The Non-Strategic Planning Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Thursday 05 March 2026, approving three planning applications and deferring one. Decisions were made regarding new dwellings in Pattishall, a change of use for a warehouse in Northampton, and a micro energy storage project in Daventry.

Planning Applications Approved

Fourways, 2 School Road, Pattishall

Two applications concerning the site at Fourways, 2 School Road, Pattishall, were discussed. Application 2025/2333/FULL, for a new self-build dwelling, and application 2025/2365/FULL, for the demolition of the existing dwelling and garage and the construction of two new self-build dwellings, were both deferred for a Committee Site Visit. This decision was made to allow the committee to better assess the siting, scale, and massing of the proposed developments and their relationship with neighbouring properties and gardens.

Riverside Prime, Unit 8 Carousel Way, Northampton

The committee approved the change of use for Riverside Prime, Unit 8, Carousel Way, Northampton, from a warehouse (Use Class B1, B2, B8) to an indoor padel tennis, wellness, and therapy area with associated facilities (Use Class E). This decision was made in accordance with the Case Officer's recommendation, subject to various requirements to be detailed in the minutes. The proposal was supported by WNC Public Health, WNC Recreation & Leisure, and Councillor Silas Hays, who highlighted the growing popularity of padel and its associated health benefits, aligning with the Council's Active Lives Strategy. Despite some concerns raised by a local resident regarding traffic and parking, the committee found the proposed 40 standard parking spaces, along with accessible, motorcycle, and cycle provisions, to be adequate. The development was also noted to bring a vacant unit back into productive use and create an estimated 15 to 20 jobs.

Land Next to Footpath, Welton Road, Daventry

The construction and operation of a micro energy storage project on land next to the footpath on Welton Road, Daventry, was approved. This decision was made in accordance with the Case Officer's recommendation, subject to various requirements. The proposal, put forward by AMP Clean Energy, aims to support the transition to net zero by providing a low-carbon, flexible electricity source. While Councillor Richard Pipes raised concerns about fire risk and potential pollution impacting a nearby reservoir and the Daventry Country Park, the committee noted that the development would be subject to comprehensive regulatory requirements for fire safety. The applicant confirmed the implementation of fire monitoring and suppression systems, 24/7 monitoring, automatic shutdown processes, and an emergency response plan. The development was deemed to have a negligible impact on highway safety and local character, with landscaping conditions to soften its visual presence.

Applications Deferred

Fourways, 2 School Road, Pattishall

As mentioned above, two applications for development at Fourways, 2 School Road, Pattishall (2025/2333/FULL and 2025/2365/FULL) were deferred for a Committee Site Visit. This was to allow members to gain a better understanding of the site and its context before making a final decision.