The Non-Strategic Planning Committee of West Northamptonshire Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday 6 August 2026 to consider a range of planning applications. The meeting's agenda includes discussions on several residential developments, including affordable housing projects and changes of use for properties to become care homes.

Land to the East of Lovett Road, Byfield

A significant item on the agenda is the proposed construction of 14 residential dwellings on land to the east of Lovett Road in Byfield. This development is planned as a rural exception site, with 12 of the proposed homes designated as affordable housing. The application seeks to address an identified local need for affordable housing, as evidenced by a recent Housing Needs Survey. The proposal includes a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom dwellings, comprising bungalows and two-storey houses, with 9 units planned for social rent and 3 for shared ownership. The development also incorporates plans for associated parking, public open space, a local area of play, and landscaping.

Consultations on this application have involved various stakeholders, including Byfield Parish Council, who have raised objections concerning visitor parking, traffic on Woodford Road, and pedestrian safety. West Northamptonshire Council's Strategic Housing team has expressed support for the proposal, noting its contribution to meeting affordable housing needs. Environmental Health has raised points regarding electric vehicle charging provision, while the Local Highway Authority has provided comments on access, connectivity, and parking arrangements. The Lead Local Flood Authority has confirmed that the proposed surface water drainage scheme adequately manages flood risk, subject to conditions. Ecology officers have raised points regarding biodiversity net gain and the potential presence of great crested newts, with the applicant confirming their intention to use the Council's District Licensing scheme. A financial contribution towards library services is also being sought.

Land off Upton Valley Way North, Pineham, Northampton

The committee will also consider an outline planning application for residential development of up to 80 dwellings on land off Upton Valley Way North in Pineham, Northampton. This site is allocated for residential development under Policy HO1 of the Northampton Local Plan Part 2. The proposal includes associated access, landscaping, and infrastructure.

The application has generated significant public objection, with concerns raised about flood risk, impacts on the Nene Valley Country Park, strain on local infrastructure such as schools and healthcare, highway congestion, loss of green space, and visual impacts. The Parish Council has also raised objections. However, numerous statutory consultees, including WNC Planning Policy, Environmental Health, Ecology, Heritage, Landscape, the Lead Local Flood Authority, the Local Highway Authority, and Anglian Water, have raised no objections, subject to conditions. Strategic Housing is in support of the application. The proposal includes provision for affordable housing, though at a lower percentage than stipulated in the Joint Core Strategy, with a viability assessment indicating this is necessary. Contributions towards education, healthcare, libraries, and open space provision are also being sought as part of planning obligations.

Applications for Determination

Several other planning applications are scheduled for determination:

• Bridge Cottage, 2 Castle Ashby Road, Yardley Hastings: This application concerns the removal of a maple tree. The report indicates that the council has no objection to the proposal, provided the work is carried out within two years and does not breach any planning consent conditions affecting the property.
• Gullivers, 43 West End, West Haddon: This involves the demolition of an existing conservatory and the construction of a replacement at a Grade II listed building within a conservation area. The applicant is a West Northamptonshire Councillor. The recommendation is to grant permission subject to conditions.
• Gullivers, 43 West End, West Haddon: A related application for listed building consent for the same conservatory demolition and replacement works. The recommendation is also to grant permission subject to conditions.
• 84 Church Way, Northampton: This application seeks a change of use from a dwelling house (C3) to a care home (C2) for up to 8 young adults requiring wheelchair-accessible accommodation. The proposal includes a single-storey rear extension and garage conversion. Objections have been raised regarding highway safety, tree protection, loss of amenity, character of the area, and the cumulative impact of having two care homes in close proximity. The recommendation is to grant permission subject to conditions.
• 88 Church Way, Weston Favell, Northampton: This application is for a change of use from a dwelling house (C3) to a care home (C2) for up to 4 young adults requiring wheelchair-accessible accommodation. Similar to the application at 84 Church Way, objections have been raised concerning highway safety, tree protection, amenity, and cumulative impact. The recommendation is to grant permission subject to conditions.
• Caswell Science Park, Towcester Road, Greens Norton: This proposal is for a new single-storey warehouse storage facility with an office annex at the existing Science and Technology Park. The development is over a hectare in size. The recommendation is to grant permission subject to conditions.

The committee will also receive communication from the Chair and consider proposed pre-committee site visits for items due to be heard at the 20 August 2026 meeting.