The Planning Policy Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 4 August 2026. The committee noted the responses received during the Local Plan consultation and also noted the Housing Land Availability Report 2026.

West Northamptonshire Local Plan - Consultation Update

The committee noted the responses received during the consultation on the Regulation 18 draft of the West Northamptonshire Local Plan. This consultation took place between January and March 2026. A total of 6,184 respondents submitted responses, covering various aspects of the draft plan. The report detailed feedback received by chapter, highlighting key issues raised on the introduction, spatial portrait, vision, objectives, spatial strategy, placemaking, and specific areas such as Northampton, Daventry, Brackley, and Towcester. Significant concerns were raised regarding infrastructure capacity, cumulative impacts, the balance of growth between urban and rural areas, reliance on neighbourhood plans, and the justification for the spatial strategy. The committee noted these responses as part of the ongoing Local Plan preparation process.

Housing Land Availability Report 2026

The committee noted the Housing Land Availability Report 2026, which identifies the council's housing land supply as at 1st April 2026. The report indicated a 4.3-year supply of deliverable housing sites. This figure is calculated based on the Local Housing Need (LHN) methodology, which has recently been updated. The report detailed the components of the housing supply, including sites with planning permission, allocated sites, and an allowance for windfall sites. It also discussed the assessment of deliverability for these sites, referencing Statements of Common Ground with applicants and independent assessments. The report highlighted that housing delivery increased significantly in the last year, with 2,507 completions, exceeding the annual Local Housing Need requirement. However, it also noted that the council is currently unable to demonstrate a full five-year supply, meaning the tilted balance in favour of sustainable development would apply to planning applications. The report also referenced recent appeal decisions that have challenged the council's housing land supply figures, indicating ongoing scrutiny in this area. The committee noted this report.