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Planning Committee - Wednesday 11th March, 2026 7.00 pm
March 11, 2026 at 7:00 pm Planning Committee View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
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The Planning Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 11 March 2026, approving plans for a children's care home in Desborough, holiday lets in Lilford, and a battery energy storage system in Earls Barton. The committee also granted listed building consent for re-roofing works at The Old Watermill in Brigstock, and deferred a decision on Oundle Rugby Football Club's proposed 3G pitch.
Children's Care Home Approved for 16 Ironwood Avenue, Desborough
Plans to change the use of a five-bedroom dwelling at 16 Ironwood Avenue, Desborough, into a children's care home for up to three children were approved. The decision was made subject to standard conditions and the additional requirement for a management plan to be provided. Councillors acknowledged concerns raised by local residents regarding potential noise, traffic, and anti-social behaviour, but ultimately concluded that the proposal would not significantly intensify the use of the property beyond that of a standard family home. The committee also highlighted their role as corporate parents
with a responsibility to ensure looked-after children are provided with a safe and supportive environment.
Listed Building Consent Granted for The Old Watermill, Brigstock
Listed building consent was granted for the retrospective re-roofing of a flat roof and balcony area at The Old Watermill in Brigstock. The decision was made subject to standard conditions, including the submission of detailed plans for materials and landscaping. While concerns were raised by Brigstock Parish Council regarding other unauthorised works at the property, the committee noted that these were outside the scope of the current application. The approved works were described as modest and not publicly visible, with no anticipated harm to the significance of the listed building or the surrounding conservation area.
Holiday Lets Approved for Former Estate Office, Lilford
Plans to erect five holiday lets on two parcels of land at the former Estate Office on the Lilford Hall Estate were approved. The decision was made subject to conditions, including the payment of a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM) programme. Concerns were raised by local residents and Lilford Parish Council regarding increased traffic on the private Lilford Road, potential impact on heritage assets, and the scale of development in the hamlet. However, the committee noted that the Local Highway Authority had no technical objections, and the proposal was supported by the Council's Greenway Officer and Tourism Team. The approved development aims to support the rural economy and enhance the area's tourism offer.
Oundle Rugby Football Club 3G Pitch Decision Deferred
A decision on the proposed installation of a 3G artificial grass pitch at Oundle Rugby Football Club was deferred. The committee agreed to postpone the decision to allow for further consideration of acoustic fencing and lighting by Environmental Protection.
Battery Energy Storage System Approved for 301 Grendon Road, Earls Barton
Plans for a battery energy storage system (BESS) with a capacity of up to 99.9 Megawatts (MW) at 301 Grendon Road, Earls Barton, were approved. The decision was made subject to numerous conditions, including requirements for a construction management plan, detailed drainage and landscaping schemes, archaeological investigation, and a comprehensive battery safety management plan. Concerns were raised by Earls Barton Parish Council and local residents regarding fire risk, potential environmental contamination, and cumulative impacts with other energy developments in the area. However, the committee was advised that the proposed development would contribute to a secure energy supply and a low-carbon future, and that mitigation measures were in place to address potential risks. The temporary nature of the development, for 45 years, was also noted.
Delegated decisions linked to this meeting
Decision summaries below are AI-generated from the council’s published record. Check the council source or the full decision page before relying on them.
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Election of Vice-Chair until the end of the 2025/26 municipal year
Recommendations ApprovedThe Planning Committee of North Northamptonshire Council decided on 11 March 2026 to appoint Councillor Jennie Bone as vice-chair. This appointment is effective until the end of the 2025/26 municipal year.
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NE/25/00627-FUL - Oundle Rugby Football Club - Oundle
Recommendations ApprovedThe Planning Committee of North Northamptonshire Council deferred the application for Oundle Rugby Football Club on 11 March 2026. The decision was to defer for further consideration of acoustic fencing and lighting by Environmental Protection.
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Application NE/24/01223/FUL - Former Estate Officer, Lilford, Peterborough
Recommendations ApprovedThe Planning Committee of North Northamptonshire Council decided to grant planning permission for five holiday lets at the Former Estate Office, Lilford, Peterborough on 11 March 2026. The Executive Director of Place and Economy was given delegated powers to approve the development subject to a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring Programme and the conditions outlined in the report.
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Members' declaration of interest (if any)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Planning Committee of North Northamptonshire Council decided on 11 March 2026 that no declarations of interest were made, members confirmed they were attending with an open mind, and no site visits had been undertaken.
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Application NW/25/00360/FUL - 301 Grendon Road, Earls Barton
Recommendations ApprovedThe Planning Committee of North Northamptonshire Council decided to approve the application for a Battery Energy Storage System at 301 Grendon Road, Earls Barton on 11 March 2026. The decision was made subject to conditions outlined in the report and delegated authority to the assistant director for planning to approve any necessary amendments to these conditions.
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Committee update report (if any)
Recommendations ApprovedThe Planning Committee of North Northamptonshire Council resolved on 11 March 2026 to note the committee update report. The report included updates on planning applications and officer responses to additional representations.
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Application 25/00920/FUL - 16 Ironwood Avenue, Desborough
Recommendations ApprovedThe Planning Committee of North Northamptonshire Council approved the change of use of a dwelling to a children's care home on 11 March 2026. The decision was to grant approval subject to conditions detailed in the report and the provision of a Management Plan.
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Close of meeting
Recommendations ApprovedThe Planning Committee of North Northamptonshire Council resolved that the meeting be closed at 9.57pm on 11 March 2026.
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To receive the minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2026
Recommendations ApprovedThe Planning Committee of North Northamptonshire Council decided to approve the minutes of the meeting held on 11 February 2026. The minutes were signed as an accurate record on 11 March 2026.
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