The North Northamptonshire Council Planning Committee met on Wednesday 21 January 2026 to discuss several planning applications. The committee resolved to defer a decision on the Former Estate Office in Lilford, PE8 5SG, to allow for further consultation, and granted planning permission for the replacement of a chimney section at Park Junior School, Wood Street, Kettering, NN16 9SE.

Former Estate Office, Lilford, PE8 5SG

The committee considered an application for five holiday lets at the Former Estate Office in Lilford. The proposal, which sought to convert the existing estate office into two holiday lets and build three new single-storey holiday lets on the site of a former nursery and Nissen huts, was brought before the committee due to over 10 neighbour objections.

Concerns were raised by Lilford Parish Council regarding an increase in residency within the hamlet, potential traffic increases on the single-track lane, and the design not being in keeping with the historic setting. Residents also voiced concerns about the impact on heritage assets, the disproportionate scale of the development for the settlement, highway safety due to the narrow lane, lack of parking, potential land contamination, and ecological impacts.

The Council's Conservation Officer initially raised concerns about the impact on the setting of the Grade I listed Lilford Hall and curtilage-listed aviaries. However, following a site visit and amended plans, the officer noted limited intervisibility and that the proposed holiday lets would be of a more sympathetic design. The plans were further amended to include heritage interpretation signage and the repair of a curtilage-listed boundary wall, which was considered to provide heritage benefits. The Council's Planning Archaeologist recommended a programme of archaeological observation during groundworks, to be secured by condition.

The Local Highway Authority confirmed that while the junction visibility did not meet standards, the impact of the proposed minor increase in vehicle movements was considered negligible and not a reason for refusal. Natural England advised that a financial contribution towards the Strategic Access Management and Monitoring (SAMM) programme would be required to mitigate recreational impacts on the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area.

The Council's Ecology Officer noted that the site was within an Amber Risk Zone for Great Crested Newts and recommended precautionary measures, to be secured by condition. A lighting strategy to minimise impact on wildlife was also requested.

Despite the concerns raised by residents and the Parish Council regarding traffic, heritage, and the scale of development, the committee resolved to defer the decision. This deferral was to ensure a full consultation was undertaken and advertisements were placed in appropriate publications.

Park Junior School, Wood Street, Kettering, NN16 9SE

Planning permission was granted for the replacement of the upper stone and brick pier section of the Victorian chimney at Park Junior School. The original chimney had developed structural defects, raising safety concerns.

The initial proposal for a timber-framed, lead-clad pyramidal structure was not supported by officers due to concerns about its design and impact on the character of the school building, which was identified as a non-designated heritage asset¹. Following consultation, an amended scheme was submitted for a like-for-like replacement using similar materials, including red facing brickwork and decorative glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) stone dressings.

Kettering Town Council and Kettering Civic Society initially objected to the original proposal but supported the amended like-for-like design. However, the Council's Heritage Officers expressed concerns that the use of GRP, a modern material, would not fully reflect the historic integrity of the building and would cause harm to the significance of the non-designated heritage asset.

The committee acknowledged the public benefit of the school and the financial constraints it operated under. They considered the amended scheme a reasonable compromise, balancing the preservation of the chimney's visual appearance with the use of GRP. The decision was made to grant planning permission, subject to conditions including the submission of details of materials to be used, a completion date for the works, and a construction management plan to mitigate disruption.