The Planning Policy Committee of West Northamptonshire Council adopted the West Northamptonshire Infrastructure and Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document, which consolidates previous guidance and introduces updated requirements for developer contributions. The committee also adopted the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area Guidance and Mitigation Strategy, expanding the zone of influence for recreational disturbance and updating mitigation measures. Finally, the committee noted progress on the West Northamptonshire Local Plan and agreed to raise the unmet need for Gypsy, Traveller, and Travelling Showpeople sites as a cross-boundary matter 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 replaces three previous documents from the former Daventry District, Northampton Borough, and South Northamptonshire Council areas, providing a single, up-to-date guide for developers on how contributions will be calculated and negotiated. The document outlines expectations for developers to mitigate the impacts of their developments through contributions towards infrastructure 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 and noted that the new SPD will supersede specified parts of adopted Housing SPDs. Authority was delegated to the Head of Planning Policy and Specialist Services to make minor editorial and presentational changes prior to publication. A key amendment agreed was to update contribution SP1 to change the maintenance cost period for open spaces from 25 to 10 years.

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

The committee adopted the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area (SPA) Guidance and Mitigation Strategy. This new guidance expands the zone of influence for recreational disturbance from 3km to 5.9km from the SPA, reflecting updated evidence on visitor patterns. It introduces a Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM) contribution for new residential units and overnight accommodation within this zone, aiming to mitigate the cumulative recreational impacts on the SPA's qualifying bird species. The strategy also provides updated guidance on assessing development impacts, including considerations for functionally linked land, and outlines requirements for Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace (SANG) provision for developments likely to have an 'alone' effect on the SPA. The committee also agreed to revoke the previous Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area Supplementary Planning Document (August 2015) and its addendum (March 2022).

West Northamptonshire Local Plan

The committee noted the progress being made on the preparation of the West Northamptonshire Local Plan. Officers reported on the consultation activity undertaken for the Regulation 18 draft plan, which received approximately 6,500 responses, along with nominations for Local Green Spaces and calls for sites. Member workshops have been held to help shape the plan, and a briefing for parish councils on the rural content has been provided. The committee agreed that West Northamptonshire Council is currently unable to meet the evidenced need for sites for Gypsies, Travellers, and Travelling Showpeople, as identified in the West Northamptonshire Gypsy and Traveller Needs Assessment 2025. Consequently, the council will raise this unmet need as a strategic cross-boundary matter with neighbouring councils, seeking their assistance in accommodating these needs. The next steps involve officers analysing consultation responses, further member engagement, and the plan's progression towards Regulation 19 publication and subsequent submission for examination by December 2026.