The Non-Strategic Planning Committee of West Northamptonshire Council met on 6 November 2025, and approved six planning applications, and one application for listed building consent. Councillors also noted the withdrawal of an application relating to land surrounding Aynho Park House, and agreed the minutes of the previous meeting.

Here's a breakdown of the key discussions:

Sears Farmhouse, Lower Boddington - Garage Conversion

The committee discussed two applications, 2025/2241/FULL and 2025/3970/LBC, relating to Sears Farmhouse, Hill Road, Lower Boddington. These applications concerned the conversion and extension of an existing garage into a self-contained dwelling, with associated parking, turning and landscaping. Despite a recommendation for refusal from the case officer, both applications were approved.

The Senior Planning Officer explained the reasons for recommending refusal, citing conflicts with policies LH4 and NE2 of the South Northamptonshire Local Plan Part 2, unacceptable heritage and visual impacts, and contravention of Section 66 of The Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Area) Act 1990, Paragraphs 213 and 215 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), Policy BN5 of the West Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy, and Chapters 4 and 7 of the South Northamptonshire Design Guide.

Councillor Alison Eastwood, a local ward member, spoke in support of the application, highlighting the applicant's care in restoring the main Sears Farmhouse building and arguing that the same standards would be applied to the outbuilding. She contended that any policy conflicts would result in less than substantial harm.

The applicant, Stephen Allonby-Briggs, also addressed the committee, emphasising his commitment to restoring the barn to a high standard and highlighting its current derelict state.

The committee acknowledged the policy conflicts but some members expressed the view that each application should be assessed on its own merits and in the instance of this application, such conflicts would result in less than substantial harm.

Ultimately, the committee voted to approve both applications, delegating authority to officers to negotiate and agree on a set of planning conditions with the applicant.

Land adjacent to Heathfield, Bridge Road, Stoke Bruerne - Self-build Dwelling

The committee approved application 2025/2713/PIP for permission in principle for the construction of a single self-build dwelling at Land adjacent to Heathfield, Bridge Road, Stoke Bruerne.

David Locke, speaking on behalf of Stoke Bruerne Parish Council, objected to the application, arguing that the site was outside the village confines, contrary to the development plan, and that the applicant had not demonstrated a sufficient local connection as required by Policy LH5 of the South Northamptonshire Part 2 Local Plan.

Alexandra Freegard, a local resident, spoke in support, stating that the applicant met the local connection criteria and wished to relocate to Stoke Bruerne due to family connections.

Jennie Harris, the agent for the applicant, also argued that the local connection criteria had been met and that the design details would be carefully considered at the technical details consent stage.

Councillor Rebecca Breese and Councillor Zoe Smith proposed and seconded the approval of the application, which was carried with 11 votes in favour and no votes against.

Compass Business Park, Northampton - Employment Floorspace

The committee approved application 2025/1579/FULL for the redevelopment of the site to provide employment floorspace for a flexible range of uses (within Classes E(g)(iii)¹, B2² and / or B8³) with ancillary offices together with the provision of a service yard, parking, landscaping and associated works at Compass Business Park, Alcura House Units A and B, Caswell Road, Northampton.

There were no public speakers on this item.

Councillor Alexander McMurtry and Councillor Adrian Cartwright proposed and seconded the approval of the application, which was carried with 11 votes in favour and no votes against.

The approval was subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement to secure contributions towards employment training, travel plan monitoring, and S106 monitoring fees, as well as the conditions set out in the Case Officer's report.

Stagecoach, Far Cotton - EV Charging Infrastructure

The committee approved application 2025/2220/FULL for the installation of 7.1m high gantries, EV chargers, LV feeder pillars and supporting infrastructure to support EV charging for 24x EV busses and installation of fence along northern fence at Unit 11 Minton Business Centre, Main Road, Far Cotton, Northampton for Stagecoach.

There were no public speakers on this item.

Councillor Zoe Smith and Councillor David Tarbun proposed and seconded the approval of the application, which was carried with nine votes in favour and two abstentions.

The approval was subject to the conditions set out in the Case Officer's report.

Bullers Grounds Farm, Moreton Pinkney - Farmhouse Design Amendments

The committee approved application 2025/3716/S73 for the variation of approved plans to amend the design and layout of a farmhouse pursuant to application 71/20/8498 at Bullers Grounds Farm, Moreton Pinkney.

The Development Management Team Leader clarified that the principle of development was established under a 1971 permission and was not for consideration as part of the Section 73 application.

Claire Poulton, on behalf of Moreton Pinkney Parish Council, objected to the application, arguing that the development was in open countryside and should not be approved unless agricultural ties to the occupant could be demonstrated.

Councillor Alison Eastwood, speaking as a local ward member, also objected, arguing that the application should be assessed against modern planning legislation.

James Paynter, the agent for the applicant, argued that the original permission represented a fallback position and that the applicant did have a valid agricultural tie.

Councillor Rebecca Breese and Councillor Adrian Cartwright proposed and seconded the approval of the application, which was carried with ten votes in favour and one abstention.

Councillor John East, Chair of the Committee, noted that reference to a Section 106 agreement in the Officer's report was an error.

Land Surrounding Aynho Park House, Aynho - Application Withdrawal

The committee noted the withdrawal of application 2024/4126/MAF for the use of woodland for purposes incidental to the domestic enjoyment of a dwelling house at Land Surrounding Aynho Park House, Aynho Park, Aynho.