The Strategic Planning Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Tuesday 12 May 2026, deferring a decision on an application for waste recycling and refusing another for a crematorium.

Claridges Barn, Gayton Road, Kislingbury

The committee considered an application for the use of land at Claridges Barn, Gayton Road, Kislingbury, for the receipt and recycling of inert wastes and the manufacture of recycled aggregates. The applicant, M F Quinn Limited, sought to establish a permanent aggregate recycling facility.

The proposal had received no objections from statutory consultees, including the Environment Agency, WNC Environmental Health, and the Local Highway Authority. However, Rothersthorpe Parish Council and Kislingbury Parish Council had raised concerns regarding traffic, dust, and potential flooding. The Ward Councillor also expressed concerns about the impact of additional heavy goods vehicle (HGV) traffic on local infrastructure.

Despite the officer's recommendation to grant permission, subject to conditions, the committee decided to defer the decision. The reasons for deferral are to be set out in the minutes.

Land to west of Round Spinney, Thorpeville, Moulton

The committee also considered an application for the proposed erection of a crematorium, wake facility, access, and car parking area with associated landscape and biodiversity enhancements on land to the west of Round Spinney, Thorpeville, Moulton. The applicant for this development was West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) itself.

The proposal had generated significant public interest, with 288 letters of objection and 17 letters of support received. Moulton Parish Council and Overstone Parish Council formally objected, citing concerns about the impact on the Green Wedge, highway safety, ecological impact, and residential amenity. CPRE Northamptonshire and The Ramblers also raised comments.

Key issues discussed included the principle of development in the open countryside and Green Wedge, the demonstrated need for a crematorium in the area, highway safety and traffic impact, ecological considerations, and the impact on residential amenity and the adjacent Northampton Secondary School.

WNC Highways, the Lead Local Flood Authority, the Environment Agency, and Natural England all raised no objections, subject to conditions. WNC Environmental Health also raised no objections but recommended conditions for community reassurance regarding air quality and noise. WNC's Planning Policy Team stated no objection provided the proposal respected the open countryside setting and did not harm the Green Wedge.

Despite the officer's recommendation to grant permission, subject to conditions, the committee decided to refuse the application. The reasons for refusal are to be set out in the minutes.