The Planning Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 19 August 2026 and granted planning permission for a new warehouse extension for SAICA in Thrapston. The committee also approved the minutes from the previous meeting and noted the committee update report.

Planning Application for SAICA Warehouse Extension in Thrapston

The committee granted planning permission for a new warehouse extension for SAICA at Plot 5 Haldens Parkway, Thrapston. The proposed development involves a 14,000-square-metre extension to the existing SAICA warehouse and distribution facility. This expansion aims to consolidate SAICA's warehousing operations from separate transit facilities in Corby and Sywell onto a single site in Thrapston, which is expected to improve efficiency and reduce travel between sites.

The new warehouse will be approximately 109 metres by 129 metres, with a maximum ridge height of 14 metres. It will be linked to the existing warehouse via an underground tunnel for the movement of goods. The design features modern industrial cladding, a multi-pitch roof incorporating solar panels, and a glazed corner element for the principal entrance to ancillary office and staff accommodation. Ancillary development includes pedestrian access, a service yard, and car and HGV parking.

During the discussion, Councillor Ben Williams sought clarification on whether concerns regarding deficient winter bird surveys had been addressed, to which officers confirmed they were content. Councillor James Towns raised questions about the absence of a BREEAM assessment for the building, noting that Policy 9 of the Joint Core Strategy requires a very good rating. The planning officer explained that while BREEAM very good had not been achieved, this was taken into account in the planning balance. Councillor Towns also enquired about the inclusion of conditions requested by statutory authorities, which the officer confirmed had been incorporated.

Councillor Paul Brooke asked about the height difference between the proposed building and the existing ground level, a detail the officer could not immediately provide but offered to follow up on. Councillor David Brackenbury questioned the status of Policy 24 of the Joint Core Strategy, which refers to logistics development. The officer clarified that while the spatial element of the policy was considered out of date due to its restrictive nature on logistics development, other criteria within the policy remained relevant and were afforded full weight.

The decision to grant planning permission was made subject to a range of conditions, including those related to construction method statements, ecological management plans, archaeological work, and the implementation of the approved drainage and lighting strategies. These conditions aim to mitigate potential impacts on the environment, heritage, and residential amenity, and to ensure the development aligns with council policies and national guidance.

The application was supported by Thrapston Town Council, which considered the scale of the extension to be reasonable and in keeping with the existing development, allowing an established local business to expand with minimal impact. However, Titchmarsh Parish Council objected on grounds including the impact on nearby Special Protection Areas (SPAs) and Ramsar sites, wastewater capacity, flooding, highways impacts, and a lack of operational infrastructure for HGVs.

Officers recommended approval, highlighting the economic benefits of SAICA's expansion and its alignment with national and local policies supporting economic development. They also noted that a previous planning permission for a similar warehouse on the site had lapsed. The report detailed extensive consultation responses, including from the Local Highways Authority, Lead Local Flood Authority, Anglian Water, Natural England, and the Council's own Ecology and Environmental Protection teams. Concerns raised by STAUNCH regarding winter bird surveys and the Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) were addressed, with officers concluding that the development would not adversely affect the integrity of the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA.

The decision to grant planning permission was made by the Planning Committee, with the final decision document outlining the specific conditions attached to the approval.

Other Meeting Business

The committee also formally approved and signed the minutes from the meeting held on 22 July 2026, with a minor amendment noted regarding the seconder of a motion. Councillor David Brackenbury declared familiarity with the site at Plot 5 Haldens Parkway, Thrapston, having visited it previously, but confirmed he retained an open mind. Apologies were received from Councillor Helen Howell, with Councillor Barbara Jenney acting as her substitute. The committee noted the committee update report and formally closed the meeting.