The Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on 23 September 2025 to discuss a range of issues, including fire safety, cemetery regulations, transport, and community involvement in planning. The committee scrutinised a draft housing fire safety policy, provided feedback on proposed cemetery regulations, discussed the development of a local transport plan, and considered a revised statement of community involvement.

Housing Fire Safety Policy

The committee reviewed the draft Housing Fire Safety Policy, which aims to standardise fire safety practices across the council's housing stock. Daniel Hannam, Head of Housing Maintenance and Development, introduced the policy, explaining that it sought to align the approaches of the former Corby and Kettering borough councils into a single North Northamptonshire Council approach.

Lynne Buckingham, a member of the public, raised concerns about the policy's reliance on the 'stay put' advice, the frequency of fire risk assessments, and the policy on sterile communal areas. She also mentioned a six-month delay in fixing a light in one block, highlighting the need for guaranteed timescales for repairs.

Councillor Chris Munday asked about the enforcement approach for residents obstructing communal areas. Officers responded that they would engage, educate, and then enforce, with written warnings and notices as necessary. Councillor Emily Fedorowycz raised concerns about lithium-ion battery fires related to mobility scooters and e-bikes, and whether the fire service had been specifically consulted on this issue.

The committee recommended that officers enhance resident/tenant information and guidance to include national guidance as set out by the National Fire Chief.

Cemetery Regulations

The committee discussed the application of a single set of Cemetery Regulations to the 13 working cemeteries managed by the council. Samantha Diamond, Head of Trading Standards and Bereavement Services, presented the proposals, which included standardising memorial sizes, implementing a single-depth grave policy in certain areas, and aligning opening hours.

Councillor David Baker raised concerns about the impact of changing opening hours in Wellingborough and whether a financial impact assessment had been undertaken. He also asked about anti-social behaviour and whether stopping access to cemeteries was the best way to deal with it. Diamond confirmed that the changes would not affect costs and that the primary reason for preventing access was to address antisocial behaviour.

The committee noted the contents of the report and provided comments for feedback to the executive.

Local Transport Plan

The committee discussed the development and programme timeline for the Local Transport Plan (LTP). Chris Wragg, Head of Strategic Transport, introduced the item, noting that the current plan dated back to 2012 and that the new plan was not expected to be adopted until 2027.

Lynne Buckingham stated that the consultation had only produced 142 responses, and questioned how such a small sample could capture the priorities of all towns and villages. She also raised concerns about equality screening and carbon reduction targets.

Councillor Fedorowycz emphasised the need for a 'living, breathing document' that identifies risks and delivers quick wins. She proposed having transport champions within the council and utilising town and parish councils to reach more people. She also suggested a more holistic view, including car sharing schemes and community minibuses.

Councillor Matt Davies asked what assurances could be given to residents that the transport schemes would be delivered.

The committee noted the contents of the report and raised comments for feedback.

Statement of Community Involvement

The committee considered the revised Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), which sets out how the council will consult with the community on planning matters. Simon Richardson, Head of Policy & Placemaking, introduced the item.

Lynne Buckingham proposed adding a requirement for a public register of consultation commitments, strengthening the rules for developer-led consultations, and requiring a community impact statement with every major application. She also suggested enforcing planning conditions and obligations where consultation promises are not delivered.

Councillor Davies raised concerns about developers making promises that are not kept. Councillor Baker suggested that the statement of local engagement should include a summary of responses from local residents.

The committee recommended that officers explore opportunities to enhance the enforcement of planning conditions and publish breaches in the public domain.

Other Matters

The committee also approved the minutes of the meeting held on 2nd September 2025.