The Strategic Planning Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 22 September 2026, approving two major planning applications. The committee granted permission for an inert waste recycling and aggregate manufacturing facility at Claridges Barn, Kislingbury, and also approved a reserved matters application for 237 new dwellings at Malabar Farm, Daventry.

Claridges Barn, Gayton Road, Kislingbury

The committee approved the use of land at Claridges Barn, Gayton Road, Kislingbury, for the receipt and recycling of inert wastes and the manufacture of recycled aggregates. The application, submitted by M F Quinn Limited, was approved in line with the officer's recommendation, with additional conditions to be detailed in the minutes.

The proposal sought to establish a permanent aggregate recycling facility on a site that had previously held temporary permissions for similar operations. The facility would process up to 24,000 tonnes of inert waste per annum, sorting, screening, and crushing it into recycled aggregates for the local construction market. The maximum number of vehicle movements was to remain at the previously permitted level of 16 per day.

During the committee's consideration, concerns were raised by Kislingbury and Rothersthorpe Parish Councils regarding traffic impact, potential dust emissions, and debris from insecure loads. The Ward Councillor also expressed concerns about the impact of additional heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic on local road infrastructure and residents. However, the Environment Agency, WNC Environmental Health, WNC Local Highway Authority, and the Natural Environment Advisor all raised no objections. The Environmental Health Officer initially objected due to a lack of information on noise and dust but withdrew this after further information was provided.

The officer's report concluded that the principle of development was acceptable, aligning with the Northamptonshire Minerals and Waste Local Plan policies. Traffic and highway safety were deemed acceptable, with the applicant agreeing to a restriction on traffic routing to prevent HGVs from travelling through Rothersthorpe, which could be secured by a planning condition. Amenity impacts, including noise and dust, were considered manageable through appropriate planning conditions, with the Environmental Health Officer satisfied after a site visit. Landscape and visual impact were also deemed acceptable given the site's location, topography, and existing landscaping.

Land at Malabar Farm, Staverton Road, Daventry

The committee approved a reserved matters application for Phases 2A, 3A, and 3C at Land at Malabar Farm, Staverton Road, Daventry. This application concerns the appearance, landscaping, layout, and scale of 237 new dwellings, along with associated internal access routes, landscaping, public open space, and drainage. The development is part of a larger outline permission for up to 1,100 dwellings, a primary school, and a local centre.

The proposal includes 63 affordable homes, comprising 10 for social rent, 25 for shared ownership, and 28 for affordable rent, representing 36% of the total dwellings. The market housing mix includes 1-bed, 2-bed, 3-bed, and 4-bed properties. The development incorporates Multi-Use Games Areas (MUGAs), a play area, and extensive open space, including a Locally Equipped Area of Play (LEAP).

Consultees, including WNC Highways, the Lead Local Flood Authority, Daventry Town Council, and Natural England, raised no objections. However, Daventry Town Council noted concerns regarding the affordable housing mix, parking provision, and the absence of solar panels on affordable dwellings. The WNC Environmental Health department commented that if solar panels were above the roofline, bird proofing would be necessary. The Heritage and Conservation Officer requested that solar panel technology be integrated into the roof design to avoid a piecemeal appearance.

The officer's report found the design and layout to be consistent with the approved Daventry South West Design Code, which guides the development of the area. The housing mix, while not fully aligning with all aspects of the Daventry Local Plan Part 2, was considered acceptable in light of emerging policy and evidence of market demand. Highways and parking arrangements were deemed acceptable after revisions, and the landscape and open areas were found to be in line with the Design Code, providing necessary facilities for the future community. The impact on the setting of the Grade II listed Badby House was assessed as less than substantial harm, with mitigation measures in place, including advanced planting and integrated solar panels. Surface water drainage was also considered acceptable, with the Lead Local Flood Authority withdrawing its initial objection after revised plans were submitted. Residential amenity was found to be satisfactory, with adequate separation distances and privacy maintained.