The Non-Strategic Planning Committee met to discuss two planning applications, ultimately approving the erection of five residential dwellings in Milton Malsor, and refusing an outline application for up to 100 new homes in Northampton. The committee heard objections from local residents and parish councils for both applications, and considered reports from planning officers.

Land East of Towcester Road, Milton Malsor

The committee approved application 2023/0022/FULL for the erection of five residential dwellings (use class C3) with associated access and landscaping at Land East of Towcester Road, Milton Malsor. The decision was delegated to the Assistant Director – Planning and Development, subject to the conditions set out in the Committee Report, and any amendments deemed necessary.

Jerry Forskitt, a local resident, objected to the application, arguing that the design was not of sufficiently high quality to preserve or enhance the character of the area, as required by paragraph 131 of the National Planning Policy Framework. Leanne Reilly, another local resident, stated that the amended designs were merely cosmetic and did not address concerns about highway safety and frequent road traffic collisions near the proposed access.

Paul Heath, speaking on behalf of Milton Malsor Parish Council, raised concerns that the proposed layout would compromise the privacy and visual amenity of Plots A and B, and that highway safety and visibility concerns had not been addressed.

Andrew Parry, the agent for the applicant, explained that fundamental changes to the layout or density were not required by the committee's previous deferral, and that the scheme incorporated bespoke design features reflecting the local character and conservation area. He also stated that the scheme was policy compliant and had no objections from technical consultees.

Land at Harlestone Road and York Way, Northampton

The committee refused application 2025/0057/MAO for an outline planning application for up to 100 new homes at Land at Harlestone Road and York Way, Northampton, contrary to the Case Officer's recommendation. The reason for refusal was that the proposal represented unacceptable encroachment into the designated Green Wedge¹, which seeks to maintain physical and visual separation between settlements and prevent coalescence, and would result in harm to the character of the locality, contrary to Policy ENV3 (A) of the Daventry District Settlements and Countryside Part 2 Local Plan 2011-2029 (2020).

Jenny Cross, a local resident, objected to the application, stating that it was contrary to Policy ENV3 of the Daventry District Settlements and Countryside Part 2 Local Plan as it encroached onto the green wedge surrounding Harlestone Firs, and was also contrary to the adopted Harlestone Neighbourhood Plan as the development would be sited within Harlestone Parish but geographically isolated from the rest of the Parish.

Amanda Onyett, another local resident, stated that the application site was close to a designated local wildlife site and would erode the green barrier separating Harlestone Firs with the existing Sustainable Urban Extension off York Way. She also argued that with 15,000 new dwellings consented within a mile of the application site, there was no requirement for further new housing development.

Nigel Stock, a local resident, stated that the proposal would be dislocated from the rest of Harlestone Parish, and that as the application site was not part of the Northampton Related Development Area, there was no requirement for residential development on this site. He also expressed concern about how future antisocial behaviour could be prevented in the car park associated with the proposed development.

Sarah Stock, speaking on behalf of Harlestone Parish Council, stated that the green wedge designation for the site was maintained in the emerging local plan and that the council's Strategic Land Available Assessment ruled the site out for development because of its contribution to the Green Wedge. Therefore, development of this site would be contrary to Policy ENV3 of the existing Daventry District Settlements and Countryside Part 2 Local Plan.

Gary Hallman, the agent for the applicant, stated that the application site was sustainable due to its locality to existing facilities and transport links, that the proposal was compliant with Policy H2 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy as it offered 40% affordable housing, and that no technical consultees had objected to the application. He also stated that engagement had occurred between the developer and residents, including the Parish Council, and that the proposals had been modified based on feedback received to protect permanent public rights of way and deliver a controlled pedestrian crossing on York Way. He added that the development would enable almost half of the site to be retained as green space, and therefore there was no conflict with Policy ENV3 regarding the green wedge.

Councillor Sally Keeble, Leader of the Labour Group, proposed that application 2025/0057/MAO be approved in accordance with the Case Officer's recommendation, subject to the inclusion of consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee in the negotiation of the Heads of Terms in respect of affordability including affordable rent and social rent. This motion was lost.

Councillor Adrian Cartwright proposed that application 2025/0057/MAO be approved in accordance with the Case Officer's recommendation, subject to the inclusion of consultation with the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee in the negotiation of the Heads of Terms in respect of affordability including affordable rent and social rent, and the requirement that the discharge of Condition 8 relating to surface water drainage be approved by this Committee at reserved matters stage. This motion was also lost.