The Planning Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Wednesday 11 February 2026, approving planning permission for CCTV at Spring Rise Park and the reserved matters for flats at HM Court Service, Dryden Street, Kettering. The committee also resolved to defer a decision on an application for a children's care home at 16 Ironwood Avenue, Desborough.

Application 25/00920/FUL: 16 Ironwood Avenue, Desborough

The committee resolved to defer the decision on the application to change the use of a dwelling at 16 Ironwood Avenue, Desborough from a residential dwelling (Use Class C3) to a children's care home (Use Class C2). This deferral was recommended due to a technical error where letters were not sent to objectors in time for them to apply to address the meeting. This will afford objectors the opportunity to make representations at a future committee meeting.

The application had received 17 letters of objection from local residents, raising concerns about potential disruption from staff and professional visits, traffic and parking issues on Teasel Drive, an increase in anti-social behaviour and crime, and a perceived change to the character of the area. Concerns were also raised about the potential for the property to be used for any C2 use, loss of privacy, missing information in the application, and potential conflicts of interest due to the property being owned by a North Northamptonshire Councillor.

The officer's report noted that a C2 care home is defined as a residential institution and is not a commercial use or comparable to a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO). It was argued that the proposed use, accommodating up to three children and a maximum of three staff members on shift, would function similarly to a family home and would not represent an intensification of use beyond what could reasonably occur within a C3 dwelling. The Local Highways Authority raised no objections, and the site has four parking spaces, which meets the required provision standards for a C2 use.

Application 25/01310/REM: HM Court Service, Dryden Street, Kettering

The committee approved the application for reserved matters concerning access and landscaping for the conversion of the existing building at HM Court Service, Dryden Street, Kettering into 14 flats. This followed the granting of outline planning permission NK/2024/0468. The application was brought to the committee as the council is the landowner. No objections were received from the public.

The officer's report detailed the proposed landscaping and access arrangements, which were considered to be appropriate for the site and surrounding area. The Local Highway Authority raised no objections in principle, although they sought satisfaction regarding waste collection and emergency service requirements. Northamptonshire Police's Designing Out Crime Officer provided recommendations regarding security for gates, cycle stores, and bin stores, noting some inconsistencies in the provided documentation. The committee debated the application, with members considering the proposals to be good and appropriate and that they would enhance the area.

Application 25/01193/FUL: Play area Spring Rise, Kettering

Planning permission was granted for the installation of two CCTV cameras at Spring Rise Park, Kettering. The application was before the committee as the council is the applicant. No objections were received.

The committee fully supported the introduction of monitored CCTV, citing a previous serious issue at the site and believing it would enhance public safety. Members also felt that adding an informative to the permission would ensure that any footage could be used as evidence if required. Kettering has experienced disproportionately high levels of crime, and this measure aligns with the council's commitment to designing out crime and disorder, as outlined in Policy 8 of the North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy. The cameras are intended to be angled for views across the park, not into residential windows, to protect the privacy of neighbouring properties.

The meeting concluded at 7:16 pm.