The Non-Strategic Planning Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Thursday 2 April 2026 to consider a range of planning applications. The meeting's agenda included discussions on several residential developments, a proposed truck stop, and changes of use for houses in multiple occupation.

Applications for Determination

The committee was scheduled to consider several planning applications for determination.

Fourways, 2 School Road, Pattishall

Two applications, 2025/2333/FULL and 2025/2365/FULL, related to Fourways, 2 School Road, Pattishall. Application 2025/2333/FULL was for the construction of a new self-build dwelling, while application 2025/2365/FULL proposed the demolition of the existing dwelling and garage to construct two new self-build dwellings. Both applications had been called in by Councillor Stuart Tolley on the grounds of overdevelopment of the plot and highway safety. The reports indicated that officers recommended granting permission for both developments, subject to conditions.

Land West of Browns Road, Daventry

The committee was scheduled to discuss application WND/2021/0958 for the creation of a truck stop on Land West of Browns Road, Daventry. The proposal involved extensive hard standing for HGV parking, a welfare building, and landscaping. Objections were raised by Staverton Parish Council, Daventry Town Council, the Crime Prevention Officer, and WNC Environmental Health, citing concerns about highway safety, visual impact, noise pollution, and a lack of adequate facilities for drivers. The report recommended refusal of permission, citing conflicts with policies relating to development in the open countryside, provision of facilities, and impacts on residential amenity and visual character.

45 Greenfield Avenue, Northampton

Application 2025/5275/FULL concerned 45 Greenfield Avenue, Northampton. This application sought to increase the occupancy of a house in multiple occupation (HMO) from six to nine occupants, including a first-floor side extension and a single-storey rear extension. Councillor Joanne Blythe had called in the application due to concerns about overdevelopment, increased parking demands, and sewage and drainage issues. The report recommended granting permission, subject to conditions, noting that the property already had established HMO use and that the proposed extensions and occupancy level were considered acceptable within the context of local planning policies and the Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document.

102 Ashburnham Road, Northampton

Application 2025/4953/FULL related to 102 Ashburnham Road, Northampton. This sought retrospective permission for a rear roof dormer and associated roof alterations, along with a clear-glazed window to the side elevation, to facilitate an increase in the number of occupants in an existing HMO from six to seven. Councillor Zoe Smith had called in the application due to concerns about overdevelopment and increased negative impact on neighbouring residents' amenity. The report recommended granting permission, subject to conditions, concluding that the proposed changes were acceptable and would not have an undue adverse impact on highway safety, residential amenity, or the character of the area.

97 Bush Hill, Northampton

The final application scheduled for discussion was 2026/0646/FULL for 97 Bush Hill, Northampton. This application proposed to change the use of the property from a six-occupant HMO to a ten-occupant HMO, which would involve a substantial roof extension. Councillor Cameron Emery had called in the application due to concerns about over-intensification of use, increased activity and noise, cumulative impact of HMOs in the area, and parking stress. The report recommended refusal of planning permission, citing that the proposed increase in occupancy would lead to over-intensification, negatively impacting neighbouring amenities and the character of the area, and that the proposed roof extension would be a prominent and incongruous feature.

The meeting also included standard agenda items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, confirmation of previous minutes, and chair's announcements. A note was made regarding proposed pre-committee site visits for items scheduled for the May meeting.