Neighbourhood planning

North Northamptonshire Council has designated the following neighbourhood areas for the purpose of producing neighbourhood plans. The respective Qualifying Bodies have not yet prepared their plans to the Pre-submission (Regulation 14) stage.

Ashley designated 27 March 2024

Barton Seagrave designated 11 December 2023

Kettering Central designated 24 October 2024

Little Addington designated 12 April 2024

The following documents are available on request from [email protected]:

• Desborough designated 16 October 2013
• Mawsley designated 15 April 2015
• Oundle designated 17 June 2013
• Pytchley designated 7 December 2015
• Rothwell designated 10 April 2013
• Rushton designated 22 May 2022
• Stanion designated 27 September 2018
• Thrapston designated 25 May 2022
• Twywell designated 9 May 2019

Details of progress on these plans can be obtained by visiting the websites of the relevant town and parish councils.

Copies of designation documents can be requested from the Planning Policy team by sending an email to [email protected]

SEA/HRA reports can be viewed on parish or town council websites as follows:

• Neighbourhood Plan - Rothwell Town Council
• Neighbourhood Plan - Isham Parish Council
• Neighbourhood Plan - Submission - Grafton Underwood Parish Council
• Neighbourhood Plan - Great Addington Parish Council
• Neighbourhood Plan - Kettering Central
  - Screening decision notice for Kettering Central
• Neighbourhood Planning - Irthlingborough Town Council
  - Screening decision notice for Irthlingborough Town Council
• Neighbourhood Plan - Nassington Parish Council
  - Screening decision notice for Nassington Parish Council
• Screening decision notice for Rushden
• Screening decision notice for Wilbarston

Details of progress:

• Wilbarston Neighbourhood Plan Pre-Submission Draft 2024-2045 - Consultation on the proposed Neighbourhood Plan for Wilbarston will run from Monday 19 January 2026 to Monday 2 March 2026 for a period of 6 weeks. Please visit the Key Working Documents - Wilbarston Parish council website for further updates.
• Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Plan Pre-Submission Draft 2022 to 2041 - Consultation on the proposed Neighbourhood Plan for Grafton Underwood Parish took place for a period of six weeks from Monday 22 July 2024 to Monday 2 September 2024. Please visit the Grafton Underwood Parish Council's website for further updates.
• Great Cransley Neighbourhood Plan to 2031 - Consultation on the proposed Neighbourhood Development Plan for Great Cransley Parish is taking place for a period of six weeks from Friday 27 September to Friday 8 November 2024. Please visit the Great Cransley Parish Council’s website for further updates.
• Isham Neighbourhood Development Plan 2016-2031
• Nassington Neighbourhood Development Plan 2021 to 2031 - Consultation on the proposed Neighbourhood Plan for Nassington Parish is taking place for a period of two months from Tuesday 1 October to Saturday 30 November 2024. Please visit the Nassington Parish Council’s website for further updates.
• Weldon Neighbourhood Development Plan 2024 to 2031 - Consultation on the proposed Neighbourhood Plan for Weldon Parish took place for a period of six weeks, closing on Friday 13 September 2024. Please visit the Weldon Parish Council’s website for further updates.

Plans listed here are at Regulation 16 consultation stage.

Details of the consultation including:

• relevant documents
• where you can view hard copies
• how to comment

Isham Neighbourhood Plan - Regulation 16 consultation

North Northamptonshire Council has formally received the Isham Parish Neighbourhood Plan, which has been submitted for consultation in accordance with Regulation 15 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), it includes the following documents:

• Isham Neighbourhood Plan
• Consultation Statement
• Basic Conditions Statement
• Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening
• Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening
• Landscape and Visual Assessment Isham Parish

In accordance with Regulation 16 of The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended) the council is now publicising the Plan proposal for a period of six weeks. Representations are invited from 1 September 2025 to 13 October 2025 (midnight).

Representations should address whether, or not, the Plan proposal meets the basic conditions and other matters that the independent examiner is required to consider under paragraph 8 of Schedule 4B to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

Representations may also address whether the referendum area should be extended beyond the neighbourhood area.

You can view the relevant documents and make any representations through the Planning Policy consultation portal.

Our preference is for you to use the consultation portal however, alternatively, comments can be made through emailing [email protected] or be submitted by writing direct to North Northamptonshire Council:

Isham NP consultation
Council Offices
Thrapston area
Cedar Drive
Thrapston
Northamptonshire
NN14 4LZ

Hard copies of the Plan proposal and supporting documents are also available for public inspection at the North Northamptonshire Council office (Municipal Offices, Bowling Green Road, Kettering, NN15 7QX).

If you make a representation and would like to be notified of the council’s decision following the examiner’s recommendations, please make a formal request for this in your representation.

For information about how consultation and engagement responses are managed, please email [email protected].

Isham Neighbourhood Development Plan – Regulation 16 Consultation & Examination Update

Following the introduction of Sections 98 and 99 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 on 25 March 2026, the examiner for the Isham Neighbourhood Development Plan, Mr Christopher Collison, has advised that the Regulation 16 consultation may now be re run to allow consultation on an addendum to the Basic Conditions Statement addressing these new requirements.

In line with the examiner’s proposal, and North Northamptonshire Council’s Statement of Community Involvement, the Regulation 16 consultation will be re run for a minimum period of six weeks. This will provide an opportunity for representations to be made on the updated information accompanying the Plan.

Details of the consultation period and the relevant documents will be published on this page in due course.

Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Plan - Regulation 16 consultation

North Northamptonshire Council has formally received the Grafton Underwood Parish Neighbourhood Plan, which has been submitted for consultation in accordance with Regulation 15 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), it includes the following documents:

• Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Plan
• Consultation Statement
• Basic Conditions Statement
• Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening
• Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening
• the Neighbourhood Plan Design Guide

In accordance with Regulation 16 of The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended) the council is now publicising the Plan proposal for a period of six weeks. Representations are invited from 1 September 2025 to 13 October 2025 (midnight).

Representations should address whether, or not, the Plan proposal meets the basic conditions and other matters that the independent examiner is required to consider under paragraph 8 of Schedule 4B to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).

Representations may also address whether the referendum area should be extended beyond the neighbourhood area.

You can view the relevant documents and make any representations through the Planning Policy consultation portal.

Our preference if for you to use the consultation portal however, alternatively, comments can be made through emailing [email protected] or be submitted by writing direct to North Northamptonshire Council:

Grafton Underwood NP consultation
Council Offices
Thrapston area
Cedar Drive
Thrapston
Northamptonshire
NN14 4LZ

Hard copies of the Plan proposal and supporting documents are also available for public inspection at the North Northamptonshire Council Office (Municipal Offices, Bowling Green Road, Kettering, NN15 7QX).

If you make a representation and would like to be notified of the council’s decision following the examiner’s recommendations, please make a formal request for this in your representation.

For information about how consultation and engagement responses are managed, please email [email protected].

Rothwell Neighbourhood Plan - Regulation 16 consultation

North Northamptonshire Council has formally received the Rothwell Neighbourhood Plan, which has been submitted for consultation in accordance with Regulation 15 of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), it includes the following documents:

• Rothwell Neighbourhood Plan
• Map of the Designated Neighbourhood Area
• Consultation Statement
• Basic Conditions Statement
• Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening
• Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening
• Evidence documents

In accordance with Regulation 16 of The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended) the council is now publicising the Plan proposal for a period of six weeks. Representations are invited from 24 April 2026 to 7 June 2026 (midnight).

Representations should address whether, or not, the Plan proposal meets the basic conditions and other matters that the independent examiner is required to consider under paragraph 8 of Schedule 4B to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended).
Representations may also address whether the referendum area should be extended beyond the neighbourhood area.

You can view the relevant documents and make any representations through the Planning Policy consultation portal.

Our preference is for you to use the consultation portal however, alternatively, comments can be made through emailing [email protected] or be submitted by writing direct to North Northamptonshire Council:

Rothwell NP consultation
Council Offices
Thrapston area
Cedar Drive
Thrapston
Northamptonshire
NN14 4LZ

Hard copies of the Plan proposal and supporting documents are also available for public inspection at the North Northamptonshire Council office (Municipal Offices, Bowling Green Road, Kettering, NN15 7QX).

If you make a representation and would like to be notified of the council’s decision following the examiner’s recommendations, please make a formal request for this in your representation.

For information about how consultation and engagement responses are managed, please email [email protected].

Grafton Underwood

The note of the examiner’s sets out the examination arrangements:

Examiner’s clarification note:

Parish Council response to clarification note:

Independent examination:

Examination arrangements

Purpose of this note

This note sets out the basis on which the examination of the neighbourhood plan will be undertaken. Its ambitions are two-fold:

• to comply with the NPIERS guidance for service users and examiners (April 2018)
• to provide guidance for the Parish Council on the key stages of the examination

The examination route map

Different examinations raise their own issues. Nevertheless, the examination of the submitted Neighbourhood Plan will have the following the key stages:

Stage 1: Background reading

This involves reading the submitted Plan, its supporting documents, and the various representations. I will take all this information into account when preparing my report.

This stage of the examination has now started.

Stage 2: Visit to the neighbourhood area

The visit will provide me with an opportunity to look at specific issues and locations in the neighbourhood area.

Plainly not every component of the Plan needs to be viewed on the visit. Nevertheless, it will be focused on the issues that have arisen either from the background reading and which are fundamental to the Plan.

The visit will be unaccompanied. I will not meet with representatives of the Parish Council, North Northamptonshire Council or any of the parties who have commented on the Plan.

I will visit the neighbourhood area next week.

Stage 3: Clarification note

I will send a clarification note shortly after the visit. It will raise a series of questions for the Parish Council on the submitted Plan. The answers to the questions will help me to understand the Plan better and, where necessary, to recommend modifications to ensure it meets the basic conditions. The note will also provide an opportunity for the Parish Council to respond to the representations received on the Plan.

The clarification note will suggest a timescale for responses. However, this is a matter which I am happy should proceed at whatever pace is determined locally. This acknowledges that work on neighbourhood plans is carried out by local councils and individuals on a voluntary basis.

Stage 4: Decision about the need for a hearing

The combination of the background reading, the unaccompanied visit and the responses to the clarification note will allow me to come to a view about the need or otherwise for a hearing as part of the examination process. The legislation anticipates that most examinations can proceed by way of written representations and without a hearing.

If a hearing is required, North Northamptonshire Council will make the necessary arrangements.

Stage 5: The examination report

The report will be prepared throughout the examination period. Its general parts can be written early in the process. The elements of the report that overlap with the clarification note will not be prepared until the responses to the note are received. These arrangements would also apply if a hearing was required.

I will prepare a fact check report before the final report. This will give an opportunity for the Parish Council and North Northamptonshire Council to comment on any factual inaccuracies and omissions within the report. It will not present an opportunity for the examination to enter another phase.

Other related matters

The timing of the examination

Plainly different plans cover different issues. Neighbourhood plan examinations are inevitably linear and are directly affected by the number of policies and the number and complexity of the representations received.

In the case of the Grafton Underwood Plan, I anticipate being able to send the fact check report in mid-February 2026.

The exact timing will be influenced by the responses to the clarification note and/or the organisation of any required hearing.

Documents

I have asked North Northamptonshire Council to display all examination-related documents on its website.

Contact arrangements

My principal contact for the examination will be Umrah Mahadik at North Northamptonshire Council.

In most cases, I will ask Umrah to send documents to the Parish Council on my behalf.

Andrew Ashcroft
Independent Examiner
Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Development Plan
6 January 2026

Independent Examination of the Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Development Plan

Andrew Ashcroft was appointed as the independent examiner for the Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP). The independent examination is a key part of the neighbourhood planning process and is intended to ensure that the submission plan meets the required legal standards.

The examiner’s role is to assess whether the plan meets the basic conditions set out in Paragraph 8(2) of Schedule 4B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. These conditions include, among other things, conformity with national policy, general compliance with strategic local planning policies, and compatibility with European obligations.

Further updates on the examination will be published on this webpage in due course.

Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Development Plan

Examiner’s clarification note

This Note sets out my initial comments on the submitted Plan. It also sets out areas where it would be helpful to have some further clarification. For the avoidance of doubt, matters of clarification are entirely normal at this early stage of the examination process.

Initial comments

The Plan has been prepared and presented in a very professional and effective manner. The photographs and the maps are excellent.

In addition, the Plan is supported by a good package of supporting documents. In several cases they directly underpin the relevant policies.

The Vision Statement is very clear.

Points for clarification

I have read the submitted documents and the representations made to the Plan. I have also visited the neighbourhood area. I am now able to raise issues for clarification with the Parish Council. The comments made on the points in this Note will assist in the preparation of my report and in recommending any modifications that may be necessary to ensure that the Plan meets the basic conditions.

Policy GU1

This is a very good policy which sets the scene for the wider Plan. The identified views were clear during the visit.

Policy GU5

I looked carefully at the proposed local green spaces (LGSs) during the visit. Their significance to the local community was self-evident.

The policy is underpinned by the details in Appendix 1 and takes the matter-of-fact approach applied in paragraph 107 of the NPPF.

Please can the Parish Council advise about the size of proposed LGS 4 and LGS6.

Policy GU6

The reference to the Local Wildlife Sites (a) sits uncomfortably in the overall structure of the policy. Could it be weaved into the policy without affecting its overall effect and purpose?

Policy GU8

The intention of the first part of the policy is clear. Nevertheless, to ensure that it has a positive focus I am minded to recommend that its order is reversed so that the submitted first sentence comes at the end.

Does the Parish Council have any comments on this proposition?

Policy GU9

The policy has been carefully developed and is underpinned by the details in Appendix 2.

I am minded to recommend that the policy element sits at the end and that the earlier part of the policy identifies the various assets.

Does the Parish Council have any comments on this proposition?

Policy GU10

The policy is carefully underpinned by the Design Guide.

In the round, the policy and the Design Guide represent an excellent local response to Section 12 of the NPPF.

Policy GU11

I saw the importance of the identified facilities during the visit.

The policy makes good use of the relevant policy in the adopted Local Plan.

Policy GU15

This is a good criteria-based policy which complements national and local planning policies.

Policy GU17

This is another good positive local policy.

Policy GU18

On first reading, there is a slight disjoint between the first part of the policy and the opening element of the second part of the policy.

I am minded to recommend that opening element of the second part of the policy is replaced with ‘Development proposals for these uses should meet the following criteria:’

Does the Parish Council have any comments on this proposition?

Policy GU19

The thrust of the policy is entirely appropriate. However, does it have a specific purpose given that the broader issue is addressed in the Northamptonshire Parking Standards?

Representations

Does the Parish Council have any comments on the representations received?

Protocol for responses

I would be grateful for responses by 5 February 2026. Please let me know if this timetable will be challenging to achieve. It is intended to maintain the momentum of the examination.

If certain responses are available before others, I would happy to receive the information on a piecemeal basis.

Irrespective of how the information is assembled, please could it come to me directly from North Northamptonshire Council and make direct reference to the policy or the matter concerned.

Andrew Ashcroft
Independent Examiner 
Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Development Plan. 
15 January 2026

Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Development Plan

Examiner’s Clarification Note: Grafton Underwood Parish Council’s response

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to your Clarification Note, its positive tone is very much appreciated. There are only a few matters which need a response and these are addressed below:

Policy GU5

LGS4 (0.67ha) and LGS6 (0.73ha) are both located centrally within the village and considered to make a positive contribution to the Conservation Area and the historic and rural character of Grafton Underwood. These open spaces also provide for the setting of St James’ Church (Grade I Listed Building) and several nearby Listed Buildings. Physical and defensible boundaries have been used to define the extent of these Local Green Spaces, seeking to ensure they are local in scale and not extensive tracts of land.

A detailed assessment has been undertaken for all of the Local Green Spaces and can be accessed using the following link:

What has been done so far – Grafton Underwood Parish Council

Policy GU6

The following revised policy wording is suggested:

Development should not harm the network of local ecological features and habitats as shown on Map 5 and the Policies Map.

New development will be expected to maintain and enhance these local wildlife and potential local wildlife sites, and other ecological corridors and landscape features (such as watercourses, hedgerows and treelines). As well as delivering an overall net gain for Biodiversity.

All new development should integrate features such as bat boxes, bird boxes and hedgehog highways to support biodiversity.

Policy GU8

The Parish Council is supportive of the suggested modifications.

Policy GU9

The Parish Council is supportive of the suggested modifications.

Policy GU18

The Parish Council is supportive of the suggested modifications.

Policy GU19

Residents living in the village are heavily reliant on the private car for their journeys, in light of the lack of public transport and the lack of village services and facilities. The 2021 census identifies car ownership in Grafton Underwood as 87.9%, compared to 76.5% across England.

Levels of on-street parking was raised as a concern through the public consultation undertaken by the parish Council in May 2022. High levels of car ownership and reliance on the private car for journeys in turn creates a parking demand. Parking issues are identified in the supporting text and the policy seeks to reinforce existing parking standards in the County and not exacerbate the parking issues faced in the village. In addition, the parking standards were adopted after the North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy.

Representations

The Parish Council has reviewed the representations on the Submitted Neighbourhood Plan and would like to make the following comments:

North Northamptonshire Council Strategic Housing:

Grafton Underwood is not a suitable place for housing development. The village’s services and facilities are limited, and the lack of public transport means that residents rely on the private car for their journeys. Our Neighbourhood Plan is only expected to allocate housing sites if there is a local desire to do so. Therefore, in February/March 2023, the Parish Council undertook focussed, local consultation on housing issues to gauge local support for more housing. The consultation identified 8 potential housing sites and basic information on each site, (including factors such as heritage, landscape and nature conservation), was provided in the form of supporting documents made available. A preferred housing site was also identified.

Feedback was sought on the issues raised and there was opportunity for those responding to advise if they supported or objected to the allocation of a housing site in Grafton Underwood, if they supported the development of First Homes (a form of affordable housing) in the Village and which of the potential housing sites they preferred. The consultation showed that there was little support for further housing, other than infill, in the village- even First Homes. Parallel consultation with the Boughton Estate also demonstrated that the landowner of the identified sites had little enthusiasm for delivering affordable housing.

The need for affordable housing arising from a community of just 130 residents would inevitably be very small and with little community or landowner support further housing provision, either affordable or market, the Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Plan does not allocate a site for new housing development or make provision for affordable housing.

Of course, in the unlikely event that circumstances change, Policy 13 of the Joint Core Strategy could be engaged to help deliver a rural exception scheme for affordable housing but in the meantime, the Parish Council wishes to avoid unnecessary duplication of policies and sees no need to reproduce or signpost strategic Policy 13.

Architects Ltd:

Policy GU10 seeks the creation of well-designed buildings whilst reflecting the local character, supported by the guidelines set out in the Grafton Underwood Design Guide (2020).

Pat Bird
Clerk to Grafton Underwood Parish Council
3 February 2026

Isham

Isham Neighbourhood Development Plan

Independent Examiner:
Christopher Collison BA(Hons) MBA MRTPI MIED IHBC

To North Northamptonshire Council and Isham Parish Council

By email to Umrah Mahadik, Senior Policy Consultant, Neighbourhood Planning, North Northamptonshire Council, and Rachael Bell, Clerk, Isham Parish Council.

cc. Richard Palmer NNC, Cllr Andrew Tidbury IPC, and Cllr Graham Kinnear IPC.

Dated 29 December 2025
Dear Rachael and Umrah

Isham Neighbourhood Development Plan Independent Examination - Examiner Initial Letter

Further to my appointment to undertake the Independent Examination of the Isham Neighbourhood Development Plan I am writing to clarify how I will conduct the examination which will formally commence today.

1.0 Communications

It is essential that the examination process is open and transparent to all interested parties. I would be grateful if North Northamptonshire Council could publish this letter on its website. I will address all future communication to North Northamptonshire Council, and to the Parish Council. It would be helpful if, when writing to me, North Northamptonshire Council and the Parish Council could send a copy to each other. Any advisors to the Parish Council or North Northamptonshire Council should channel any communication through the relevant organisation.  

2.0 National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Practice Guidance

As the Neighbourhood Plan was submitted to North Northamptonshire Council after 12 March 2025, I must undertake this Independent Examination in the context of the National Planning Policy Framework published on 12 December 2024. I will consider the Planning Practice Guidance in that context.

3.0 Examination documents

North Northamptonshire Council has provided me either with a copy of, or access to, the main submission Neighbourhood Plan documents and each of the Regulation 16 representations received during the publicity period. I have noted additional information is available on the North Northamptonshire Council website and on the Parish Council website. All documents sent to me throughout the Independent Examination, should be made available for inspection by interested parties. This is best achieved through publication on the North Northamptonshire Council website.

I have looked at the main submission Neighbourhood Plan documents. Subject to my later detailed assessment I have not identified any obvious fundamental flaws in the submission documents that would lead me to advise the examination should not proceed. If I find that there are significant issues which may prevent the Neighbourhood Plan meeting the Basic Conditions and other requirements, that cannot be addressed through modifications, I will notify you during the examination.

North Northamptonshire Council has advised me what comprises the Development Plan and what are regarded as the strategic policies of the Development Plan applying in the Neighbourhood Area.

I am providing the Parish Council with an opportunity to comment on the Regulation 16 representations of all other parties, including those of North Northamptonshire Council. There is no obligation on the Parish Council to offer any comments but this opportunity can prove particularly helpful where representations of other parties include matters that have not been raised earlier in the plan preparation process.

I request the Parish Council should submit any comments on the representations to North Northamptonshire Council, no later than noon on Friday 16 January 2026. The Parish Council may, at an earlier date, submit its comments, or confirm it does not intend to submit any comments on the representations. North Northamptonshire Council should forward any Parish Council comments to me, and any comments should be published on the North Northamptonshire Council website. Any Parish Council comments must not include new evidence.

4.0 Independence

From my initial review of the main Neighbourhood Plan documents, there are no conflicts of interest that would call into question my independent status. I will keep that matter under review throughout the examination.

5.0 Site visits in the Neighbourhood Plan area

All necessary visits to view parts of the plan area will be undertaken by me on an unaccompanied basis as it is important that there should be no perception that I have heard additional representations.

6.0 Clarification procedure

I may at any time during the Independent Examination seek written clarification of any matters that I consider necessary. I will direct any request for clarification to North Northamptonshire Council and to the Parish Council. I will request, if possible, any response is agreed as a joint response of North Northamptonshire Council and the Parish Council. Any request for clarification and any response should be published on the North Northamptonshire Council website.

I am proceeding on the basis that the examination can be concluded without the need for a hearing. At any time before I issue my final report, I may call a hearing if I consider this is necessary to ensure adequate examination of any issue, or to allow a person a fair chance to put a case.

7.0 Examination timetable

The main determinants of how long an examination will take are: the number and complexity of the Neighbourhood Plan policies; the clarity of supporting evidence; and the number and nature of representations. Assuming a hearing will not be necessary, and that the need for me to request clarification of any matters will not cause undue delay, I anticipate that before the end of February 2026 I will be able to send a confidential draft of my report to North Northamptonshire Council and the Parish Council to allow an opportunity to check whether there are any factual errors. That will not be an opportunity for any further representations to be made. This intended timetable should be regarded as indicative only.  

I should be grateful if both North Northamptonshire Council and the Parish Council could confirm in writing that they are willing to participate in the fact check of my emerging draft report on the terms indicated.

8.0 Procedural questions

A guide to Independent Examinations can be found here. I would be pleased to address any questions relating to the examination process that North Northamptonshire Council or the Parish Council may have.

I should be grateful if North Northamptonshire Council and the Parish Council could acknowledge receipt of this letter.

Best regards

Chris Collison 
Independent Examiner 
Planning and Management Ltd 

Independent Examination of the Isham Neighbourhood Development Plan

Christopher Collison was appointed as the independent examiner for the Isham Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP). The independent examination is a key part of the neighbourhood planning process and is intended to ensure that the submission plan meets the required legal standards.

The examiner’s role is to assess whether the plan meets the basic conditions set out in Paragraph 8(2) of Schedule 4B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. These conditions include, among other things, conformity with national policy, general compliance with strategic local planning policies, and compatibility with European obligations.

Further updates on the examination will be published on this webpage in due course.

Independent Examination of the Isham Neighbourhood Development Plan

Independent Examiner: 
Christopher Collison BA(Hons) MBA MRTPI MIED IHBC 
To North Northamptonshire Council and Isham Parish Council 
By email to Umrah Mahadik, Senior Policy Consultant, Neighbourhood Planning, North Northamptonshire Council, and Rachael Bell, Clerk, Isham Parish Council. 
cc. Richard Palmer NNC, Cllr Andrew Tidbury IPC, and Cllr Graham Kinnear IPC. 
Dated 3 February 2026

Dear Rachael and Umrah 
Isham Neighbourhood Development Plan Independent Examination - Examiner letter seeking clarification of matters 
Further to my initial letter of 29 December 2025, I am writing to seek clarification of matters as part of my consideration whether the Neighbourhood Plan meets the “Basic Conditions”. 
Policy E1: Area of Separation

1 Please direct me to the existing justification for Policy E1 to apply to land to the west of the existing A509.

Isham Parish Council response: The general approach in planning terms has been to meet the scale of requirements set out in the development plan and as agreed with NNC throughout the process and to protect the character and separation of the village from neighbouring developments. There are concerns raised by residents in the survey/questionnaire/engagement meetings that land between the existing village and proposed bypass to the west of the settlement will be filled with development and therefore the character will be lost. Separation from the bypass and neighbouring developments was fully supported by residents. This is the case for both north and south of the existing built-up area of the village.

To the north, the location of another commercial allocation in the Kettering Local Plan Part 2 opposite the existing Symmetry Park adds to the pressure on maintaining the character and separation of the village. This is a similar approach to east of the A509 where the gap between Symmetry Park and the northern side of the village is protected. This approach is supported by the significant responses to the questionnaire and public engagement. In addition, the independent landscape assessment has shown these areas as highly sensitive to the impact of development.

North Northamptonshire Council response: Areas of separation of separation are designed to prevent the possibility of settlements merging and losing their individual identity. Clear evidence should therefore be required to support designations and the extent of the designation. The above explanation provides that the policy has been used to protect the settlement from neighbouring developments. However, it is felt that the response does not completely clarify how this definition has been drawn up and what it incorporates as “development”.

Whilst there is logic to the designation of separation area policies preventing the mergence of Isham and Burton Latimer, and the Symmetry Park employment land, this would largely relate to land to the east of Isham and that to the immediate north.  Areas of separation should be based on the concept of mergence (ie the function of the land, rather than aspects of its landscape quality).

Policy E3: Important Views

2 Policy E3 lists 11 important views. The Important Views Map in Appendix 1 of the Neighbourhood Plan indicates 13 viewpoints. Please provide me with a copy of the Important Views Map that numbers the viewpoints to correspond with the numbering of views listed in Policy E3.

Isham Parish Council response: Thank you for picking up the inconsistency. On reflection, to some extent this may have been caused by over familiarisation of the Plan area by the Steering Group members. We have proposed changes to the Maps including to Policy E3 and to the Map. This is renumbered and will relate better. I have attached a suggested revision in a tracked change document.

In respect of the Viewpoint from south of the village, this is across the NP area which lies to the north of the hedgerow. Photograph 11 is being replaced…it is attached with this response.

3 Please confirm that every identified viewpoint is freely accessible to the public.

Isham Parish Council response: Each viewpoint is relevant to the NP area and also accessible to the public.

4 The Important Views Map in Appendix 1 of the Neighbourhood Plan identifies two viewpoints outside the Neighbourhood Area which it may not. I invite comment on a proposed modification of the Important Views Map in Appendix 1 of the Neighbourhood Plan to delete those viewpoints or to relocate the two viewpoints that are shown outside the Neighbourhood Area to the first available point within each view that is freely accessible to the public.

Isham Parish Council response: While these viewpoints are from outside of the Neighbourhood Plan area, they are views across the Plan area and are accessible to the public. Refer to the revised Map.
North Northamptonshire Council response: The Neighbourhood Plan response seeks to the address the examiner’s questions. Clearly, policies and designations cannot extend beyond the designated area. The Council has no further comments to add.

Policy E4: Local Green Spaces

5 Please provide me with text, and a copy of Map 1 in Appendix 1 of the Neighbourhood Plan, that identify which of the 18 sites listed in the Table presented within paragraph 6.40 of the Neighbourhood Plan are included within each of the following areas listed in Policy E4:

Isham Parish Council response: We have revised the details and shown on our suggested track changes. All photographs are numbered and listed in the policy.

• 9. Area north of the village between Station Road and The Sorrels and west of the A509 
  Isham Parish Council response: The policy is proposed to be amended. All photos are numbered in paragraph 6.40 and are listed in the policy. This is photographs 12, 14 and 15
• 10. Land south of the village both sides of the A509 
  Isham Parish Council response: As listed, I have suggested revisions to the policy wording and numbered photographs. These are 17 and 18
• 11. Land at Mill Lane and South Street. 
  Isham Parish Council response: This is the middle photograph on page 59 of the document is now numbered 16 in suggested track changes.

6 Please state the area of land (in hectares) that is included within each of areas 9, 10 and 11 above. Isham Parish Council response: This is estimated as 24, 31 and 22 hectares respectively.

7 Please explain why it has been concluded areas 9, 10 and 11, individually, and in combination do not constitute an extensive area of land.

Isham Parish Council response: This is based very much on the views of residents and the impact caused by the development of Symmetry Park and the proposed adjacent development west of the A509 allocated in the Kettering Local Plan Part 2. This is coupled with the wishes of residents to retain open areas between the village and the bypass. These areas will potentially be subject to pressure for development which will alter the character and separation of the village. They are important spaces to protect in line with the strong views of residents. They are important spaces in protecting the character of the village and not merely areas of open land. While the existing and proposed developments north of the village are covered by the Kettering Part 2 Plan, this is now all within NNC area and protecting the character and setting of Isham is important. This relates to the aims of the Plan which has reflected the clear concerns of residents and supported by NNC.

8 Please explain why designation of areas 9, 10 and 11 do not constitute a blanket designation of open countryside adjacent to the existing settlement of Isham as a back door way to achieve what would amount to a new area of Green Belt by another name. (See paragraph: 015 Reference ID: 37-015-20140306 Revision date: 06 03 2014 of the Planning Practice Guidance).

Isham Parish Council response: It is not Green Belt. The Neighbourhood Plan supports the opportunity for small scale development in line with the development plan and agreed with NNC. This includes protecting open areas. These areas are open spaces and valued as indicated above. Development can still be supported under the correct circumstances and an assessment of impact on the open space. They are clearly important open spaces to the residents and in relation to the strategy agreed with the local residents and supported by NNC.

North Northamptonshire Council response: The Council acknowledges that the Neighbourhood Plan attempts to accommodate the balance of its current housing requirement through infill development rather than providing a housing site allocation. The Neighbourhood Plan covers the period up to 2031. A review of the Local Plan is currently underway to cover the period up to 2045, which will generate additional need across North Northamptonshire. (The current government requirement for housing in North Northamptonshire, calculated using the revised standard method, is 2,002 dwellings per annum).

As an update to para 6.16 of the Neighbourhood Plan, the council no longer has a 5-year housing land supply and has produced an interim statement ahead of providing a housing action plan.
 
The identification of the greenspaces shown in map 1 do appear to provide a different concept to the local greenspace set out in map 2. Those in map 1 are more extensive in nature and are obviously located further away from the community they serve. This would require further evidence than resident support to justify the designation in relation to para 107 of the NPPF and should set out the reasoning for their introduction beyond applying the policy definition, as part of the rural area, set out in Policy 11 (2. The Rural Areas) in the North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy (2016).

9 Policy E4 seeks to designate 11 Local Green Spaces. Map 2 of the Neighbourhood Plan and its Key identify 12 sites, and the Table presented within paragraph 6.40 of the Neighbourhood Plan includes 18 sites. Please provide me with a copy of Map 2, and a copy of the Table within paragraph 6.40 of the Neighbourhood Plan, that both correspond with the list of sites in Policy E4. 
Isham Parish Council response: The Map has been revised as attached.

10 Paragraph 106 of the National Planning Policy Framework states “Designating land as Local Green Space should be consistent with the local planning of sustainable development and complement investment in sufficient homes, jobs, and other essential services. The Planning Practice Guidance states “Designating any Local Green Space will need to be consistent with local planning for sustainable development in the area. Plans must identify sufficient land in suitable locations to meet identified development needs, and the Local Green Space designation should not be used in a way that undermines this aim of plan making.” (Paragraph: 007 Reference ID: 37-007-20140306 Revision date: 06 03 2014). Please direct me to evidence that demonstrates the approach to designate areas 9, 10 and 11 listed above as Local Green Space will compliment investment in sufficient homes.

Isham Parish Council response: North Northants Council has been closely consulted throughout the preparation of the Neighbourhood Plan and the proposed Plan follows the policies and requirements of the Joint Core Strategy and Local Plan Part 2. There is sufficient land to meet identified needs and the approach in the Neighbourhood Plan follows the Joint Core Strategy and is therefore reflective of the sustainability aims in the development plan as it is based on the agreed requirement. The NP meets the requirements of the development plan and supported by NNC. The scale of growth is in line with the JCS and with the comments by NNC. The strategy is therefore sustainable in terms of the development plan context. NNC have agreed the scale of development and there is opportunity to provide for the agreed requirement.

North Northamptonshire Council response: Whilst it is acknowledged that the approach would allow for sufficient land opportunities to meet requirements under the current development plan, as stated, the council is currently reviewing its Local Plan up to the period 2045. This will require additional development across North Northamptonshire, clearly the approach would provide limited opportunity for future investment beyond the plan period.

11 The Guidance states the Qualifying Body (Parish Council) “should contact landowners at an early stage about proposals to designate any part of their land as Local Green Space. Landowners will have opportunities to make representations in respect of proposals in a draft plan.” (Planning Practice Guidance Paragraph: 019 Reference ID:37-019-20140306 Revision date 06 03 2014).

Please detail the contact with landowners in this respect.

Isham Parish Council response: Both Letters sent in May and then on 19 June are contained in Appendix 4 of the Consultations Statement document.

I request any response to these matters are agreed as a joint response of the Parish Council and North Northamptonshire Council wherever possible. This request for clarification of matters and any response should be published on the North Northamptonshire Council website.

To maintain the momentum of the Independent Examination I would be grateful if a reply could be sent to me by Noon on Wednesday 18 February 2026.

For the avoidance of doubt my recommendation whether the Neighbourhood Plan meets the Basic Conditions and should proceed to referendum, and recommendations of modification of the Neighbourhood Plan that may be contained in my report of independent examination will not be limited to consideration of those matters in respect of which I have requested clarification in this letter.

I would be grateful if North Northamptonshire Council and the Parish Council could acknowledge receipt of this letter.

Best regards
Chris Collison
Independent Examiner
Planning and Management Ltd

Isham Neighbourhood Development Plan – Regulation 16 Consultation & Examination Update

Following the introduction of Sections 98 and 99 of the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act 2023 on 25 March 2026, the examiner for the Isham Neighbourhood Development Plan, Mr Christopher Collison, has advised that the Regulation 16 consultation may now be re run to allow consultation on an addendum to the Basic Conditions Statement addressing these new requirements.

In line with the examiner’s proposal, and North Northamptonshire Council’s Statement of Community Involvement, the Regulation 16 consultation will be re run for a minimum period of six weeks. This will provide an opportunity for representations to be made on the updated information accompanying the Plan.

Details of the consultation period and the relevant documents will be published on this page in due course.

Neighbourhood Development Plans (NDPs) at Referendum

The NDPs listed here have reached the Referendum stage. We have considered the independent examiner’s report and decided that they should proceed to Referendum.

The council is responsible for organising and running the Referendum, which will be open to all eligible voters in the referendum area (usually the same as the Neighbourhood Area).

We will include on this page:

• Details of the Referendum
• The relevant documents
• Where and when the Referendum will take place
• Results of the Referendum, updated after it has taken place

Neighbourhood development plans (NDPs) listed here have been 'made' (or adopted) by the council:

• The list includes NDPs that have been reviewed
• Made plans can be downloaded below and accessed via the parish or town council webpages - the council is not responsible for the contents of external websites
• Plans dated before September 2018 may not be accessible
• Mapping information is available for a number of Neighbourhood Plans in North Northamptonshire
• Individual decision notices can be requested from the Planning Policy Team by emailing [email protected]
• The date shown indicates when the NDP was made or reviewed.

To correct a factual error, Braybrooke Parish Council requested that a Minor Modification be made to the Braybrooke Neighbourhood Plan. North Northamptonshire Council confirmed that this can be treated as a Minor Modification as it does not materially affect the policies of the made plan. Braybrooke Parish Council agreed at their meeting on Tuesday 19 September 2023 to give consent to North Northamptonshire Council to make this change.

A further Minor Modification has also been agreed to the settlement boundary (Figure 3). 

The following documents are available on request from [email protected] or direct from the Parish or Town Council websites:

• Barnwell Neighbourhood Plan Design Code - July 2020
• Barnwell Neighbourhood Plan - Made 9 February 2023
• Barrowden and Wakerley Neighbourhood Plan - Made 9 December 2019
• Brigstock Neighbourhood Plan - Made 21 January 2019
• Broughton Neighbourhood Plan - Made 17 October 2018 and Broughton Neighbourhood Development Order - Made 17 October 2018
• Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan - Made 14 April 2022
• Ecton Neighbourhood Plan - Made 22 June 2021
• Great Addington Neighbourhood Plan - Made 11 November 2025
• Gretton Neighbourhood Plan - Made 22 June 2021
• Hargrave Neighbourhood Plan - Made 25 August 2022
• Irchester, Knuston & Little Irchester - Made 16 October 2018
• Kings Cliffe Neighbourhood Plan - Made 14 October 2019
• Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan - Made 25 August 2022
• Warmington Neighbourhood Plan - Made 17 December 2019

Contact details

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0300 126 3000​