The Planning Policy Committee of West Northamptonshire Council was scheduled to discuss several key planning matters, including responses to consultations from neighbouring councils, updates on local development strategies, and the council's five-year housing land supply position. The meeting's agenda focused on ensuring effective cross-boundary cooperation and adherence to national planning policy.

Buckinghamshire Local Plan - Response to Consultation and Unmet Housing Need Request

A significant item on the agenda was the response to Buckinghamshire Council's consultation on its New and Expanded Settlements Study (NESS). The report pack indicated that West Northamptonshire Council was asked to consider accommodating unmet housing need from Buckinghamshire, including pitches and plots for Gypsy and Travellers and Travelling Show people. The recommendations proposed that West Northamptonshire Council would not accommodate any unmet Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Show people pitches from Buckinghamshire Council at this time. The report also detailed concerns regarding potential impacts on West Northamptonshire from proposed new settlements in Buckinghamshire, specifically at Beachampton and Turweston. The council's draft response, outlined in Appendix A, expressed concerns about the impacts of the Turweston proposal on the heritage and landscape of West Northamptonshire, particularly the town of Brackley. It also highlighted issues of potential settlement coalescence and the strain on infrastructure. Regarding Beachampton, the response suggested further cross-border assessment would be needed if the proposal were to be considered in more detail.

Spatial Development Strategies

The committee was scheduled to receive an update on the government's consultation regarding Spatial Development Strategies (SDSs). The report highlighted that West Northamptonshire Council had submitted a holding response to this consultation, aligning with the council's position on devolution. The council's preferred geography for an SDS was the South Midlands, encompassing Bedfordshire, Luton, Milton Keynes, and Northamptonshire, building on over two decades of collaboration. However, the report noted that if a South Midlands footprint was not agreed, the preference would be to progress an SDS for Northamptonshire, working in partnership between North and West Northamptonshire Councils. The report also mentioned the potential for a new town development at Milton Keynes as part of the government's New Towns Programme.

Neighbourhood Plans and Neighbouring Authority Local Plans - Update

An update was scheduled on neighbourhood planning activity within West Northamptonshire and the local plan progress of neighbouring authorities. The report indicated that there were 33 adopted neighbourhood plans across West Northamptonshire, with several more in development. The report also provided an overview of the planning activities of neighbouring councils, including Buckinghamshire Council's Local Plan, Cherwell District Council's Local Plan, and Milton Keynes City Council's MK City Plan. This information was presented to ensure effective cooperation on strategic matters that cross administrative boundaries, as required by the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Five Year Land Supply Position - Update

The committee was to be updated on the council's five-year housing land supply position. A previous Housing Land Availability Report in June 2025 had identified a 5.5-year supply. However, a recent planning appeal decision concerning a site at Brackley led to an Inspector concluding that the council could not demonstrate a five-year supply. The report explained the implications of this conclusion, noting that the tilted balance applies, meaning there is a presumption in favour of sustainable development. A new assessment with a base date of 1st April 2026 was underway and would be reported to the committee in due course. The report highlighted the challenges in demonstrating deliverability, particularly the reliance on developer information.