This week in West Northamptonshire:

Daventry Factory Expansion Moves Forward Amidst Flood Risk Discussions

The Non-Strategic Planning Committee met on Thursday 8 January 2026 to consider a significant planning application for an extension to the Cummins Engine Company Ltd site in Daventry. The proposal includes a substantial factory extension, amendments to parking, and service road adjustments.

The expansion aims to boost the efficiency of the Blockline Machining Section and Engine Assembly Line, potentially creating new jobs. The proposed building is a modern industrial structure, approximately 67.7 metres long, 32.2 metres deep, and 10.3 metres high, with a contemporary design featuring dark grey steel cladding and contrasting Poppy Red accents.

A key point of discussion was the flood risk assessment. While initial concerns were raised by the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), the report indicated that these were being addressed through ongoing discussions with the applicant. The development also involves a net loss of 59 parking spaces, with plans to provide supplementary parking within the wider site. The committee was recommended to grant delegated powers for approval, subject to conditions and a Section 106 agreement to secure a five-year Travel Plan.

Link to the meeting.

Local Plan Timetable Confirmed as Consultation Approaches

The Planning Policy Committee met on Thursday 8 January 2026 to discuss the West Northamptonshire Local Development Scheme (LDS) 2026 and the Regulation 18 Draft of the West Northamptonshire Local Plan 2026. These documents are crucial for shaping future development across the region.

The updated LDS sets out the timetable for preparing local plans. The current revision ensures it aligns with the emerging West Northamptonshire Local Plan (WNLP). The LDS is a statutory requirement, and its approval is vital to ensure the WNLP can withstand legal scrutiny. The proposed timetable includes a Regulation 18 consultation in January 2026, submission for examination in December 2026, and adoption in November 2027.

The committee also discussed the Regulation 18 draft of the WNLP itself. This plan will replace existing core strategies and local plans for Daventry District, Northampton, and South Northamptonshire, setting out the council's vision for development and environmental commitments until 2043. A significant increase in the housing requirement, by approximately 20% following updates to national planning policy, has led to adjustments in the plan-making timeline. The draft plan proposes a housing requirement of around 47,300 new homes between 2025 and 2043. The committee was recommended to agree to issue the draft plan for public consultation, including a call for sites.

Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91436) - January 15th: Cancelled.
• Council (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91415) - January 19th: The full council will meet, likely to discuss key strategic decisions.
• Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91421) - January 20th: This committee will likely review performance and discuss future plans for adult social care services, which are vital for the wellbeing of vulnerable residents.
• Audit and Governance Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91426) - January 21st: This committee oversees the council's financial management and internal controls, ensuring public money is used responsibly.
• Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/91429) - January 22nd: This committee will consider significant planning applications that shape the development of West Northamptonshire.

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Budget Proposals Spark Debate Over Council's Financial Priorities

West Northamptonshire Council's Cabinet met on December 22nd to discuss the draft budget for 2026-27 and the medium-term financial plan. The proposals, outlined in the Draft Budget and Medium Term Plan - Cabinet Report 2026-27, highlight the significant financial challenges facing the council, including increased demand for services, inflation, and government funding reductions.

• Service Demands: The council is grappling with rising demand for services, particularly in areas such as social care and children's services.
• Inflationary Pressures: Like many local authorities, West Northamptonshire is feeling the squeeze from rising inflation, which is increasing the cost of delivering services.
• Funding Cuts: Continued reductions in government funding are exacerbating the council's financial difficulties.

The draft budget includes a range of proposals aimed at addressing these challenges, but some are likely to prove controversial. The details of these proposals are contained in the 2026-27 Draft Budget Proposals.

Social Housing Budget Under Scrutiny

The Cabinet also discussed the Draft HRA Budget 2026-27 and Medium Term Financial Plan. The Housing Revenue Account (HRA) manages the income and expenditure related to the council's social housing stock. The HRA appendices provide further details on the budget proposals.

• Ring-Fenced Account: The HRA is a ring-fenced account, meaning that money raised from social housing rents can only be used for social housing purposes.
• Tenant Impact: Decisions about the HRA budget can have a direct impact on tenants, affecting things like rent levels, repairs, and improvements to social housing.

Financial Performance Under Review

The Cabinet reviewed the Revenue Monitoring Period 7 - Financial Year 2025-26 and Capital Monitoring Report Period 7. These reports provide an overview of the council's financial performance against its budget for the current financial year. They include details of any variances and the actions being taken to address them.

• Budget Variances: The reports highlight any areas where the council is over or under budget, and explain the reasons for these variances.
• Corrective Action: The reports also outline the steps being taken to address any financial problems and ensure that the council stays on track to meet its budget targets.

Other Matters

• The Cabinet discussed a report on Asset Transactions. The council owns a range of assets, including land, buildings, and equipment. The council may buy or sell assets to generate income, reduce costs, or improve service delivery. The Asset Transactions report includes appendices providing further details on the specific transactions being considered.
• The Cabinet discussed the One West Northamptonshire Plan – Performance Report Q2 2025-26. The One West Northamptonshire Plan is a strategic plan that sets out the vision and priorities for the area. The performance report provides an update on progress against the plan's objectives. The report includes an appendix with additional performance data.
• The Cabinet discussed the ERP Gold Shared Services Print Contract. The council uses a shared services arrangement for its printing needs. This involves working with other organisations to deliver services more efficiently and effectively.

Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/48808) - December 29th
• North Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/48811) - December 31st
• South Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/48812) - January 1st

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Council Delays Local Plan Again, Citing National Policy Changes

The Planning Policy Committee has further delayed the adoption of the West Northamptonshire Local Plan (WNLP), pushing the expected adoption date back to November 2027. This decision, made at their meeting on December 17th, marks another setback in the long-awaited plan, which sets out the council's vision for future development and growth.

• Revised Timetable: The updated Local Development Scheme (LDS) now anticipates a Regulation 18 consultation¹ in January 2026, submission for examination in December 2026, and adoption in November 2027.
• Reasons for Delay: The council cites the need to procure updated evidence, reconsider options, and engage further with members following the May 2025 elections, as well as the publication of the revised National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in December 2024.
• Statutory Duty: Despite the delays, the council emphasizes its statutory duty to publish and maintain an up-to-date LDS.

The repeated delays to the Local Plan raise concerns about the council's ability to manage development effectively and address the area's housing needs. The lack of a current plan could leave the council vulnerable to speculative development and undermine its ability to shape the future of West Northamptonshire.

Link to the meeting.

Northampton Station Redevelopment Stalls Over Drainage Concerns

The Strategic Planning Committee deferred a decision on the redevelopment of land at Northampton Station at their meeting on December 16th, citing concerns raised by Anglian Water regarding drainage capacity and pollution risk. The project, which includes a multi-storey car park, residential units, and a hotel, is seen as a key element in the town's regeneration efforts.

• Anglian Water Objection: Anglian Water has objected to any connection into their foul network due to capacity constraints and pollution risk, and also object due to a lack of evidence confirming that the surface water hierarchy has been fully explored.
• Section 106 Contributions: The planning officer recommendation is to grant permission subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure financial contributions towards health care provision (£411,667), education (£2,612,017.30), employment and skills (£22,200), and libraries (£72,225.46).
• Affordable Housing: The Section 106 agreement would also secure the provision of 35% affordable housing, open space provision, landscape maintenance, and S106 and travel plan monitoring fees.

The delay in approving the Northampton Station redevelopment highlights the challenges of balancing development with environmental concerns and infrastructure capacity. The project's potential benefits, including affordable housing and economic growth, are now on hold pending resolution of the drainage issues.

Link to the meeting.

Other Planning Decisions

• The Strategic Planning Committee also considered an application for 155 dwellings at Towcester Vale Phase 1, approving the reserved matters (appearance, landscaping, layout and scale) for parcels H40-43. Link to the meeting.
• The Strategic Planning Committee also considered an application for the construction of a storage and distribution building at Plot 6, Northampton Gateway Rail Freight Interchange. The planning officer recommendation is to grant permission subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 agreement. Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/90581) - December 22nd: Discuss the 2026-27 draft budget and medium-term financial plan, financial monitoring reports, asset transactions, the One West Northamptonshire Plan, and a shared services print contract.

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Schools Face Funding Squeeze as Forum Approves Budget Transfers

The West Northamptonshire Schools Forum has approved controversial budget decisions that will see funds shifted from schools to support high-needs services and early years providers. This move, made at the December 8th meeting, comes amid growing concerns about the financial pressures facing schools and the increasing demand for special educational needs support.

• High Needs Transfer: The forum agreed to continue transferring 0.5% of funding from the schools block to the high needs block, a practice in place since 2023-24. This decision aims to alleviate pressure on the high needs budget, which faces increasing demand for services for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
  • Criticism: Some respondents to the consultation expressed concern that this transfer would disproportionately affect growing schools and requested greater transparency in how the funding is spent. Others felt that schools are already required to use their notional SEND budget and that top up funding doesn't cover the full costs for high needs pupils, and that top slicing budgets will greatly impact schools which are already over-stretched.
• Early Years Boost: The forum agreed to increase the pass-through rate to early years providers to 97% of the total budget for 3 and 4-year-old funding, with 3% retained centrally.
• Falling Rolls Fund: The forum agreed to create a falling rolls fund of £0.5 million from the schools block for 2026-27, to support schools facing declining pupil numbers.
  • Criticism: Some responses added that the funding shouldn't be a substitute for robust place-planning or long-term sufficiency strategies, with suggestions such as restructures and joining larger Multi-Academy Trusts (MATs) provided. It was also noted that if implemented the falling rolls funds criteria must be clear, equitable and consistently applied and well communicated to schools.

These decisions highlight the difficult choices facing the council as it seeks to balance the needs of different parts of the education system. The impact on individual schools and the quality of education for students remains to be seen.

Link to the meeting.

Council Seeks New Chief Executive Behind Closed Doors

West Northamptonshire Council's Senior Appointments Committee met on December 8th to discuss the appointment of a new Chief Executive, who also holds the statutory role of Head of Paid Service. The meeting was held in private, excluding the press and public, citing the need to discuss confidential information about individuals.

• Recruitment Process: The committee is responsible for overseeing the recruitment process, including drawing up a job description, advertising the post, shortlisting candidates, and conducting interviews.
• Transparency Concerns: The decision to exclude the press and public raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the appointment of such a key leadership position.
• Council Constitution: The committee's actions are governed by the council's constitution, specifically the Staff Employment Rules, which outline the procedures for filling senior vacancies.

The appointment of a new Chief Executive is a critical decision that will shape the future direction of the council. The lack of transparency in the process may fuel public skepticism and undermine trust in local government.

Link to the meeting.

Pension Fund Committee Reviews Governance and Investment Strategies

The West Northamptonshire Council Pensions Fund Committee met on December 9th to discuss a range of issues related to the management of the Northamptonshire Pension Fund, including governance, compliance, investment performance, and administration.

• Conflicts of Interest: The committee considered proposed updates to the Conflicts of Interest Policy, detailing how actual and potential conflicts are identified and managed.
• Pension Dashboard: The committee received an update on the progress of connecting to the Pension Dashboard infrastructure, which will allow members to easily access their pension information online.
• Effectiveness Review: The committee reviewed feedback on its own effectiveness, seeking to improve its governance arrangements.
• Administration Strategy: The committee was asked to approve draft changes to the Administration Strategy, which sets out a framework for administering the Fund.

These discussions are crucial for ensuring the long-term financial health of the pension fund and the security of retirement incomes for thousands of residents.

Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89885) - December 16th: Discuss planning applications, including developments at Northampton Railway Station, Towcester Vale, and the Northampton Gateway Rail Freight Interchange.
• Planning Policy Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/89888) - December 17th: Discuss the West Northamptonshire Local Development Scheme.
• Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/90581) - December 22nd