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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

  1. 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

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

Licence Reviews, Community Engagement & Council Updates

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Licence Reviews Target Kettering Road Shops

Two Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee meetings considered premises licence reviews for shops on Kettering Road in Northampton: Gustul De Acasa and Viva Mini Market. These reviews, initiated by Northamptonshire Police, raise concerns about the sale of illegal tobacco and vapes.

  • Why it matters: These reviews highlight the council's efforts to crack down on the sale of illicit goods, which can harm public health and undermine legitimate businesses.
  • Gustul De Acasa: Police allegedly found 185 packets of cigarettes, 8 packets of hand rolling tobacco, and 73 illegal vapes hidden in a concealed shelving unit.
  • Viva Mini Market: An inspection allegedly uncovered illegal disposable electronic cigarettes on display, along with a large quantity of cigarettes, tobacco, and illegal vapes in a nearby vehicle.
  • Community Impact: Representations from residents and nearby businesses cited concerns about waste disposal, illegal parking, intimidation, and the sale of illicit goods.
  • What's at stake: The sub-committees could modify, suspend, or revoke the licences of these businesses.

These cases echo a similar review of Mini Europe Food Plus last month, indicating a pattern of concern regarding the sale of illegal products in Northampton shops.

Planning Policy Committee Considers Community Engagement and Rugby's Housing Needs

The Planning Policy Committee discussed a draft Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) and responded to a consultation from Rugby Borough Council regarding their local plan.

  • Why it matters: The SCI outlines how the council will engage with the public on planning matters, ensuring residents have a voice in shaping their communities.
  • Harmonising Engagement: The draft SCI aims to replace five existing SCIs with a single document, streamlining the consultation process.
  • Rugby's Local Plan: The committee raised concerns about the potential impact of Rugby's proposed housing allocations on West Northamptonshire's highway network and residents.
  • Gypsy and Traveller Pitches: The committee decided not to accommodate any unmet need for Gypsy and Traveller pitches from Rugby Borough, arguing that Rugby has not fully explored options within its own area.

This decision reflects the council's commitment to ensuring effective community engagement in planning and carefully considering the impact of development on its residents.

Police, Fire and Crime Panel Reviews Performance and Plans for the Future

The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel met to review the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner's (PFCC) annual report and fire and rescue statement, agree on a work programme, and appoint members to the Complaints Sub Committee.

  • Why it matters: The panel's work ensures accountability and transparency in policing and fire services, impacting community safety and public trust.
  • PFCC's Annual Report: The report highlighted achievements against the PFCC's Public Safety Plan, Safe and Sound, focusing on visible services, ethical standards, and strong partnerships.
  • Fire and Rescue Statement: The statement provided assurance on financial, governance, and operational matters, including key performance indicators for the fire and rescue service.
  • Future Focus: The panel's work programme for 2025/26 will include scrutiny of community engagement, workforce diversity, and the protection of vulnerable adults.

This meeting underscores the importance of oversight and accountability in ensuring effective and responsive public safety services.

Other Matters

  • Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee: The Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee discussed its remit and work programme for the coming year, focusing on finance, environment, transport, economic development, and flood risk management.
  • Strategic Planning Committee: The Strategic Planning Committee meeting scheduled for June 17th was cancelled.
  • Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee: Two Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee meetings considered premises licence reviews for shops on Kettering Road in Northampton: Gustul De Acasa and Viva Mini Market. No video was provided.

Upcoming Meetings

Sultan's Kitchen Licence Reviewed + SEND Action Plan Update

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Shisha Lounge Sparks Licence Review for Northampton Restaurant

The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee reviewed the premises licence for Sultan's Kitchen, a restaurant on Wellingborough Road in Northampton, due to concerns that its terraced area was being used as an unlicensed shisha lounge called Bada Bing.

  • Why it matters: Licensing Manager Louise Faulkner cited concerns about crime, public safety, public nuisance, and protecting children.
  • What's alleged: Bada Bing allegedly operated outside Sultan's Kitchen's licensed hours, causing noise and anti-social behavior.
  • Community Impact: Representations from the Environmental Protection Team, Health Protection Team, a local resident, Northamptonshire Police, and Rochmills Property Ltd highlighted concerns about noise, smoking inside, and late-night disturbances.
  • What's at stake: The sub-committee could modify, suspend, or revoke the licence. Louise Faulkner recommended revocation.

This case highlights the council's commitment to enforcing licensing regulations and addressing community concerns about noise and anti-social behavior. Link to the meeting agenda.

Senior Appointment Committee to Appoint Executive Director of People

The Senior Appointments Committee met to discuss the appointment of an Executive Director of People.

  • Why it matters: The Executive Director of People is a Chief Officer role, and the appointment is crucial for the council's leadership and strategic direction.
  • What's at stake: If the panel decided there was no suitable candidate, the post would have to be re-advertised.
  • How it works: The appointment process was scheduled to comply with section 9.5 of the council's constitution, specifically the Staff Employment Rules.

This decision ensures the council has the necessary leadership in place to effectively manage its people and resources. Link to the meeting agenda.

Integrated Care Partnership Discusses SEND Action Plan and Integrated Neighbourhoods

The Northamptonshire Integrated Care Partnership met to discuss several key initiatives, including the Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Action Plan and the development of integrated neighbourhoods.

  • SEND Action Plan: Ben Pearson, Assistant Director Education, West Northamptonshire Council, and Charisse Monero, Director Childrens Services, North Northants Council, were scheduled to give a presentation on the SEND Action Plan Progress Update.
  • Integrated Neighbourhoods: Chloe Gay, Jane Bethea, David Watts, Neil Cox and Nicki Adams were scheduled to give a presentation and lead a discussion on Integrated Neighbourhoods.
  • Anchor Institutions Network: Sadie Beishon, Public Health Principle, West Northants Council, was scheduled to provide an update on the work of the Anchor Institutions Network (AIN).

These discussions are crucial for improving the health and wellbeing of residents, particularly vulnerable groups. Link to the meeting agenda.

Other Matters

  • Democracy and Standards Committee: The Democracy and Standards Committee discussed the register of members' interests, the member onboarding programme, the government's consultation on strengthening the standards and conduct framework for local authorities, and the committee's work programme. Link to the meeting agenda.
  • Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee: The Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee met to discuss its remit and key priorities for the coming year, including education, family help, Northamptonshire Children's Trust, and housing. Link to the meeting agenda.
  • Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee: The Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee considered applications for new private hire driver's licences. Link to the meeting agenda.

Upcoming Meetings

Recent meetings
Cabinet

Cabinet - Wednesday 16th July 2025 6.00 pm

The Cabinet of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to discuss a range of topics, including the Sustainability Strategy Review, the Public Health Framework, affordable housing, and the West Northamptonshire Council Estates Strategy. Also on the agenda were asset transactions, the letting of vacant town centre units, an affordable housing scheme in Harlestone Road, and safe accommodation for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

July 16, 2025
Strategic Planning Committee

Strategic Planning Committee - Tuesday 15th July 2025 2.00 pm

The Strategic Planning Committee was scheduled to discuss two planning applications at its meeting. One application concerned a proposed housing development to the west of Brackley, and the other concerned a proposed storage and distribution building in Northampton. Councillors were also scheduled to confirm the minutes of their previous meeting.

July 15, 2025
Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee

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.

July 11, 2025
Children's Trust Joint Committee CANCELLED

Children's Trust Joint Committee - Wednesday 9th July 2025 2.00 pm

This meeting has been cancelled.

July 09, 2025
Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee

Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee - Monday 7th July 2025 10.00 am

The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on 7 July 2025, to consider a premises licence review application for Viva Mini Market. The sub-committee was also scheduled to discuss excluding the press and public from part of the meeting.

July 07, 2025
Non-Strategic Planning Committee

Non-Strategic Planning Committee - Thursday 3rd July 2025 6.00 pm

The West Northamptonshire Council Non-Strategic Planning Committee met on Thursday, 3 July 2025, to discuss several planning applications. The committee approved a change of use for a former bank in Towcester, a children's home in Northampton, and an expansion of a house in multiple occupation (HiMO), also in Northampton. A decision on the redevelopment of a farmyard in Scaldwell was deferred for a site visit, and a plan for alterations to a property in Steane was approved.

July 03, 2025
Local Pension Board

Local Pension Board - Wednesday 2nd July 2025 2.00 pm

The Local Pension Board was scheduled to discuss governance and compliance, administering authority discretions, and the administration of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund. The board was also expected to review the fund's risk register and updates on employers joining or leaving the fund.

July 02, 2025
Pensions Fund Committee - Investment Sub-Committee POSTPONED

Pensions Fund Committee - Investment Sub-Committee - Tuesday 1st July 2025 6.00 pm

This meeting has been postponed.

July 01, 2025
West Northamptonshire Schools Forum

West Northamptonshire Schools Forum - Tuesday 1st July 2025 2.00 pm

The West Northamptonshire Schools Forum was scheduled to meet to discuss the Dedicated Schools Grant provisional outturn for 2024-25, the deficit management plan, and the administrative arrangements for allocating central government grants in 2025-26. They were also scheduled to elect a chair and vice-chair for the upcoming year. Maintained school members were expected to approve the carry forward of school balances above 10% of their budget.

July 01, 2025
Council

Council - Thursday 26th June 2025 5.00 pm

West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to meet on 26 June 2025 at The Great Hall at The Guildhall, Northampton. The agenda included the presentation of annual reports from overview and scrutiny committees, a review of the council's flag protocol, and a discussion on setting allowances for council members. Councillors were also expected to discuss regional devolution, youth services, and support for children in care.

June 26, 2025
Upcoming meetings
Shareholder Cabinet Sub-Committee CANCELLED

Shareholder Cabinet Sub-Committee - Thursday 17th July 2025 3.30 pm

July 17, 2025
Pensions Fund Committee

Pensions Fund Committee - Monday 21st July 2025 6.00 pm

July 21, 2025
Planning Policy Committee

Planning Policy Committee - Wednesday 23rd July 2025 6.00 pm

July 23, 2025
Audit and Governance Committee

Audit and Governance Committee - Thursday 24th July 2025 6.00 pm

July 24, 2025
Non-Strategic Planning Committee

Extraordinary Meeting, Non-Strategic Planning Committee - Thursday 24th July 2025 6.00 pm

July 24, 2025
Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee

Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee - Thursday 24th July 2025 11.00 am

July 24, 2025
Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee

Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee - Tuesday 29th July 2025 10.00 am

July 29, 2025
Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee

Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee - Wednesday 30th July 2025 10.00 am

July 30, 2025
West Northamptonshire Schools Forum

West Northamptonshire Schools Forum - Tuesday 14th October 2025 2.00 pm

October 14, 2025
Cabinet

Cabinet - Tuesday 10th March 2026 6.00 pm, PROVISIONAL

March 10, 2026