, including a national scheme of delegation and mandatory training for members.
These discussions shape the future of planning policy in West Northamptonshire, impacting housing, environmental protection, and community engagement.
Audit and Governance Committee Examines Risk and Governance
The Audit and Governance Committee met to discuss its annual report, internal and external audit plans, the strategic risk register, and other governance matters.
- Reasonable Assurance: The Annual Internal Audit Report and Opinion 2024-25 concluded that
REASONABLE assurance can be given regarding the Council's framework of governance, risk management and internal control for the financial year 2024-25
. - Strategic Risks: The committee considered an update on the Strategic Risk Register, including risks related to council stock managed by Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH), the cost of living impact, financial pressures on Northamptonshire Children's Trust (NCT), and the inability to meet statutory duties in education.
- Grant Thornton Audit Plan: The committee reviewed the external audit plan from Grant Thornton for the Northamptonshire Pension Fund, focusing on the valuation of Level 3 investments and management over-ride of controls.
These discussions are vital for ensuring accountability, transparency, and effective risk management within the council.
Private Hire Driver Licence Application Considered in Private
The Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee met to discuss an application for a new private hire driver's licence.
- Confidentiality: The Sub-Committee was expected to decide whether to exclude the press and public from the meeting during discussion of an item containing exempt information, as defined in paragraph 1 of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972, which relates to information about individuals.
This decision highlights the balance between transparency and protecting individual privacy in licensing matters.
Upcoming Meetings
- Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/75945) - July 29th: Review of the premises licence for Sams Mini Market.
- Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/73598) - July 30th: Review of the premises licence for Istanbul Mega Market.
- Non-Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/76256) - August 7th: Consideration of planning applications.
Brackley Housing Plan Under Fire, Parks Strategy & Pensions
This week in West Northamptonshire:
Brackley Housing Development Faces Scrutiny Over Infrastructure Funding
The Strategic Planning Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss an outline planning application for a large residential development to the west of Brackley for up to 700 homes. The application by Vulpes Land has faced objections from local parish councils, the CPRE^[1], and residents, primarily due to concerns about the lack of a satisfactory Section 106 agreement1 to mitigate the development's impact.
- The Stakes: Without a Section 106 agreement, the development may not provide sufficient funding for affordable housing, healthcare, education, and other essential infrastructure, potentially straining existing resources and impacting the quality of life for both new and existing residents.
- Key Objections: Objectors, including Farthinghoe Parish Council and Hinton-in-the-Hedges Parish Meeting, raised concerns about the development's impact on landscape, highway safety, and local infrastructure.
- Officer Concerns: Planning officers concluded that the proposal was unacceptable without a Section 106 agreement, citing the failure to secure sufficient provision for affordable housing, education, public transport, and other essential services.
- Appeal Lodged: Vulpes Land has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate against the non-determination of the application, highlighting the urgency of the committee's decision.
The committee was scheduled to confirm whether it would grant or refuse permission, and if refusing, the detailed grounds for refusal. This decision will have significant implications for the future of Brackley and the surrounding area.
Cabinet Considers Parks Strategy and Affordable Housing Amidst Financial Pressures
The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss a range of topics, including the Parks Development Strategy, affordable housing, and the West Northamptonshire Council Estates Strategy. The meeting was scheduled to address key issues impacting residents' quality of life and the council's financial sustainability.
- Parks Development Strategy: The proposed strategy aims to provide a clear direction for the management and development of parks, balancing the needs of people and nature. The vision is for West Northamptonshire's parks to be places where people of all backgrounds can thrive through exercise and relaxation, enjoy nature and heritage, build communities, and support biodiversity.
- Affordable Housing: The cabinet was scheduled to consider a proposal to acquire land at Harlestone Road, Duston, for the development of affordable housing. The plan involved entering into a Development Agreement with Vistry Group Limited, a for-profit Strategic Partner of Homes England, to deliver 82 homes, including affordable rent, shared ownership, and social rent options.
- Sustainability Strategy Review: The cabinet was scheduled to discuss a review of the council's sustainability strategy, moving away from a purely climate change focus and adopting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as the framework for delivery. The report pack stated that, in line with the policy position of the new administration, it was no longer viable to pursue the current 2030 and 2045 net zero targets, but that the government's target remained for the wider area to be Net Zero by 2050.
- Domestic Abuse Support: The cabinet was scheduled to discuss a joint procurement process with North Northamptonshire Council for Safe Accommodation and Support Services for victims and survivors of domestic abuse, ensuring continued support for vulnerable individuals.
These discussions highlight the council's efforts to address key priorities, including providing affordable housing, protecting green spaces, and supporting vulnerable residents.
Pensions Fund Committee to Review Audit Plan and Investment Strategy
The Pensions Fund Committee is scheduled to meet to review the fund's audit plan, statement of accounts and business plan activities. The committee will also discuss the annual investment review and the annual investment consultancy provider review.
- External Audit Plan: The committee will be presented with the external audit plan from Grant Thornton, the fund's external auditor. The key risks and areas of focus for Grant Thornton are the valuation of Level 3 investments2 and management override of controls.
- Draft Statement of Accounts: The committee will be presented with the draft statement of accounts for the 2024-25 financial year. The fund's assets have risen to £3,738.4m, following positive investment performance during the year with a net increase of £119.5m.
- Business Plan Activities: The committee will receive an update to the business plan activities, including the McCloud remedy rectification, rectifying survivor benefit cases, supporting the build of the ACCESS FCA-regulated entity, and processing of undecided leaver records.
These discussions are essential for ensuring the effective management and oversight of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund, safeguarding the financial security of its members.
Other Matters
- The Shareholder Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for July 17th was cancelled.
- The Non-Strategic Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on 24 July 2025 to discuss two planning applications, one for a large residential development in Kilsby, and the other for a new dwelling in Upper Heyford. Link to the meeting agenda.
- The Audit and Governance Committee is scheduled to meet to discuss the annual reports from the prior year, updates to internal and external audits, and the strategic risk register. Link to the meeting agenda.
- The Planning Policy Committee is scheduled to meet to discuss several planning policy issues, including biodiversity net gain, reforms to planning committees, the local validation list, housing land availability, and the West Northamptonshire Local Plan. Link to the meeting agenda.
- The Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee is scheduled to meet on 24 July 2025 to discuss an application for a new private hire driver's licence. Link to the meeting agenda.
Upcoming Meetings
- Planning Policy Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74758) - July 23rd: Discussion of biodiversity net gain, reforms to planning committees, the local validation list, housing land availability, and the West Northamptonshire Local Plan.
- Non-Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74763) - July 24th: Consideration of planning applications for a residential development in Kilsby and a new dwelling in Upper Heyford.
- Audit and Governance Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74760) - July 24th: Discussion of annual reports, internal and external audits, and the strategic risk register.
- Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/75566) - July 24th: Discussion of an application for a new private hire driver's licence.
- Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/75945) - July 29th
- Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/73598) - July 30th
-
Section 106 agreements are legal agreements between local authorities and developers, used to mitigate the impact of new developments on the community and infrastructure. ↩
-
CPRE, formerly known as the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity that campaigns for the protection of the English countryside. ↩
Viva Mini Market Licence Review & Brackley Housing Plan
This week in West Northamptonshire:
Viva Mini Market Faces Licence Revocation Over Illicit Tobacco Sales
The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider a review of the premises licence for Viva Mini Market on Kettering Road, Northampton, following an application by Northamptonshire Police. The police cited concerns about the prevention of crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm, due to the alleged storage and sale of illicit tobacco products.
- The Stakes: The police requested the committee consider revoking the premises licence, citing the seriousness of criminal activity and the need to deter such behavior.
- What Happened: Police Constable Leanne Laren of Northamptonshire Police stated that a Trading Standards visit on 12 March 2025, uncovered a large quantity of illegal cigarettes, tobacco, and vapes, some stored in a vehicle parked in a neighbouring street.
- The Haul: Officers seized 578 packets of cigarettes, 509 pouches of hand rolling tobacco, and 242 illegal vapes. PC Laren stated that the cigarettes alone would be worth £89248 if sold at the average price of £76.
- Health and Safety Concerns: PC Laren argued that cheap tobacco products with foreign language labelling undermine efforts to reduce health inequalities and make them accessible to under-18s.
- Community Impact: Representations from local residents and businesses, including The Olde England Pub, raised concerns about illicit tobacco sales, drug taking, illegal parking, and waste disposal.
- Licence Conditions Violated: The application stated that Viva Mini Market had breached multiple conditions of its licence, including those related to purchasing alcohol and tobacco from authorised representatives only, ensuring UK duty is paid on all products, and conducting right to work checks on employees.
The sub-committee was scheduled to consider excluding the press and public from part of the meeting.
This case echoes previous licence reviews for shops on Kettering Road, highlighting ongoing concerns about the sale of illicit goods in the area.
Private Hire Driver Licences Under Scrutiny
The Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider applications for private hire driver licences. The sub-committee was scheduled to consider two applications for new private hire driver's licences.
- Confidentiality: The agenda noted that the press and public could be excluded from the meeting if confidential information was likely to be disclosed, citing the Local Government Act 1972, which relates to information about individuals.
The outcome of these applications will determine who is authorised to provide private hire services in West Northamptonshire, impacting the availability and safety of transportation options for residents.
Strategic Planning Committee to Discuss Brackley Housing Development
The Strategic Planning Committee is scheduled to meet on 15 July 2025, to discuss an outline planning application for land to the west of Brackley for up to 700 residential dwellings, areas of public open space, a rugby pitch, landscaping, allotments, sustainable drainage and associated infrastructure.
- Appeal: Vulpes Ltd T/A Vulpes Land has submitted an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate against non-determination of this application. The appeal will be heard via a public inquiry, scheduled to commence on 28 October 2025 at The Forum, Towcester.
- Objections: Farthinghoe Parish Council, Hinton-in-the-Hedges Parish Meeting, Lead Local Flood Authority, CPRE[^1], Wildlife Trust, and Northants Badger Group have raised objections to the application. [^1]: CPRE, formerly known as the Campaign to Protect Rural England, is a charity that campaigns for the protection of the English countryside.
- Key Issues: The key issues arising from the application details are listed as: Principle of Development, Landscape and visual impact, Highway Safety, Ecology and biodiversity, Flooding and surface water drainage, and Section 106 agreement[^2]. [^2]: Section 106 agreements are legal agreements between a local planning authority and a developer. They are used to mitigate the impact of a development on the community and the environment.
- Affordable Housing: Any grant of planning permission would need to be accompanied by a section 106 planning agreement. The Head of Terms for such an agreement should include: Affordable housing: 40% of units to be 'affordable, with a tenure split of 70% social/affordable rent, 30% low-cost home ownership (shared ownership).
The committee will also be considering a full planning application for the erection of a storage and distribution building (Use Class B81) including ancillary offices, access, car parking, yard and circulation space and associated works at L & H Polymers Ltd, Crow Lane, Northampton.
Upcoming Meetings
- Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/73603) - July 15th: Consideration of planning applications for a residential development west of Brackley and a storage and distribution building in Northampton.
- Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/73606) - July 16th: Discussion of the Parks Development Strategy, Sustainability Strategy Review, Public Health Framework, Warm Homes: Local Grant procurement, affordable housing acquisitions, and more.
- Shareholder Cabinet Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/73611) - July 17th
- Pensions Fund Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74756) - July 21st
- Planning Policy Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74758) - July 23rd
- Non-Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74763) - July 24th
- Audit and Governance Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/74760) - July 24th
- Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/75566) - July 24th
-
In planning terms, Use Class B8 refers to storage or distribution centres. ↩
West Northants schools face £18m overspend, children's homes debated
This week in West Northamptonshire:
Schools Forum Grapples with £18.2 Million Overspend in Dedicated Schools Grant
The West Northamptonshire Schools Forum met to discuss a significant overspend in the Dedicated Schools Grant (DSG), highlighting the growing financial pressures on education. The forum was scheduled to discuss the provisional outturn expenditure against the approved 2024-25 DSG budget.
- The Stakes: The forum was told that there was an overspend of £18.2 million across all four DSG blocks, primarily due to high needs block demand and cost pressures.
- High Needs Crisis: The High Needs block alone overspent by £20.1 million, with a significant portion attributed to a
structural deficit
driven by increased demand and higher placement costs for pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEN). - EHCP Surge: West Northamptonshire Council has seen a 70% increase in Education Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) since vesting day[^1], outpacing most other councils nationally. [^1]: Vesting day is the date when a new council officially takes over the functions of the previous council. West Northamptonshire Council was formed on 1 April 2021.
- Mounting Deficit: The cumulative DSG balances have plummeted from a £1.0 million deficit to a staggering £21.5 million deficit.
- National Problem: The forum was told that government funding for Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) has failed to keep pace with demand and inflation, with local authorities in England projected to face a cumulative £5 billion SEND deficit by March 2026.
- School Balances: The forum was also scheduled to discuss maintained school balances and reserves, with two schools exceeding the allowable 10% balance threshold.
The forum was also scheduled to discuss a DSG Deficit Management Plan Update, administrative arrangements for government grants, and funding consultations for 2026-27.
This situation underscores the urgent need for sustainable funding solutions to support children with special educational needs and prevent further strain on school budgets.
Planning Committee to Review Controversial Change of Use Applications
The Non-Strategic Planning Committee was scheduled to consider several contentious planning applications at its upcoming meeting, including multiple proposals to convert residential properties into children's homes.
- Children's Homes in Residential Areas: Applications for 62 Kent Road South, Northampton and 20 Ringway, Briar Hill, Northampton, seek to change the use of dwellings into children's homes. These proposals have sparked significant local opposition.
- Community Concerns: Residents and councillors have raised concerns about the potential impact on neighbourhood amenity, safety, parking, and the loss of affordable family homes.
- Officer Recommendations: Planning officers recommended granting permission for the Kent Road application, subject to conditions, and were considering whether to recommend granting or refusing permission for the Ringway application.
- HiMO Expansion: An application for 22 Abington Grove, Northampton, seeks to increase the occupancy of a House in Multiple Occupation (HiMO) from 12 to 14 residents, including a loft conversion and demolition of garages for parking. This proposal has also drawn objections, with concerns about overdevelopment, parking pressure, and impact on the amenity of residents.
- Other Applications: The committee was also scheduled to discuss a change of use for a bank in Towcester, redevelopment of a farmyard in Scaldwell, and alterations to a property in Steane.
These decisions will have a direct impact on the character and quality of life in local neighbourhoods, highlighting the complex balance between meeting social needs and preserving community amenity.
Pension Board Examines Governance, Compliance, and Fund Performance
The Local Pension Board met to discuss governance and compliance, administering authority discretions, and the administration of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund.
- Key Updates: The board reviewed updates on the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) regulations, the McCloud remedy[^2], pension dashboards, and guidance from The Pensions Regulator (TPR) on pension scams. [^2]: The McCloud remedy addresses age discrimination found in public sector pension schemes related to pension reforms implemented in 2015.
- Policy Changes: The board was scheduled to review the updated Administering Authority Discretions Policy, including changes to website references and the Admission Bodies, Scheme Employer and Bulk Transfer Policy.
- Performance Monitoring: The board received an administration report for the period of March to May 2025, noting that some key performance indicators (KPIs) were not met.
- Risk Management: The June review introduced 3 new risks to address. The overall risk score increased from 229 to 248 and the total number of risks increased from 32 to 35.
These discussions are essential for ensuring the effective management and oversight of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund, safeguarding the financial security of its members.
Other Matters
- The Pensions Fund Committee - Investment Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for July 1st was postponed. The committee was scheduled to discuss updates on investment topics, stewardship and engagement, and a review of the fund's performance.
Upcoming Meetings
- Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/73416) - July 7th: Review of the premises licence for Viva Mini Market on Kettering Road, Northampton.
- Children's Trust Joint Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72499) - July 9th
- Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/73417) - July 11th
- Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/73598) - July 15th
- Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/73603) - July 15th
- Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/73606) - July 16th
- Shareholder Cabinet Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/73611) - July 17th
West Northants: Devolution, Youth Services, & Housing Debated**
This week in West Northamptonshire:
Council to Debate Regional Devolution and Youth Services
West Northamptonshire Council is set to debate motions on regional devolution and youth services at its upcoming Council meeting. These discussions could significantly impact the region's strategic direction and support for young people.
- Regional Devolution: A motion proposes reaffirming the council's commitment to regional devolution, favouring a South Midlands geography for a Strategic Mayoral Authority. This could unlock over £1 billion in new investment over 30 years.
- Youth Strategy: A motion highlights the lack of a strategy for youth provision, particularly in Castle and Dallington Spencer wards, and the absence of permanently employed qualified youth officers. It calls for a costed youth strategy focusing on areas of greatest need.
- Support for Children in Care: A motion concerns the council's role as corporate parents to children in care, acknowledging the impact of external market forces on the children's care sector. It calls for training for councillors and officers, and swift progress on recommendations relating to foster carers.
These debates reflect the council's ongoing efforts to address key challenges and opportunities facing the community.
Cabinet to Discuss Housing Stock Management and Public Health
The Cabinet was scheduled to discuss the future of the council's housing stock management and receive the Director of Public Health's annual report. These discussions could have significant implications for residents and tenants.
- Housing Stock Management: Councillors were scheduled to discuss an options appraisal for the future management of the council's housing stock, considering the requirements of the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023. The options included retaining the existing Arm's Length Management Organisation (ALMO) model, ceasing ALMO operations immediately, or ceasing operations in the medium term with a phased approach.
- Public Health: The Director of Public Health's annual report for 2024 was due to be presented. The report focused on promoting healthy active ageing in West Northamptonshire, with the aim of improving the quality of life for older adults, addressing health inequalities, and leveraging community resources.
- Housing Projects Update: The cabinet was scheduled to receive an update on large housing projects, including Avenue Campus, Roof Gardens, and Belgrave House. The report addressed financial challenges faced by these projects and sought approval for new delivery strategies.
These discussions highlight the council's commitment to providing quality housing and promoting public health.
Adult Social Care Committee Examines Key Priorities and Challenges
The Adult Social Care, Health and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss its remit, key priorities, risks, and challenges within adult social care and community safety. The committee was also scheduled to discuss its work programme for the 2025-26 municipal year.
- Adult Social Care: Key priorities that were scheduled to be discussed included promoting independence, integrating with health services, supporting the local care market, ensuring financial sustainability, and maintaining quality assurance.
- Community Safety: The committee was scheduled to discuss the work of the Community Safety, Engagement and Resettlement service, which aims to build safer, stronger, and resilient communities by reducing crime and anti-social behaviour, engaging with residents, and collaborating with various organisations.
- Challenges: Risks and challenges that were scheduled to be discussed included increasing demand due to demographic changes, budget pressure, managing a sustainable market, health sector reform and pressure, and regulatory pressure.
This meeting underscores the importance of addressing the needs of vulnerable adults and ensuring community safety.
Other Matters
- Independent Remuneration Panel: The Council was scheduled to consider the report of the Independent Remuneration Panel (IRP) regarding members' allowances. The IRP recommended a basic allowance of £16,454.33 per annum, with special responsibility allowances (SRAs) for positions such as Leader (£41,135.83), Deputy Leader (£28,795.08), and Cabinet Members (£24,681.50).
- Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee: An Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee meeting took place, but no video was provided.
Upcoming Meetings
- West Northamptonshire Schools Forum (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/71596) - July 1st: Discussion of the Dedicated Schools Grant provisional outturn for 2024-25, an update on the Dedicated Schools Grant Deficit Management Plan, and administrative arrangements for central government grants in 2025-26.
- Local Pension Board (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/71604) - July 2nd: Discussion of the governance and compliance report, a review of the Administering Authority Discretions Policy, and an administration report.
- Non-Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/71611) - July 3rd: Consideration of planning applications, including changes of use for properties in Northampton and Towcester, and redevelopment of a farmyard in Scaldwell.
- Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/73416) - July 7th
- Children's Trust Joint Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/72499) - July 9th
- Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/73417) - July 11th
Recent meetings
Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 24th July 2025 11.00 am
The Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to convene on 24 July 2025, to discuss an application for a new private hire driver's licence. The Sub-Committee was also expected to decide whether to exclude the press and public from the meeting for a particular item of business.
Extraordinary Meeting, Non-Strategic Planning Committee - Thursday 24th July 2025 6.00 pm
The West Northamptonshire Council Non-Strategic Planning Committee met to consider planning applications, including a deferred application for land off Barby Road, Kilsby. The committee also scheduled a pre-committee site visit for items to be heard at their meeting on 7 August 2025.
Audit and Governance Committee - Thursday 24th July 2025 6.00 pm
The Audit and Governance Committee of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to meet to discuss the committee's annual report, internal and external audit plans, the strategic risk register, and other governance matters.
Planning Policy Committee - Wednesday 23rd July 2025 6.00 pm
The Planning Policy Committee was scheduled to meet to discuss biodiversity net gain, planning committee reforms, the Housing Land Availability Report, the West Northamptonshire Local Plan, and the West Northamptonshire Local Validation List.
Pensions Fund Committee - Monday 21st July 2025 6.00 pm
The Pensions Fund Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss the audit plan, business plan activities and draft statement of accounts for the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. They were also scheduled to discuss the annual investment review, the annual investment consultancy provider review, a member engagement survey, an ACCESS update and an IA contract.
Shareholder Cabinet Sub-Committee - Thursday 17th July 2025 3.30 pm
This meeting has been cancelled.
Cabinet - Wednesday 16th July 2025 6.00 pm
The West Northamptonshire Council Cabinet was scheduled to meet to discuss a range of topics, including the Sustainability Strategy Review, the Public Health Framework, affordable housing, and the Estates Strategy.
Strategic Planning Committee - Tuesday 15th July 2025 2.00 pm
The Strategic Planning Committee were scheduled to meet to discuss two planning applications, one for a large residential development to the west of Brackley, and another for a storage and distribution building in Northampton.
Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee - Friday 11th July 2025 10.00 am
The Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on 11 July 2025 to consider applications for private hire driver licences. Councillor Adrian Cartwright, Councillor Rosie Humphreys, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, and Councillor Andrew Kilbride were scheduled to be in attendance. Two applications for new private hire driver's licences were on the agenda.
Children's Trust Joint Committee - Wednesday 9th July 2025 2.00 pm
This meeting has been cancelled.
Upcoming meetings
Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 29th July 2025 10.00 am
Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday 30th July 2025 10.00 am
Non-Strategic Planning Committee - Thursday 7th August 2025 6.00 pm
West Northamptonshire Schools Forum - Tuesday 14th October 2025 2.00 pm