The Non-Strategic Planning Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026. The committee approved five planning applications and refused one. Permission was granted for developments at Station Farm in Horton, Land off Maple Close in Braunston, and 1 Derby Road in Northampton. Permission was refused for development on Land to the East of Charwelton Road in Badby. The application for Land at Grange Farm in Brixworth was approved contrary to the Case Officer's recommendation. The agenda item for 8 Cedar Road in Northampton was withdrawn.

Station Farm, Denton Road, Horton

Permission was approved for the erection of stables, a menage, and the use of agricultural land for keeping horses at Station Farm, Denton Road, Horton. The decision followed the Case Officer's recommendation, with various requirements to be detailed in the minutes. The application was assessed against local and national planning policies, with no objections raised by consultees. The development was deemed acceptable in principle, with no adverse impact on highway safety, neighbour amenity, or the environment. The proposal also included a biodiversity net gain of over 50%.¹

Land at Grange Farm, Fox Hill Grange, Brixworth

The committee approved the construction of a detached dwelling with a garage and outbuilding at Land at Grange Farm, Fox Hill Grange, Brixworth, contrary to the Case Officer's recommendation. The approval was subject to various requirements to be detailed in the minutes. The application had been called in by Councillor Jonathan Harris due to concerns about the lack of employment benefits and affordable housing, and the design not meeting exceptional standards. While the applicant aimed to create an outstanding, exemplar home, the council's officers and heritage and design consultees concluded that the proposal did not meet the exceptionally high bar set by paragraph 84(e) of the National Planning Policy Framework² for isolated homes in the countryside. Concerns were raised about the design being overly bulky, heavy and visually dominant, and not sufficiently sensitive to the local landscape.

Land to the East of Charwelton Road, Badby

Permission was refused for an outline application for up to 49 dwellings, public open space, and associated infrastructure on Land to the East of Charwelton Road, Badby. This decision was in accordance with the Case Officer's recommendation, with reasons to be detailed in the minutes. The refusal was based on significant harm to the landscape, character, appearance, and historic environment of the area, which outweighed any proposed benefits. Specific concerns included the development's scale and location outside the village confines, its impact on the Special Landscape Area, the loss of archaeological remains (ridge and furrow), and harm to the setting of nearby listed buildings and the Badby Conservation Area. Furthermore, there were unresolved issues regarding highway safety, sustainable travel, and connectivity, with the Local Highway Authority raising objections due to insufficient information to demonstrate safe and suitable access for all users.

Land off Maple Close, Braunston

Permission was granted for the construction of 21 affordable homes, including new roads and associated site services, on Land off Maple Close, Braunston. This approval was in accordance with the Case Officer's recommendation and subject to conditions and a Section 106 legal agreement. The development was considered acceptable as a rural exception scheme, meeting identified local housing needs and complying with relevant planning policies. No objections were raised by consultees, and the proposal was supported by Strategic Housing and Braunston Parish Council. The development will provide 100% affordable housing and meet open space requirements.

1 Derby Road, Northampton

The committee approved the conversion of a dwelling at 1 Derby Road, Northampton, into a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) for six occupants, including a single-storey rear and side extension. This decision was in line with the Case Officer's recommendation, subject to conditions. The application had been called in by Councillor Zoe Smith due to concerns about overdevelopment, loss of a family home, and increased parking and refuse issues. The assessment found that the proposed HMO would not exceed the 10% concentration threshold for such properties within a 50-meter radius, thus maintaining a balanced community. The development also met amenity standards for future occupants and was considered sustainable due to its proximity to public transport and local services. While on-site parking was insufficient, the location's sustainability was deemed to mitigate this concern.

8 Cedar Road, Northampton

The agenda item for 8 Cedar Road, Northampton, was withdrawn.

Land at Harlestone Road and York Way, Northampton

An appeal statement of case for Land at Harlestone Road and York Way, Northampton, was considered. The outcome of this item was set out in exempt minutes.