Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Date of Decision: September 18, 2025

Purpose:

Content: RESOLVED: Cabinet; a)    Approved the renewal of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) across the West Northamptonshire Council administrative area until October 2028. b)    Approved the variation of the Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) to also include the new requirement that dogs must be on leads at all times at a defined lakeside area of St James Park, Brackley and Unit 1 Gravel Pits. Maps showing the extent of the variation to cover these areas are appended to this report as Appendix F and G. c)     Resolved that the draft varied PSPO at Appendix H shall be made by the Council and delegate the formal making of   REASONS RESOLVED: Without the renewal and variation: ·       There are reasonable grounds to believe that incidents of dog and smoking related antisocial behaviour will increase in the locality. ·       Enforcement of the dog controls and prevention of anti-social behaviour is made more difficult as there would be no other statutory powers in place to address them.   The renewal and variation: ·       Has been well supported in the public consultation - see Appendix A. ·       Is considered an appropriate and proportionate response to dog control and smoking related issues in the locality. ·       Will allow for consistent messaging, improve education and compliance thereby reducing incidents of anti-social behaviour in the locality. ·       Takes steps towards achieving some of the councils One West Northamptonshire priorities – Thriving Towns and Neighbourhoods, Best Place to Grow Up, Best Place to Live and Age Well.   ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS: ·       Choice 1: Cabinet could choose not to approve the variation to the PSPO to require dogs on leads at all times at Unit 1 Gravel Pits, and/or St James Lake park, Brackley – not recommended. ·       Choice 2: Cabinet could choose not to approve the renewal of the West Northants wide PSPO – not recommended ·       Choice 3: Cabinet could choose to approve the variation to the PSPO to require dogs on leads at all times at Unit 1 Gravel Pits, and St James Lake park, Brackley, and the renewal of the WNC wide PSPO – recommended.