The Planning Policy Committee of West Northamptonshire Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday 17 June 2026. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on supplementary planning documents concerning infrastructure, developer contributions, and the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area. Additionally, the committee will review progress on the West Northamptonshire Local Plan.

West Northamptonshire Infrastructure and Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document

A key item for discussion is the proposed adoption of the West Northamptonshire Infrastructure and Developer Contributions Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). This document aims to consolidate existing guidance from the former local authorities of Daventry District, Northampton Borough, and South Northamptonshire District into a single, comprehensive resource. The SPD outlines the council's expectations for developers regarding contributions towards infrastructure and mitigation measures necessitated by new developments. This includes details on how developer contributions will be calculated and negotiated, covering areas such as affordable housing, open spaces, education, health services, transport, and waste management. The report pack indicates that the draft SPD underwent an eight-week public consultation period between October and December 2025, with 107 responses received from various stakeholders including parish councils, developers, and residents. The committee will be presented with a summary of the consultation responses and proposed amendments to the document. If adopted, this new SPD would supersede three existing supplementary planning documents related to developer contributions.

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

The committee is also scheduled to consider the adoption of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area (SPA) Guidance and Mitigation Strategy. This strategy has been updated based on new evidence identifying that residential developments and overnight accommodation within a 5.9km radius of the SPA are likely to have adverse effects. The proposed guidance aims to replace existing supplementary planning documents and establish a consistent approach for both West Northamptonshire and North Northamptonshire Councils in identifying and mitigating potential significant effects on the SPA's qualifying features, particularly concerning recreational disturbance. The report notes that the strategy proposes a Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM) contribution of £371.17 per dwelling, plus an £85 administration fee per application, for developments within this 5.9km zone.

West Northamptonshire Local Plan

The committee will receive an update on the progress of the West Northamptonshire Local Plan. The report indicates that the evidence base for the plan is largely complete, with outstanding matters including the Integrated Water Management Study and a review of Green Wedges. Transport modelling for proposed allocations is also underway. The next major milestone is the consideration of the Regulation 19 version of the plan by the Planning Policy Committee on 14th September and by the Council on 24th September. Following this, the plan will be published for representations before submission to the government for examination by December 2026. The report also highlights a specific issue regarding the evidenced need for pitches for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople, noting that no suitable sites have been promoted through previous 'Call for sites' exercises. Consequently, the committee is recommended to agree that West Northamptonshire Council is currently unable to meet this need and to formally raise this as a strategic cross-boundary matter with neighbouring councils.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at Room G01 - One Angel Square, Angel Street, Northampton NN1 1ED, commencing at 6:00 pm.