The Non-Strategic Planning Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026, approving five planning applications and refusing one. The committee considered a range of development proposals, including new dwellings, conversions, and extensions.

Station Farm, Denton Road, Horton

Permission was granted for the erection of stables, a menage, and the use of agricultural land for keeping horses at Station Farm, Denton Road, Horton. The decision followed the Case Officer's recommendation and was subject to various requirements to be detailed in the minutes. The proposal was assessed against local and national planning policies, including those relating to the rural economy, biodiversity, and flood risk. The WNC Ecology officer confirmed the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) proposal was acceptable, and the conversion from arable land to grassland was expected to enhance biodiversity. Conditions were imposed regarding time limits, approved plans, external lighting, ecological protection, and the personal use of the stables and menage.

Land at Grange Farm, Fox Hill Grange, Brixworth

The committee approved an application for the construction of a detached dwelling with a garage and outbuilding, along with associated access and landscaping, at Land at Grange Farm, Fox Hill Grange, Brixworth. This decision was made contrary to the Case Officer's recommendation and was subject to further requirements to be set out in the minutes. The application was called in by Councillor Jonathan Harris due to concerns about a lack of employment benefits, affordable housing, and the design not meeting the required exceptional standards. The Case Officer's report highlighted that the proposal failed to meet the truly outstanding or highest standards in architecture criteria set out in paragraph 84(e) of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Policy RA6iii of the Settlements and Countryside Local Plan. Despite the applicant's efforts to engage with design review panels and incorporate sustainable features, the council's assessment concluded that the design was bulky, heavy and visually dominant and did not significantly enhance its immediate setting or demonstrate sensitivity to the local area.

Land to the East of Charwelton Road, Badby

Permission was refused for an outline application for the development of up to 49 dwellings, public open space, and associated infrastructure on land to the East of Charwelton Road, Badby. This refusal was in accordance with the Case Officer's recommendation, with reasons to be detailed in the minutes. The application faced objections from the West Northamptonshire Council Local Highway Authority, Heritage and Conservation team, and Badby Parish Council. Key concerns included the principle of development outside village confines, the impact on the historic environment and landscape, highway safety, and connectivity. The site's location within a Special Landscape Area and adjacent to the Badby Conservation Area, along with the presence of archaeological remains, were significant factors in the refusal. The Local Highway Authority raised objections due to insufficient information to demonstrate safe and suitable access for all users.

Land off Maple Close, Braunston

Permission was granted for the construction of 21 affordable homes, including new roads and associated site services, on land off Maple Close, Braunston. This approval was in line with the Case Officer's recommendation and subject to conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement. The application was for a rural exception site, which is supported by local and national planning policies aimed at addressing affordable housing needs. Strategic Housing and Braunston Parish Council both supported the application. The proposal was assessed against policies concerning the principle of development, highway safety, visual and residential amenity, flooding and drainage, ecology, and open space. WNC Highways raised no objections, and the proposal was considered to meet the requirements for a rural exception site, providing much-needed affordable housing.

1 Derby Road, Northampton

The committee approved the conversion of a dwelling at 1 Derby Road, Northampton, into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for six occupants, including a single-storey rear and side extension. This decision followed the Case Officer's recommendation and was subject to conditions. The application was called in by Councillor Zoe Smith due to concerns about overdevelopment, loss of a family home, increased parking pressure, and refuse issues. The proposal was assessed against the 10% concentration threshold for HMOs within a 50-meter radius, which was found to be met. The development also met the required amenity standards for future occupants and was considered sustainable due to its proximity to public transport and local services. Conditions were imposed regarding time limits, approved plans, materials, refuse storage, cycle storage, and occupancy limits.

8 Cedar Road, Northampton

This agenda item was withdrawn.