The Non-Strategic Planning Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met to discuss several planning applications, approving applications for developments in Long Buckby Wharf, Hellidon, Great Holme Court, and Kislingbury, while refusing an application in Woodland Avenue. A prior decision on the Hellidon application had been deferred to allow for a site visit.

Here's a breakdown of the key topics discussed:

Land West of Rothersthorpe Road, Kislingbury

The committee approved application 2024/5562/MAF for the erection of 48 dwellings (Use Class C3) on land west of Rothersthorpe Road, Kislingbury, including vehicle access, pedestrian links, public open space, car parking, landscaping and drainage, and other associated works. This was in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation, subject to requirements to be set out in the minutes.

The development, submitted by Spitfire Homes, includes 8 affordable homes (17% of the overall provision). The committee considered objections from Anglian Water and Kislingbury Parish Council, as well as 19 letters of objection from the public, and one letter of support.

The planning officer's report noted that the site is located on the southern edge of Kislingbury and comprises a 1.91-hectare parcel of arable land situated within the defined settlement confines. The site is allocated in the Kislingbury Neighbourhood Plan, and lies within the settlement confines. The planning officer's report noted that the development would be subject to a Section 106 agreement to secure planning obligations, including:

• A contribution towards education for secondary and post-16 levels
• 17% affordable housing provision on site
• A contribution for refuse and recycling
• The provision of on-site public open space
• A contribution for off-site outdoor play space
• A financial contribution to Kislingbury Parish Council for public open space maintenance
• A Biodiversity Net Gain Habitat Management and Monitoring Plan for a 30-year period
• A monitoring fee for all planning obligations

9 Woodland Avenue, Northampton

The committee refused application 2025/4041/FULL for exterior alterations at 9 Woodland Avenue, Northampton, including the removal of a porch canopy, the addition of a walk-on balcony, external insulation finished with render and stone tile, and a garden wall finished in stone tile. The decision to refuse the application was made in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation, with reasons to be set out in the minutes.

Councillor Cameron Emery called in the application, citing concerns about overlooking from the balcony affecting neighbours' privacy, the balcony not being in keeping with the character of the area, and the materials and finishes not being in keeping with the local area and the original Edwardian dwelling.

The planning officer's report noted that 31 letters of objection had been received. The planning officer's report stated that the proposed balcony would result in an unacceptable level of overlooking into the front gardens of neighbouring properties and the windows of dwellings on the opposite side of the street. The planning officer's report stated that the introduction of grey, stone-effect split-face tiles on sections of the elevation and the newly constructed garden wall, combined with smooth white render finishes, replacement of traditional, white-framed windows with dark grey frames, painting of the previously white timber framing of the gable roof dark grey, and the creation of a modern walk-in balcony, would significantly erode the property's Edwardian character. The planning officer's report stated that these alterations fail to respect the established street scene, harm the local sense of place, and adversely affect the setting of the Abington Park Conservation Area.

50 Great Holme Court, Northampton

The committee approved application 2025/3722/FULL for a change of use from a dwellinghouse (class C3¹) to a house in multiple occupation[^3] (HMO) for 7 occupants, including a single-storey rear extension at 50 Great Holme Court, Northampton. This was approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation, subject to requirements to be set out in the minutes.

The planning officer's report noted that Councillor Scott Packer called in the application on the grounds of highway safety, overconcentration of HMOs, and impact on the local character. The planning officer's report noted that 24 letters of objection had been received. The planning officer's report stated that the WNC Private Sector Housing team commented that the room sizes, amenities and facilities indicated on the submitted plans indicate that the proposed HMO would meet the requirements for a seven (7) occupant HMO. The planning officer's report stated that the Northants Police Designing Out Crime Officer commented that the local area is already heavily parked, with minimal or no on-street parking capacity remaining, and that the proposed development is expected to increase parking demand, particularly during evening hours when demand is at its peak.

Land off Catesby Road, Hellidon

The committee approved application 2025/2590/FULL for the retention of a livestock building (retrospective) at land off Catesby Road, Hellidon. This was approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation, subject to requirements to be set out in the minutes.

The committee had previously deferred a decision on the application to allow for a site visit. The planning officer's report noted that Hellidon Parish Meeting objected to the application. The planning officer's report stated that Councillor Charlie Hastie called in the application as he believed it was contrary to policies RA3, 3 & 6 in the Daventry Plan Part 2. The planning officer's report stated that the WNC LHA raised no objection, but requested a condition to ensure that the first 5.0 metres of the private access (measured from the highway boundary) must be constructed in a hard-bound material to prevent loose material being deposited on the public highway.

Rye Hill Lodge, Norton Junction, Long Buckby Wharf

The committee approved application 2025/2664/FULL for a proposed stable building with turn-out area and vehicular access to existing track/bridleway for personal recreational use at Rye Hill Lodge, Norton Junction, Long Buckby Wharf. This was approved in accordance with the Case Officer’s recommendation, subject to requirements to be set out in the minutes.

The planning officer's report noted that Councillor Daniel Lister called in the application on grounds of overdevelopment and loss of visual amenity. The planning officer's report noted that Long Buckby Parish Council objected to the application. The planning officer's report stated that National Highways reviewed the documentation provided in support of application reference 2025/2664/FULL and determined that there would be no additional impact to the strategic road network.