The Non-Strategic Planning Committee convened to discuss planning applications and a consultation response, making key decisions on developments in Kilsby and Upper Heyford, while also addressing future planning strategies. The committee refused an outline application for 19 dwellings in Kilsby, despite a previous approval, and approved a new self-build dwelling in Upper Heyford. Additionally, they agreed to send a draft response to the Rugby Borough Local Plan Preferred Option consultation.

Rugby Borough Local Plan - Preferred Option Consultation 2025

West Northamptonshire Council will not accommodate any unmet Gypsy and Traveller pitches from Rugby Borough at this time. The committee agreed to a draft response to the Rugby Borough Local Plan Preferred Option consultation, with the addition of comments regarding concerns raised by Barby and Olney Parish Council concerning the Rainsbrook Valley, and cycleways to Rugby Parkway Station. The head of planning policy and specialist services was delegated authority to make minor editorial and presentational changes before submission.

Land off Barby Road, Kilsby

An outline application for the construction of up to 19 dwellings with associated landscaping, open space, drainage infrastructure and associated works at land off Barby Road, Kilsby was refused, contrary to the case officer's recommendation.

The principal lawyer for planning and highways, Sian Webb, explained that a previous decision to grant permission had been altered because of the removal of a requirement for the developer to provide a Section 106 contribution¹ for local healthcare.

Objectors to the application included Ian Gidley, speaking on behalf of the Kislingbury Action Group, Andrew Farrier, a local resident, Michael Margetts, on behalf of Kilsby Parish Council, Councillor Rosie Humphreys, a local ward member for Braunston and Crick, Councillor Andrew Simpson, a local ward member for Braunston and Crick, and Stuart Andrew MP, Member of Parliament for the Daventry Constituency.

Reasons for objection included:

• The proposal was contrary to the adopted Kilsby Neighbourhood Plan and policy RA2C of the Daventry District Settlements and Countryside Part 2 Local Plan, as the site was outside the settlement confines of Kilsby and in open countryside.
• The council could demonstrate a 5.5 year housing land supply, so the exception of building outside the village confines was not warranted.
• The application had failed to demonstrate a local housing need in Kilsby.
• The housing needs survey in support of the application was out of date.
• The proposal would give rise to unacceptable highway safety impacts, creating an unsafe junction at the proposed access from the application site onto Barby Road.
• The application site formed part of an important green buffer that enhanced the surroundings of the village.
• The proposal would place additional strain on existing local services.
• The existing ridge and furrow along the application site could be considered a non-designated heritage asset.
• The village had already contributed 73 new dwellings to local housing needs.

Alasdair Thorne, the agent for the applicant, spoke in support of the application, arguing that the proposed development represented sustainable development and supported local housing needs, that no technical consultees had objected, that the previous decision of North Planning Committee to approve this application was a significant material planning consideration, and that there were no highway safety concerns.

The committee voted to refuse the application on the grounds that the proposal was contrary to Policy RA2B of the Daventry District Settlements and Countryside Part 2 Local Plan, as it did not meet any of the exceptions criteria to justify development beyond the village confines. They also noted that the housing needs survey was out of date, it had not been demonstrated that the need could not be met within the defined village confines, and that the development would result in the loss of open land that contributes to the form and character of the village, contrary to the provisions of Policy RA2C iii and iv of the Daventry District Settlements and Countryside Part 2 Local Plan and Policy K6 of the Kilsby Neighbourhood Plan Review 2022.

Heyford Mill, Weedon Road, Upper Heyford

Application 2024/2761/FULL for a new self-build dwelling with associated works at Heyford Mill, Weedon Road, Upper Heyford was approved in accordance with the case officer’s recommendation.

Sian Slater, on behalf of Upper Heyford Parish Meeting, Councillor Phil Bignell, a local ward member for Campion, and Nick Bryden, the agent for the applicant, spoke in support of the application.

The principal planning officer, Christopher Bates, explained that the application had been referred to the committee because the application site exceeded 10,000 square metres, constituting a major development².