This week in West Northamptonshire:

Council Approves Canal Conservation Area Changes Amidst Braunston Concerns

The Planning Policy Committee approved updates to the Grand Union and Oxford Canal Conservation Area, including boundary changes that shift a section of the canal from the Braunston Conservation Area to the canal conservation area. This decision, made at the meeting on November 19th, has raised concerns about the potential impact on Braunston's heritage and tourism.

• Boundary Shift: A section of the canal between Braunston Wharf and Lock 3 will now be part of the canal conservation area, effectively removing it from the Braunston Conservation Area.
• Conservation Area Review: The committee agreed to the updated Grand Union and Oxford Canal Conservation Area Review, which included the designation of a new Conservation Area boundary as outlined in Appendix C of the report, superseding the 1995 designation.
• Community Involvement: The committee also adopted the West Northamptonshire Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) 2025, outlining how the council will engage with the community on planning matters.

While the council aims to protect the canal's heritage, residents in Braunston may be concerned about the potential impact of this decision on their village's identity and tourism.

Link to the meeting.

Planning Committee Greenlights Harpole Developments Amidst Infrastructure Worries

The Strategic Planning Committee approved two major planning applications in Harpole on November 18th, raising concerns among residents about the potential strain on local infrastructure and services.

• Norwood Farm Development: The committee approved the application for development on land at Norwood Farm, Sandy Lane, Harpole (reference number 2025/2236/MAR).
• Upper High Street Development: The committee also approved the application for development on land north west of Upper High Street, Harpole (reference number 2024/0672/MAO).

These developments could lead to increased traffic, pressure on schools and healthcare facilities, and a loss of green space, impacting the quality of life for existing residents.

Link to the meeting.

Complaint Against Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Heard Behind Closed Doors

The Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel - Complaints Sub-Committee met on November 18th to consider a non-criminal complaint against the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner of Northamptonshire. The Sub-Committee was also scheduled to consider whether to exclude the press and public from the meeting.

• Complaint 03/2025: The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider a non-criminal complaint (reference 03/2025) regarding the conduct of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner of Northamptonshire.
• Exclusion of Press and Public: The Sub-Committee was scheduled to consider whether to exclude the press and public from the meeting.

The decision to potentially exclude the press and public raises concerns about transparency and accountability in the handling of complaints against public officials.

Link to the meeting.

Other Matters

• The Non-Strategic Planning Committee met on November 18th and approved planning permission for a housing development at 381 Harlestone Road, Northampton, and the conversion of an agricultural building into commercial units at West Lodge Farm, Blisworth Road, Courteenhall. A decision on a retrospective application for a livestock building off Catesby Road, Hellidon was deferred, and the committee agreed to withdraw its opposition to an appeal for a housing development on Land East of Drovers Way, Potterspury. Link to the meeting.
• The Audit and Governance Committee met on November 20th to discuss internal and external audit reports, the council's pension fund, risk management, and governance matters. Link to the meeting.
• The Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee met on Friday 21 November 2025, to discuss a Hackney Carriage/ Private Hire Driver's Licence. No video was provided. Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87136) - November 24th: Discuss adult social care performance, workforce planning, and preventative measures.
• Senior Appointments Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87753) - November 24th
• Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87147) - November 26th
• Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88770) - November 27th: Discuss the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner's response to a Court of Appeal judgement.
• Council (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87157) - November 27th
• Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88210) - December 1st: Discuss the future of social housing in West Northamptonshire, and the effectiveness of the council's Housing Allocation Scheme.
• Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88767) - December 3rd
• Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88215) - December 4th
• West Northamptonshire Health and Wellbeing Board (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88218) - December 4th
• Non-Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/88220) - December 4th

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Council to Decide on Social Housing Future

The Cabinet is scheduled to discuss the future management of the council's housing stock at its meeting on November 11th. This decision could significantly impact the lives of thousands of tenants, particularly vulnerable residents who rely on council housing for affordable and secure accommodation. The Cabinet will consider options such as keeping housing under council control, transferring it to a housing association, or establishing an arms-length management organisation.

• Tenant Impact: The chosen management model will directly affect the quality of services tenants receive, including repairs, maintenance, and tenancy support.
• Financial Implications: The decision will also have significant financial implications for the council, influencing its ability to invest in new housing and maintain existing properties.
• Previous Discussions: The Children, Education and Housing Overview and Scrutiny Committee previously discussed the future delivery of social housing services currently run by Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH) in October.

The outcome of this discussion will shape the future of social housing in West Northamptonshire for years to come.

Link to the meeting.

Pension Fund Performance Under Scrutiny Amidst Economic Uncertainty

The Pensions Fund Committee - Investment Sub-Committee met on November 10th to review the fund's performance and discuss current investment topics, including the UK debt situation. With rising inflation and economic uncertainty, the decisions made by this committee have a direct impact on the financial security of current and future pensioners.

• Investment Strategy: The committee reviewed the fund's performance for the period ending 30 September 2025, noting an increase in assets but underperformance against the benchmark.
• Stewardship and Engagement: The committee received an update on stewardship and engagement matters, including voting activity and engagement with investment managers.
• UK Debt Situation: The committee discussed the UK debt situation and the attractiveness of gilts as an investment opportunity, considering factors such as global bond sell-offs and concerns about the UK fiscal position.

The decisions made by the committee will determine the long-term financial health of the pension fund and the security of retirement incomes for thousands of residents.

Link to the meeting.

Democracy and Standards Committee to Review Council Constitution

The Democracy and Standards Committee met on November 13th to discuss proposed amendments to the council's constitution and review the committee's work programme. These discussions are crucial for ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance within the council.

• Constitution Amendments: The committee considered proposed changes to the council's constitution, including changes to the order of business at council meetings and revisions to the Planning Protocol.
• Constitution Review: The committee discussed a review of the West Northamptonshire Council's constitution, aiming to ensure it remains fit for purpose and reflects the values and culture of the council.
• Work Programme: The committee reviewed its work programme for 2025/2026, outlining topics for future meetings, including the Register of Members' Interests and ethics and standards.

The decisions made by this committee will shape the way the council operates and the standards of conduct expected of its members.

Link to the meeting.

Other Matters

• The Children's Trust Joint Committee met on Wednesday 12 November 2025. No video was provided. Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel - Complaints Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87181) - November 18th: Address a non-criminal complaint against the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner of Northamptonshire.
• Non-Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86310) - November 18th: Consider planning applications, including housing developments and a farm shop conversion.
• Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86308) - November 18th: Discuss planning applications in Harpole.
• Planning Policy Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86311) - November 19th
• Audit and Governance Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86312) - November 20th
• Taxi & General Licensing Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87538) - November 21st: Review a Hackney Carriage/ Private Hire Driver's Licence.
• Adult Social Care and Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87136) - November 24th: Discuss adult social care performance, workforce planning, and preventative measures.
• Senior Appointments Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87753) - November 24th
• Place and Resources Overview and Scrutiny Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87147) - November 26th
• Council (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/87157) - November 27th

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Integrated Care Partnership Focuses on Neighbourhood Health and Cost Cuts

The Northamptonshire Integrated Care Partnership met to discuss key strategies for improving local health services, including a focus on neighbourhood-level care and significant cost-cutting measures. The partnership is grappling with how to deliver more integrated and proactive care while facing pressure to reduce running costs.

• Neighbourhood Services: The partnership explored new models of care delivered at the neighbourhood level, aiming to create more coordinated and accessible services for residents. This includes multi-disciplinary teams working with children, young people, and adults, connected to general practices.
• System Transition: The NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board is facing a national mandate to cut running costs by 50% by December 2025. This decision aims to free up resources for frontline services by reducing duplication and clarifying roles within the healthcare system.
• Proactive Care: The partnership discussed evolving models of proactive care, focusing on preventing illness and promoting well-being within the community.
• Anchor Institutions: The partnership reviewed the progress of anchor institutions, which are organizations like hospitals and universities that can play a key role in improving the social and economic well-being of their communities.

The discussions highlight the challenges of balancing ambitious goals for integrated care with the reality of budget constraints. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective collaboration and innovative solutions to deliver quality services with fewer resources.

Link to the meeting.

Planning Committee Considers Business Park Redevelopment and EV Charging Infrastructure

The Non-Strategic Planning Committee reviewed several planning applications, including a major redevelopment of a business park and the installation of EV charging infrastructure for electric buses. These decisions reflect the council's efforts to support economic growth and promote sustainable transportation.

• Compass Business Park: The committee considered an application for the redevelopment of Compass Business Park in Northampton, proposing flexible employment space suitable for various industrial and office uses. The planning officer's report recommended granting permission, subject to conditions and a legal agreement to secure employment training contributions.
• Stagecoach EV Charging: The committee reviewed an application for the installation of EV chargers and supporting infrastructure at the Stagecoach depot in Far Cotton, to support the operation of 24 electric buses. The planning officer's report recommended granting permission, subject to conditions.
• Other Applications: The committee also considered applications for a self-build dwelling, conversion of a garage into a dwelling, and the use of woodland for domestic purposes.

These decisions will shape the future of economic development and transportation in West Northamptonshire, balancing the need for growth with environmental considerations and community interests.

Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Meetings

• Pensions Fund Committee - Investment Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85438) - November 10th: Discussion of the stewardship and engagement report, a performance report for the period ending 30 September 2025, and an update on current investment topics.
• Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85440) - November 11th: Discussion of the future management of council housing stock, the budget position for the Market Square, and several safeguarding reports.
• Children's Trust Joint Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85442) - November 12th
• Democracy and Standards Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85444) - November 13th: Discussion of proposed amendments to the council's constitution, and to review the committee's work programme.
• Planning Policy Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86311) - November 19th
• Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86308) - November 18th
• Non-Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86310) - November 18th
• Audit and Governance Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/86312) - November 20th

This week in West Northamptonshire:

Shop Loses Licence After Illegal Vapes Found

The Alcohol & Gambling Licensing Sub-Committee met on October 28th to discuss the future of JBS Daily, a shop in Northampton, after Northamptonshire Police requested a review of its premises licence¹. The review was prompted by an inspection that uncovered a stash of illegal tobacco products, including hundreds of illegal vapes. The sub-committee was asked to consider whether to exclude the press and public from the meeting whilst discussing the premises licence review application for JBS Daily. No video was provided.

• Illicit Goods: Trading Standards officers found 334 illegal vapes, 69 packets of cigarettes, and 6 packets of hand rolling tobacco during an inspection.
• Underage Sales: Police officers were informed of a potential sale of alcohol to an underage customer. CCTV footage allegedly showed two customers being served alcohol without being asked for identification.
• Licence Review: The sub-committee was advised it could modify the licence conditions, exclude licensable activities, remove the designated premises supervisor, suspend the licence, or revoke it entirely.

The decision highlights the council's commitment to upholding licensing objectives and preventing crime and disorder.

Link to the meeting.

Upcoming Discussions on Neighbourhood Services and Planning Applications

Several key meetings are scheduled for the coming week, focusing on integrated care, planning, and pension fund investments.

• Northamptonshire Integrated Care Partnership (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84664) - November 6th: Discussions on neighbourhood services, system transition changes, proactive care models, and anchor institutions.
• Non-Strategic Planning Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/84666) - November 6th: Review of planning applications, including a self-build dwelling, conversion of a garage into a dwelling, and the use of woodland for domestic purposes.
• Pensions Fund Committee - Investment Sub-Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85438) - November 10th: Discussion of the stewardship and engagement report, a performance report for the period ending 30 September 2025, and an update on current investment topics.
• Cabinet (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85440) - November 11th
• Children's Trust Joint Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85442) - November 12th
• Democracy and Standards Committee (http://opencouncil.network/meetings/85444) - November 13th