The Non-Strategic Planning Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Thursday 05 February 2026 to consider a range of planning applications. The meeting's agenda included discussions on tree works in a conservation area, extensions to a garden centre, a change of use for a dental surgery, and proposals for modular accommodation units.

Works to Trees in Culworth Conservation Area

The committee was scheduled to consider a notification for works to 10 trees located at Mountfield, High Street, Culworth. The proposed works included the felling of six trees and the reduction of four others, all within the Culworth Conservation Area. The report pack indicated that the applicant was Councillor Charles Manners, and the agent was Joe Bridson Arboriculture. The case officer was Ralph Branston. The recommendation was that the council should have no objection to the proposal, provided the work was carried out within two years of the notification date and did not breach any conditions attached to existing planning consent for the property. The report noted that no objections had been received from consultees.

Extension to The Bell Plantation Garden Centre

An application for a rear extension to the existing garden centre at The Bell Plantation, Watling Street, Towcester was scheduled for discussion. The proposal, application number 2025/1996/FULL, included the creation of a covered storage area and ancillary offices. The applicant was Bell Plantation Holdings, with Quod acting as the agent. Case officer Susie Russell was responsible for the report. The recommendation was for the Assistant Director for Planning and Development to be given delegated powers to grant permission, subject to conditions. The report highlighted that the Local Highway Authority and National Highways had raised no objections, and that Archaeology and Ecology had no objections subject to conditions. No letters of objection or support were received. The report detailed the principle of development, highway safety, retail impact on Towcester, design, and impact on neighbouring amenity as key issues.

Change of Use to Dental Surgery in Brackley

The committee was to review an application for the change of use of a dwelling at 68 Banbury Road, Brackley to a dental surgery. Application number 2025/4600/FULL also included a single-storey rear extension and alterations to parking. The applicant was ADS Dental Ltd, with IDC Architecture Ltd as the agent. Rebecca Wilkinson-Foster was the case officer. The recommendation was for delegated powers to grant permission, subject to conditions. Objections were raised by Brackley Town Council, and Councillor Fiona Baker had called in the application due to concerns about parking, the impact on residential character, and potential for further commercial development. The report detailed the principle of development, impact on neighbouring amenity, and highways and parking as key considerations.

Land East of Hazelwood, Silverstone

An application for a change of use from paddock land to an area of enhancement and rewilding at Land East of Hazelwood, Silverstone, application number 2025/3344/MAF, was scheduled. The proposal included landscaping, fencing, and the creation of a pond, with elements of the landscaping already implemented. The applicant was Mrs Lindsay-Bell, with Berrys as the agent. Ben Parvin was the case officer. The recommendation was for delegated powers to grant permission, subject to conditions and informatives. No consultees had raised objections, and Silverstone Parish Council was in support. The report outlined the principle of development, design, neighbouring amenity, highways, ecology, flood risk, and land quality as the key issues.

Retention of Modular Classroom Building at Wootton Park School

The committee was to consider the retrospective application for the permanent retention of a modular classroom building at Wootton Park School, Wootton Hall Park, Northampton. Application number 2025/2680/FULL was submitted by West Northamptonshire Council, with GP Planning Ltd as the agent. Chris Bates was the case officer. The recommendation was for delegated powers to grant permission, subject to conditions and referral to the Secretary of State. Objections were raised by WNC Active Travel and Sport England. The report highlighted the principle of development, design and impact on the character of the area, residential amenity, highway implications, ecology, and flood risk as key issues. Sport England's objection related to the loss of playing field land.

Development at Claret Car Park, Edgar Mobbs Way, Northampton

An application for the development of 70 one and two-bedroom relocatable self-contained modular accommodation units at Claret Car Park, Edgar Mobbs Way, Northampton was scheduled for discussion. Application number 2025/3548/MAF also included a residents' community hub, laundry, site office, children's play area, and PV battery store. The applicant was West Northamptonshire Council, with Framptons Town Planning as the agent. Chris Bates was the case officer. The recommendation was for delegated powers to grant permission, subject to conditions. Objections were received from Anglian Water and three letters of objection were received from third parties, raising concerns about security, highway safety, and the suitability of the location. Support was indicated by WNC Strategic Housing. Key issues included the principle of development, impact on the character of the area, residential amenity, highways impact, nature conservation, and drainage.

Land at Former Lings Upper School, Northampton

The committee was to consider an application for 38 two-bedroom relocatable self-contained modular accommodation units at Land at Former Lings Upper School, Northampton. Application number 2025/3544/MAF also included a residents' community hub, laundry, site office, children's play area, and SUDS detention basin. The applicant was West Northamptonshire Council, with Framptons Town Planning as the agent. Andrew Holden was the case officer. The recommendation was for delegated powers to grant permission, subject to conditions. No consultees raised objections, but five letters of objection were received from third parties, citing concerns about local infrastructure, traffic, residential amenity, neighbourhood character, and wildlife. The report detailed the principle of development, impact on the character of the area, residential amenity, highways impact, living conditions for future occupiers, nature conservation, and drainage and flood risk.