The Parish Council (PC) met on the 13 January and firstly heard that the West Northants Council (WNC) Planners had informed it that the Bloor Development would only be approved in exceptional circumstances – the WNC have an UpToDate 5 year housing land supply and any application would have to have a new housing needs survey. To date, no application has been received.
An enquiry has been received regarding reviving the housing development at Pool Farm (50 affordable units) – the developer had posted a very unsatisfactory survey prior to Christmas, and the PC is arranging a meeting with the developer to understand their proposal before seeking local views & forming a firm opinion.
WNC Policy Planning Committee has agreed to enter a period of consultation on the revised Local Plan that covers the period through to 2043. The Plan for consultation includes an allocation of 3,800 units as a minimum number of houses allocated to each Primary and Secondary Village – a result of an additional 9,000 units allocation to WNC by the Government. Our Parish has been allocated 186 units that would have to be identified in the following 2 years and if this was not actioned, then the WNC would allocate land even if outside the village confines. The PC has noted that WNC have not accepted our argument that we should be classified as a secondary village, but for the allocation above, this is not affected. The consultation opens in February and runs until the 23 March – the PC is working with Ward Councillors and considering how to respond to the consultation.
In other matters, a response has been made to the WNC Budget consultation regarding the parking charges proposal for market towns and the well beyond inflation increase in green bin collection charges. Parishioners are encouraged to respond to the consultation here
West Northamptonshire Council Draft Budget 2026 to 2027 Consultation – West Northamptonshire Council – Citizen Space.
A Councillor has taken on the role of organising the Remembrance Sunday parade after the previous organiser has withdrawn as they have left the Village. The PC set its Precept for the year commencing 01 April 2026 that represents a c.4% increase – we understand the WNC proposal is a 4.99% increase in Council Tax.
