The Planning Policy Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 17 June 2026, adopting a new Supplementary Planning Document on Infrastructure and Developer Contributions and a Guidance and Mitigation Strategy for the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area. The committee also noted progress on the West Northamptonshire Local Plan and agreed to raise the issue of unmet needs for Gypsy, Traveller, and Travelling Showpeople sites with neighbouring councils.

West Northamptonshire Infrastructure and Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document

The committee adopted the West Northamptonshire Infrastructure and Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) 2026. This new SPD consolidates and replaces three existing documents from the former local authorities of Daventry District, Northampton Borough, and South Northamptonshire Council. It provides updated guidance on how developer contributions will be calculated and negotiated to mitigate the impacts of development, covering areas such as affordable housing, open spaces, education, health services, and community facilities. The committee also agreed to revoke the three existing developer contributions Supplementary Planning Documents. Minor editorial and presentational changes to the new SPD were delegated to the Head of Planning Policy and Specialist Services prior to publication. Additionally, a contribution SP1 was amended to change the maintenance cost period from 25 to 10 years.

Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area Guidance and Mitigation Strategy: Adoption

The committee adopted the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area (SPA) Guidance and Mitigation Strategy. This new guidance replaces previous supplementary planning documents and establishes a consistent approach to identifying and mitigating potential significant effects on the SPA's qualifying features, particularly recreational disturbance. The strategy updates the zone of influence for recreational impacts from 3km to 5.9km and introduces a Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM) contribution for new residential units and overnight accommodation within this zone. The guidance also provides information on Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) provision for larger developments considered to have an 'alone' effect on the SPA. The committee also agreed to revoke the previous supplementary planning documents related to the SPA.

West Northamptonshire Local Plan

The committee noted the progress being made on the preparation of the West Northamptonshire Local Plan, with the next major milestone being the consideration of the Regulation 19 version by the committee on 14 September and by the Council on 24 September. Subject to Council approval, the plan will be published for representations before being submitted to government for examination by the Planning Inspectorate no later than 21 December 2026. The committee also agreed that West Northamptonshire Council is currently unable to meet the latest evidenced need for sites for Gypsies, Travellers, and Travelling Showpeople. Consequently, this unmet need will be raised as a strategic cross-boundary matter with neighbouring councils, asking if they can accommodate any unmet need.