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Screening decision notice for Nassington Parish Council

Dear Sir/Madam

Nassington Neighbourhood Development Plan - Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) Screening Opinion - 1 October 2024 to 30 November 2024.

This letter sets out the screening opinion of North Northamptonshire Council regarding the requirement for a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) in relation to the Nassington Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP).

The screening opinion was informed by a detailed assessment report and the responses of the three statutory consultation bodies: the Environment Agency, Historic England, and Natural England. The consultation ran concurrently with the Regulation 14 pre-submission consultation of the Nassington NDP.

Although the screening report itself concluded that a SEA and HRA were not required, both North Northamptonshire Council and Historic England disagreed with this conclusion and determined that an SEA and HRA Appropriate Assessment are required to accompany the Nassington Neighbourhood Development Plan.

The council formally requested a response from Historic England on 10 September 2025, which has since been received. At the request of the Nassington Neighbourhood Planning Consultant, the council also undertook site visits to inform its position.

Decision

Following consideration of site-specific characteristics, heritage sensitivities, and expert feedback, North Northamptonshire Council has concluded that both a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and a Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) Appropriate Assessment are required for the Nassington Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Historic England response

Historic England observed that the Plan proposes two housing site allocations, both of which are in close proximity to the Conservation Area and several designated heritage assets. As such, they raised concerns about potentially significant environmental effects on the historic environment.

They disagree with the screening report’s assertion that these are not ‘sensitive’ areas and are of the view that the impact on the historic environment could be substantial. Therefore, Historic England concluded that a Strategic Environmental Assessment is likely to be required.

North Northamptonshire Council site assessment

Site 1: West of Apethorpe Road (Opposite No. 52)

This site appears to be a small derelict farm, including several stone agricultural buildings near the road and metal-framed/tin-clad barns within the plot. The Nassington Conservation Area lies approximately 30 metres to the south, near the green in front of No. 1 St Mary’s Close.

The nearest listed buildings are:

  • No. 63, Three Mill Bills (to the south)
  • No. 66, Woodnewton (to the north)

Both are typical examples of local heritage architecture, constructed from limestone and roofed with thatch or Collyweston slate. While the site is outside the conservation area, it is considered that any development here would impact its setting.

Site 2: Between the Cricket Field and Fotheringhay Road

This site is further from the Conservation Area, with the nearest listed building being the Black Horse Inn on Fotheringhay Road. The location appears to be outside the village boundary.

However, Heritage Gateway data indicates the presence of a prominent cropmark, suggesting a possible prehistoric enclosure, raising additional archaeological concerns.

Yours Sincerely
Planning Policy Team
North Northamptonshire Council

Last updated 10 February 2026