The Place and Environment Scrutiny Committee met on 23 September 2025 to discuss the draft Housing Fire Safety Policy, proposed changes to cemetery regulations, the Local Transport Plan timeline, and the Statement of Community Involvement. Key decisions included recommending enhancements to resident fire safety information, approving the application of unified cemetery regulations across North Northamptonshire, noting the progress and timeline for the Local Transport Plan, and recommending further engagement on improving the enforcement of planning conditions.

Draft Housing Fire Safety Policy

The committee reviewed the draft Housing Fire Safety Policy, which aims to align fire safety practices across North Northamptonshire Council's 8,000 homes. Public speaker Lynne Buckingham raised concerns about the stay-put advice, the frequency of fire risk assessments, and the potential impact of sterile communal area policies on vulnerable residents. Daniel Hannam, Head of Housing Maintenance and Development, explained that fire risk assessments would be annual, supplemented by regular block inspections. He also outlined an engage, educate and enforce approach to managing communal areas. Councillors discussed the unique risks posed by lithium-ion batteries in mobility scooters and e-bikes, and the policy's approach to these. The committee resolved to recommend that officers enhance resident and tenant information and guidance to include national guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council.

Application of North Northamptonshire Cemetery Regulations

The committee considered proposals to apply a single set of cemetery regulations across the 13 working cemeteries managed by North Northamptonshire Council. Currently, four different sets of regulations exist, causing confusion for users. The proposed changes aim to standardise memorial sizes, introduce a single-depth grave policy where ground conditions are challenging, and align opening hours at Wellingborough cemeteries with those in Corby and Kettering. Samantha Diamond, Head of Trading Standards and Bereavement Services, explained that the alignment of opening hours would not incur additional costs, as contracts are being rationalised. Concerns were raised about potential negative feedback from residents regarding reduced opening hours, similar to previous changes in Corby, and the balance between security and public access. The committee noted that a public consultation had received 144 responses, with mixed feedback on some proposals. The committee resolved to note and consider the report's contents, raising comments for feedback to the Executive.

Local Transport Plan Development and Programme Timeline

The committee received an update on the progress of the North Northamptonshire Local Transport Plan (LTP), with the current plan dating back to 2012. Public speaker Lynne Buckingham highlighted the long gap between plans and questioned how the council would ensure representative consultation, particularly with rural communities and disabled residents. Surendra Wanza, Transport Strategy Manager, acknowledged the delay and explained that the LTP development is in its early stages, with further consultation planned. He noted that new government guidance on LTPs is awaited but the council is proceeding to avoid further delays. The committee discussed the importance of engaging with town and parish councils, and the need for a holistic approach that includes quick wins and addresses the needs of hard-to-reach groups. The report outlined a six-stage development programme, with adoption anticipated in Autumn 2027. The committee noted and considered the report's contents, raising comments for feedback to officers.

North Northamptonshire Statement of Community Involvement

Lyn Buckingham also spoke on the Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), proposing amendments to strengthen developer accountability, improve publicising of planning applications, and ensure greater enforceability of consultation promises through planning conditions and Section 106 obligations. Simon Richardson, Head of Policy & Placemaking, explained that the SCI sets out how the council will consult on planning applications and development plans. Alex, from the Development Management function, highlighted changes including a reduction in the standard consultation period from 24 to 21 days, aligning with national guidance, and the ability to close online comments after the consultation period. He also noted the inclusion of pictorial guides to improve transparency. Councillor David Baker proposed, and Councillor Matt Davies seconded, a recommendation that officers explore opportunities to enhance the enforcement of planning conditions with developers and publish breaches. This was unanimously approved.

The meeting also included the approval of the minutes from the previous meeting held on 2nd September 2025.