Neighbourhood planning

Neighbourhood area designation

Town and Country Planning (General) Neighbourhood Planning Regulations 2012 (as amended) and Localism Act 2011

North Northamptonshire Council received an application from Ashley Parish Council as a relevant body to designate the whole of the Ashley Parish as the Neighbourhood Plan Area for the Ashley Neighbourhood Plan.

In accordance with Regulation 5A of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), on 27 March 2024 North Northamptonshire Council designated the Parish of Ashley as the Neighbourhood Plan Area for the Ashley Neighbourhood Plan.

A map of the Ashley Neighbourhood Plan Area is available to view below.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Barnwell Neighbourhood Plan was made at the North Northamptonshire Council Executive meeting on 9 February 2023. The Neighbourhood Plan is available from the Parish Council.

The Neighbourhood Plan includes guidance on the design of new buildings supported by the Barnwell Neighbourhood Plan Design Code (July 2020).

Made neighbourhood plan

The Barrowden and Wakerley Neighbourhood Plan was made by the former East Northamptonshire Council at Full Council on 9 December 2019. The Neighbourhood Plan is available on request from [email protected].

Neighbourhood area designation

Town and Country Planning (General) Neighbourhood Planning Regulations 2012 (as amended) and Localism Act 2011

North Northamptonshire Council received an application from Barton Seagrave Parish Council as a relevant body to designate the whole of the Barton Seagrave Parish as the Neighbourhood Plan Area for the Barton Seagrave Neighbourhood Plan.

In accordance with Regulation 5A of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), on 11 December 2023 North Northamptonshire Council designated the Parish of Barton Seagrave as the Neighbourhood Plan Area for the Barton Seagrave Neighbourhood Plan.

A map of the Barton Seagrave Neighbourhood Plan Area is available to view below.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Braybrooke Neighbourhood Plan was made at the North Northamptonshire Council Executive meeting on 8 June 2023.

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).

Mapping information is available for the Braybrooke Neighbourhood Plan.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Brigstock Neighbourhood Plan was made by the former East Northamptonshire Council on 21 January 2019. The Neighbourhood Plan is available from the Parish Council.

Made neighbourhood plan and neighbourhood development order

The Broughton Neighbourhood Plan and the Broughton Neighbourhood Development Order were made at the former Kettering Borough Council’s Executive Committee on the 17 October 2018. The Neighbourhood Plan and Neighbourhood Development Order are available from the Parish Council.

Mapping information is available for the Broughton Neighbourhood Plan.

Broughton Parish Council have commenced a review of the Neighbourhood Plan. Details are available on the Parish Council’s website.

Neighbourhood area designation

A Neighbourhood Area for Central Corby was designated on 4 June 2015. This is the first formal stage in the preparation of a neighbourhood plan.

Regulation 16 Consultation (closed)

North Northamptonshire Council has formally received the Central Kettering 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:

• Central Kettering Neighbourhood Plan
• 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 eight weeks. Representations are invited from 7 August 2026 to 2 October 2026 (5pm).

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:

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

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].

Strategic environmental assessment and habitats regulations assessment

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening exercise must be undertaken to determine whether a full SEA-HRA assessment is required.

Neighbourhood Plan - Kettering Central
- Screening decision notice for Kettering Central

Neighbourhood area designation

Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended)

North Northamptonshire Council (the council) received an application from Kettering Town Council, as the relevant body, to designate the Kettering Central Neighbourhood Area for the purposes of preparing a neighbourhood plan. As the proposed area is less than the area of the whole parish, regulations 6 and 6A of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended) were applied to process the application.

The application was publicised on Thursday 22 August on the council’s consultation portal ‘Your Voice Matters’ and the Kettering Town Council’s own website. Representations were invited on the application until midnight, 3 October 2024. None were received, therefore there is no reason for the council to refuse the application.

On 24 October 2024 the council designated, by delegated decision, the Kettering Central Neighbourhood Area to enable the Town Council to prepare a neighbourhood plan. A map of the Kettering Central Neighbourhood Plan Area can be seen below.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Chelveston-cum-Caldecott Neighbourhood Plan was made by the former East Northamptonshire Council on 17 July 2017.

Mapping information is available for the Chelveston-cum-Caldecott Neighbourhood Plan.

Neighbourhood area designation

A Neighbourhood Area for the Parish of Collyweston was designated on 9 May 2016. This is the first formal stage in the preparation of a neighbourhood plan.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan was made at the North Northamptonshire Council Executive meeting on 14 April 2022. The Neighbourhood Plan is available on request from [email protected].

Mapping information is available for the Cottingham Neighbourhood Plan.

Neighbourhood area designation

A Neighbourhood Area for the Parish of Deene and Deenethorpe was designated on 18 May 2015. This is the first formal stage in the preparation of a neighbourhood plan.

Neighbourhood area designation

A Neighbourhood Area for the Parish of Desborough was designated on 16 October 2013. This is the first formal stage in the preparation of a neighbourhood plan.

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

Made neighbourhood plan

The Duddington with Fineshade Neighbourhood Plan was made at the North Northamptonshire Council Executive meeting on 10 October 2024.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Earls Barton Neighbourhood Plan was made at the meeting of the former Borough Council of Wellingborough on 19 January 2016.

This Neighbourhood Plan was reviewed in October 2021, with no major amendments deemed necessary. A copy of the modified plan can be viewed.

Mapping information is available for the Earls Barton Neighbourhood Plan.

Earls Barton Parish Council have commenced a 2nd review of the Neighbourhood Plan. Please contact the Parish Council for further details.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Ecton Neighbourhood Plan was made at the North Northamptonshire Council Executive meeting on 22 June 2021. The Neighbourhood Plan is available from the Parish Council.

Mapping information is available for the Ecton Neighbourhood Plan.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Glapthorn Neighbourhood Plan was made by the former East Northamptonshire Council on 30 July 2018.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Plan was made at the North Northamptonshire Council Executive meeting on 11 August 2026. The Neighbourhood Plan is available from the Parish Council.

Referendum (completed)

Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Plan Referendum - Information Statement

Declaration of result of poll - Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Planning Referendum

A Referendum relating to the making of the Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Plan will be held.

The Referendum will take place on 2 July 2026.

The question which will be asked in the Referendum is:

Do you want North Northamptonshire Council to use the neighbourhood plan for Grafton Underwood to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?

The Referendum area is identified in a map below on this information statement.

The Referendum area is identical to the area which has been designated as the Grafton Underwood Parish area.

A person is entitled to vote in the Referendum if on 2 July 2026:

• He or she is entitled to vote in an election of any Councillor of North Northamptonshire Council whose area is in the Referendum area
• His or her qualifying address for the election is in the Referendum area - a person’s qualifying address is, in relation to a person registered in the register of electors, the address in respect of which he or she is entitled to be so registered

The last date to register in time to vote at the Referendum is Tuesday 16 June 2026.

The Referendum expenses limit that will apply in relation to the Referendum is £2369.55 The number of persons entitled to vote in the Referendum by reference to which that limit has been calculated is 128.

The Referendum will be conducted in accordance with procedures which are similar to those used at local government elections.

A copy of the specified documents, that is those documents listed below, may be inspected at the North Northamptonshire Council area office at, Cedar Drive, Thrapston, Kettering NN14 4LZ.

The specified documents are:

• the draft Grafton Underwood Neighbourhood Plan
• the report of the independent examiner into the Neighbourhood Plan
• a summary of the representations submitted to the independent examiner
• a statement of the Local Planning Authority's satisfaction that the draft Neighbourhood Plan meets the basic conditions specified by statute and complies with the provision made by or under Section 38A and 38B of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004
• A statement that sets out general information as to town and country planning including neighbourhood planning and the Referendum

The specified documents are available on the Grafton Underwood Parish Council website.

The Neighbourhood Plan Area for Grafton Underwood

Independent examination (completed)

Grafton Underwood

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

Regulation 16 Consultation (closed)

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].

Regulation 14 Pre-submission consultation (closed)

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.

Strategic environmental assessment and habitats regulations assessment

Neighbourhood Plan - Submission - Grafton Underwood Parish Council
 

Made neighbourhood plan

The Great Addington Neighbourhood Plan was made at the North Northamptonshire Council Executive meeting on 11 November 2025. The Neighbourhood Plan is available from the Parish Council.

Strategic environmental assessment and habitats regulations assessment

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is undertaken to meet the requirements of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004. A Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) helps ensure the Neighbourhood Plan protects designated habitat sites and complies with the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 (as amended), while supporting the Local Planning Authority in meeting its statutory duties. The SEA/HRA reports are available from the Parish Council.

Regulation 14 pre-submission consultation (closed)

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.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Gretton Neighbourhood Plan was made at the North Northamptonshire Council Executive meeting on 22 June 2021. The Neighbourhood Plan is available from the Parish Council.

Mapping information is available for the Gretton Neighbourhood Plan.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Hargrave Neighbourhood Plan was made at the North Northamptonshire Council Executive meeting on 25 August 2022. The Neighbourhood Plan is available from the Parish Council.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Harrington Neighbourhood Plan was made at the North Northamptonshire Council Executive meeting on 8 June 2023.

Mapping information is available for the Harrington Neighbourhood Plan.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Higham Ferrers Neighbourhood Plan was made by the former East Northamptonshire Council on 11 April 2016.

Mapping information is available for the Higham Ferrers Neighbourhood Plan.

Higham Ferrers Town Council have commenced a review of the Neighbourhood Plan. Please contact the Town Council for further details.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Irchester, Knuston & Little Irchester Neighbourhood Plan was made by the former Borough Council of Wellingborough on 16 October 2018. The Neighbourhood Plan is available from the Parish Council.

Mapping information is available for the Irchester, Knuston & Little Irchester Neighbourhood Plan.

Strategic environmental assessment and habitats regulations assessment

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening exercise must be undertaken to determine whether a full SEA-HRA assessment is required.

Neighbourhood Planning - Irthlingborough Town Council
- Screening decision notice for Irthlingborough Town Council

Neighbourhood area designation

A Neighbourhood Area for the Parish of Irthlingborough was designated on 10 December 2014. This is the first formal stage in the preparation of a neighbourhood plan.

Referendum - result

The Isham Neighbourhood Plan was supported at referendum on 1 October 2026, with 95.18% of votes cast in favour of the Plan. Following the successful referendum result, the Plan will now be considered for formal adoption by North Northamptonshire Council.

Referendum (completed)

A referendum to determine whether the Isham Neighbourhood Plan can proceed to adoption will take place on 1 October 2026.

The draft Neighbourbood Plan can be viewed on the Parish Council website.

Independent examination (completed)

Independent Examination of the Isham Neighbourhood Development Plan

Mr 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.

Isham Neighbourhood Development Plan - Targeted 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 a targeted consultation may now be re-run to allow consultation on an addendum to the Basic Conditions Statement addressing these new requirements.

It has been agreed with the examiner and the Parish Council that a second targeted consultation will be re-run for a three-week period. This will provide an opportunity for representations to be made on the addendum to the Basic Conditions only. The consultation ran from Friday 22 May 2026 until midnight on Friday 12 June 2026.

Following close of the targeted consultation, the following representations were received:

The Independent Examiner Mr Christopher Collison issued his final report for the Isham NDP on 9 July 2026.

Regulation 16 Consultation (closed)

This stage is also known as ‘the Regulation 16 stage’ and follows submission of the draft NDP and supporting documents to us, who are responsible for organising the consultation.

In accordance with Regulation 16 of The Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended) the council publicised the Plan proposal for a period of six weeks, from 1 September 2025 to midnight on 13 October 2025.

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 a targeted consultation may now be re-run to allow consultation on an addendum to the Basic Conditions Statement addressing these new requirements.

It has been agreed with the examiner and the Parish Council that a second targeted consultation will be re-run for a three-week period. This is to provide an opportunity for representations to be made on the addendum to the Basic Conditions only. The consultation ran from Friday 22 May 2026 until midnight on Friday 12 June 2026.

Following close of the targeted consultation, the following representations were received:

Regulation 15 Submission (completed)

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

Regulation 14 pre-submission consultation (closed)

The pre-submission consultation stage involves the town and parish councils consulting on plan proposals.

Isham Neighbourhood Development Plan 2016-2031

Strategic environmental assessment and habitats regulations assessment

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening exercise must be undertaken to determine whether a full SEA-HRA assessment is required.

Neighbourhood Plan - Isham Parish Council

Neighbourhood area designation

A Neighbourhood Area for the Parish of Isham was designated on 5 June 2019. This is the first formal stage in the preparation of a neighbourhood plan.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Kings Cliffe Neighbourhood Plan was made by the former East Northamptonshire Council on 14 October 2019. The Neighbourhood Plan is available from the Parish Council.

Regulation 16 Consultation

North Northamptonshire Council has formally received the Little Addington 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:

• Little Addington Submission Neighbourhood Plan
• Consultation Statement
• Basic Conditions Statement
• Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening
• Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening

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 18 September 2026 to 13 November 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. Little Addington consultation.

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:

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

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

Neighbourhood area designation

Town and Country Planning (General) Neighbourhood Planning Regulations 2012 (as amended) and Localism Act 2011

North Northamptonshire Council received an application from Little Addington Parish Council as a relevant body to designate the whole of the Little Addington Parish as the Neighbourhood Plan Area for the Little Addington Neighbourhood Plan.

In accordance with Regulation 5A of the Neighbourhood Planning (General) Regulations 2012 (as amended), on 12 April 2024 North Northamptonshire Council designated the Parish of Little Addington as the Neighbourhood Plan Area for the Little Addington Neighbourhood Plan.

A map of the Little Addington Neighbourhood Plan Area is available to view below.

Neighbourhood area designation

A Neighbourhood Area for the Parish of Mawsley was designated on 15 April 2015. This is the first formal stage in the preparation of a neighbourhood plan.

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

Regulation 14 pre-submission consultation (closed)

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.

Strategic environmental assessment and habitats regulations assessment

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening exercise must be undertaken to determine whether a full SEA-HRA assessment is required.

Screening decision notice for Nassington Parish Council

Neighbourhood area designation

A Neighbourhood Area for the Parish of Oundle was designated on 17 June 2013. This is the first formal stage in the preparation of a neighbourhood plan.

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

Neighbourhood area designation

A Neighbourhood Area for the Parish of Pytchley was designated on 7 December 2015. This is the first formal stage in the preparation of a neighbourhood plan.

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

Made neighbourhood plan

The Raunds Neighbourhood Plan was made by the former East Northamptonshire Council on 27 November 2017.

Mapping information is available for the Raunds Neighbourhood Plan.

Raunds Town Council have commenced a review of the Neighbourhood Plan. Please contact the Town Council for further details.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan was made at the North Northamptonshire Council Executive meeting on 25 August 2022. The Neighbourhood Plan is available from the Parish Council.

Referendum

Independent examination

Regulation 16 Consultation - Update (closed)

We are aware that the consultation closed a few hours earlier than scheduled, which may have caused inconvenience. Please accept our sincere apologies for this.

To address this, we have extended the consultation period until 14 June at 23:59: Rothwell Neighbourhood Plan: Regulation 16 - Details - Keyplan.

If you have already submitted your comments by email, there is no need to resubmit them. However, if you would prefer to submit your response via the consultation portal, you may do so and we will ensure that duplicate responses are not counted.

All comments received before 23:59 on 14 June 2026 will be forwarded to the examiner.

Regulation 16 Consultation (closed)

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].

Regulation 15 Submission (completed)

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
• Rothwell Neighbourhood Plan Area
• Consultation Statement
• Basic Conditions Statement
• Strategic Environmental Assessment Screening statement
• Habitats Regulations Assessment Screening statement

Evidence documents:

• Housing Needs Assessment
• Site Options and Assessment Report
• Supporting Statement
• Residential Site Assessment Overview
• Rothwell Design Codes
• Environmental Inventory
• Heritage Assessment

Regulation 14 pre-submission consultation (closed)

The Neighbourhood Planning (General) and Development Management Procedure (Amendment) Regulations 2017

Rothwell Town Council has prepared its Neighbourhood Plan, Regulation 14, which it is consulting upon for a period of six weeks.

The Pre-submission Plan and supporting documents are being made available on the Rothwell Town Council website.

The six week period of public consultation commenced Monday 2 June 2025 and runs to 23:59 on Sunday 13 July 2025. Representations received after this time are not being accepted.

To comment on the Pre-submission Plan, or if you require any further information please contact the Parish Clerk.

Contact details

Email: [email protected]

Post: Rothwell Town Council
Market House
Market Hill
Rothwell
Northamptonshire
NN14 6BW

Strategic environmental assessment and habitats regulations assessment

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening exercise must be undertaken to determine whether a full SEA-HRA assessment is required.

Neighbourhood Plan - Rothwell Town Council

Neighbourhood area designation

A Neighbourhood Area for the Town Council of Rothwell designated 10 April 2013. This is the first formal stage in the preparation of a neighbourhood plan.

Made neighbourhood plan

The Rushden Neighbourhood Plan was made by the former East Northamptonshire Council on 4 June 2018.

Mapping information is available for the Rushden Neighbourhood Plan.

Regulation 14 pre-submission consultation (closed)

Rushden Town Council have commenced a review of the Neighbourhood Plan.

Consultation on the draft Neighbourhood Plan Update ran from 24 July to 27 September 2026. Please visit Rushden Town Council’s website for further updates.

Strategic environmental assessment and habitats regulations assessment

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening exercise must be undertaken to determine whether a full SEA-HRA assessment is required.

Screening decision notice for Rushden

Neighbourhood area designation

A Neighbourhood Area for the Parish of Rushton was designated on 22 May 2022. This is the first formal stage in the preparation of a neighbourhood plan.

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

Made neighbourhood plan

The South West Kettering Neighbourhood Plan was made at the North Northamptonshire Council Executive meeting on 8 June 2023.

Mapping information is available for the South West Kettering Neighbourhood Plan.

Neighbourhood area designation

A Neighbourhood Area for the Parish of Stanion was designated on 27 September 2018. This is the first formal stage in the preparation of a neighbourhood plan.

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

Made neighbourhood plan

The Stanwick Neighbourhood Plan was made by the former East Northamptonshire Council on 17 July 2017.

Mapping information is available for the Stanwick Neighbourhood Plan.

Stanwick Parish Council have commenced a review of the Neighbourhood Plan. Please contact the Parish Council for further details.

Neighbourhood area designation

A Neighbourhood Area for the Parish of Thrapston was designated on 25 May 2022. This is the first formal stage in the preparation of a neighbourhood plan.

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

Neighbourhood area designation

A Neighbourhood Area for the Parish of Twywell was designated on 9 May 2019. This is the first formal stage in the preparation of a neighbourhood plan.

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

Made neighbourhood plan

The Warmington Neighbourhood Plan was made by the former East Northamptonshire Council on 17 December 2019. The Neighbourhood Plan is available from the Parish Council.

Regulation 14 pre-submission consultation (closed)

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.

Regulation 16 Consultation

North Northamptonshire Council has formally received the Wilbarston 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:

• Wilbarston Neighbourhood Plan
• 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 eight weeks. Representations are invited from 2 Setember 2026 to 28 October 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:

WilbarstonNP consultation
Council Offices
Thrapston area
Cedar Drive
Thrapston
Northamptonshire
NN14 4LZ

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].

Regulation 14 pre-submission consultation (closed)

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.

Strategic environmental assessment and habitats regulations assessment

A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening exercise must be undertaken to determine whether a full SEA-HRA assessment is required.

Screening decision notice for Wilbarston

Made neighbourhood plan

The Wollaston Neighbourhood Plan was made by the former Borough Council of Wellingborough on 20 December 2016.

Mapping information is available for the Wollaston Neighbourhood Plan.

Wollaston Parish Council have commenced a review of the Neighbourhood Plan. Please contact the Parish Council for further details.