The Non-Strategic Planning Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Thursday 06 November 2025, approving seven planning applications and one listed building consent application. Key decisions included the approval of a self-build dwelling in Stoke Bruerne, the conversion and extension of a garage into a dwelling at Sears Farmhouse, Lower Boddington, and the redevelopment of Compass Business Park for employment uses.

Land adjacent to Heathfield, Bridge Road, Stoke Bruerne (2025/2713/PIP)

Permission in principle was granted for one self-build dwelling at Land adjacent to Heathfield, Bridge Road, Stoke Bruerne. Despite objections from Stoke Bruerne Parish Council regarding the site's location outside village confines and the applicant's local connection, the committee approved the application. The agent for the applicant, Jennie Harris, argued that the local connection criteria had been met and that design details would be considered at the technical details consent stage. Councillor Rebecca Breese proposed the approval, seconded by Councillor Zoe Smith, with eleven votes in favour.

Sears Farmhouse, Hill Road, Lower Boddington (2025/2241/FULL and 2025/3970/LBC)

The committee approved the conversion and extension of an existing garage into a self-contained dwelling at Sears Farmhouse, Hill Road, Lower Boddington, contrary to officer recommendations. The decision applied to both the full planning application (2025/2241/FULL) and the listed building consent application (2025/3970/LBC). Councillor Alison Eastwood, the local ward member, spoke in support, highlighting the applicant's care in restoring the main farmhouse and arguing that any harm would be less than substantial. Stephen Allonby-Briggs, the applicant, emphasised his commitment to sympathetic restoration. Despite acknowledging policy conflicts, a majority of the committee voted to approve the applications, delegating the negotiation of conditions to officers.

Land Surrounding Aynho Park House, Aynho Park, Aynho (2024/4126/MAF)

The application for the use of woodland for purposes incidental to the domestic enjoyment of a dwelling house at Land Surrounding Aynho Park House, Aynho Park, Aynho was withdrawn by the applicants.

Compass Business Park, Alcura House Units A and B, Caswell Road, Northampton (2025/1579/FULL)

Permission was granted for the redevelopment of Compass Business Park, Alcura House Units A and B, Caswell Road, Northampton, to provide employment floorspace for a flexible range of uses, including ancillary offices, a service yard, parking, and landscaping. The application was recommended for approval subject to conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement to secure an employment training contribution, travel plan monitoring fee, and S106 monitoring fee. Councillor Alexander McMurtry proposed the approval, seconded by Councillor Adrian Cartwright, with eleven votes in favour.

Stagecoach, Unit 11 Minton Business Centre, Main Road, Far Cotton (2025/2220/FULL)

Permission was granted for the installation of 7.1m high gantries, EV chargers, LV feeder pillars, and supporting infrastructure to support EV charging for 24 electric buses at Stagecoach, Unit 11 Minton Business Centre, Main Road, Far Cotton. The proposal was considered to align with the council's climate change and electric vehicle infrastructure strategies. Councillor Zoe Smith proposed the approval, seconded by Councillor David Tarbun, with nine votes in favour.

Bullers Grounds Farm, Moreton Pinkney (2025/3716/S73)

Permission was granted for the variation of approved plans to amend the design and layout of a farmhouse at Bullers Grounds Farm, Moreton Pinkney. The application, a Section 73 minor material amendment, sought to reduce the scale and size of the farmhouse. Concerns were raised by Moreton Pinkney Parish Council and Councillor Alison Eastwood regarding the principle of development and its impact on the open countryside, particularly in relation to the agricultural tie imposed by a 1971 permission. The agent for the applicant, James Paynter, stated that the original outline permission represented a fallback position and that the applicant had a valid agricultural tie. The committee approved the application, with ten votes in favour, delegating the finalisation of conditions to officers.

The meeting also included the confirmation of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 23 October 2025 and announcements from the Chair. There were no urgent business items.