The Strategic Planning Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 17 February 2026, approving five planning applications. These included a renewable biomethane gas generation facility, a reconfiguration of the Billing Aquadrome site, remediation works at St Peter's Way and Land North of Marefair, and the Northampton South Western Expansion.

Land to the West of A43 Buckingham Road, Evenley (2024/5352/MAF)

Permission was granted for the construction, operation, and decommissioning of a renewable biomethane gas generation facility. The decision was made in line with the case officer's recommendation, subject to additional conditions and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement to secure off-site mitigation measures for skylarks and breeding birds. Objections were raised by Evenley Parish Council, Croughton Parish Council, and CPRE Northamptonshire, citing concerns about the scale, industrial nature, inadequate screening, and traffic increases. However, the committee ultimately found the proposal acceptable, noting the benefits of renewable energy generation and the proposed mitigation measures.

Billing Aquadrome, Crow Lane, Northampton, NN3 9DA (2025/2392/MAF)

The committee approved the hybrid planning application for the reconfiguration of the Billing Aquadrome site. This includes a reduction in static caravans from 3,104 to 2,239 units, with 110 static caravans designated for permanent residential occupation in Phase One. The approval is subject to conditions and the agreement of the Environment Agency regarding flood mitigation measures. Concerns were raised by Anglian Water regarding foul water connections, which will be addressed by a condition. The application was supported by WNC Economic Development, highlighting its alignment with the Northamptonshire Tourism Strategy.

Northampton South Western Expansion (2024/2138/MAO)

Outline planning permission was granted for the development of up to 361 market and affordable homes, along with associated infrastructure. This decision is subject to conditions and the completion of a Section 106 Agreement. The agreement will secure 35% affordable housing, 3% self-build and custom build housing, financial contributions towards education, libraries, primary healthcare, off-site sports pitches, open space provisions, biodiversity net gain monitoring, highway improvements, bus infrastructure, and travel plan monitoring. Objections were raised by East Hunsbury and Collingtree Parish Councils concerning access, traffic, pollution, and infrastructure provision. However, the committee found the proposal acceptable, noting its contribution to housing supply and the proposed mitigation measures.

Land North of Marefair Northampton (2025/3349/FULL)

Permission was granted for remediation and enabling works to remove subsurface features and structures on land north of Marefair. This decision is subject to conditions, including archaeological investigation and the implementation of a Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). WNC Archaeology noted the identification of surviving archaeological levels and recommended a programme of works, which has been incorporated into the conditions. The proposal was welcomed by a local resident for its remediation efforts, with a hope that future development would acknowledge the area's history.

St. Peters Waterside Development, St. Peters Way, Northampton (2025/3347/MAF)

The committee approved the application for remediation and enabling works at the St. Peter's Waterside Development. This decision is subject to conditions, including archaeological investigation, land contamination management, and the implementation of a Construction and Environmental Management Plan (CEMP). WNC Archaeology noted the identification of surviving archaeological levels and recommended a programme of works, which has been incorporated into the conditions. The Environment Agency and Lead Local Flood Authority raised no objections, subject to conditions regarding flood risk and drainage. The proposal is considered to be in line with the NPPF's support for land remediation on brownfield sites.