New North Northamptonshire Local Plan cross-party member advisory group set to be established

05 August 2025

North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive will meet next week to discuss a new member advisory group, ahead of work moving forward on a new Local Plan for North Northamptonshire.

All councils are required to have a plan for development in their area, which is known as a Local Plan. The plan is expected to set out a range of development proposals as well as planning policies and supports the delivery of the council’s vision for the area.

Moving on from the four local plans which currently cover the area, the council is now seeking to progress a new North Northamptonshire Local Plan, covering the entirety of the geography of North Northamptonshire.

As part of this process, it is proposed that a cross-party advisory group is formed, made up of nine Councillors from a variety of backgrounds. It is also proposed that Councillors on the group represent all geographic areas of North Northamptonshire.

Planning is at the heart of everything we do, it impacts so many areas of the council, plus communities across North Northamptonshire.

We are one council that covers such a large area with community at its heart. With this in mind, we as Councillors are endeavouring to reflect this legally through a robust Local Plan. As part of this, we need voices from across the area - Councillors who represent their wards alongside community consultation. Together with this vital group, there will also be opportunities for residents to get involved - initially when the first draft goes out for consultation in early 2026.Cllr Jan O’Hara, the council’s Executive Member for Planning and Economic Growth

North Northamptonshire is an area with such potential and opportunities for growth. This work on developing a Local Plan for North Northamptonshire fits in with our vision for area and is highlighted by the work we are doing with partners on Big50.

We want to continue the work on Big50 and harness the amazing energy of our local communities to achieve great things in the future, both near and far. The work on the Local Plan is a key part of this and will enable the council and residents to shape our communities in the years ahead.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council

If the report is approved, it is proposed that the Local Plan Advisory Group will meet for the first time in September 2025, with the next major stage of the Plan being the publication of the draft plan for public consultation in early 2026.

North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive will meet on Tuesday 12 August at the Corby Cube from 10am and papers are now available online. The meeting will be live streamed via the council’s YouTube channel.