New year brings new opportunities for residents to help shape the future of growth and development in West Northamptonshire

02 December 2025

Residents, parish councils, businesses and community groups will play an important part in shaping West Northamptonshire’s updated Local Plan in a major public consultation set to take place in the new year.

The Local Plan shapes the future of development across the area, setting out how land will be used for housing, employment, and green spaces over the next two decades. Following significant changes to the Plan since the last stage of its development in June 2024, West Northamptonshire Council will be launching a fresh public consultation after being considered by councillors in January.

Further details on how people will be able to have their say will be available closer to the time in the new year and the Council is keen to encourage residents, parish councils and their communities across the area to get involved.

The Government’s revised housing targets mean West Northamptonshire must plan for future growth and ensure a 15-year strategy for sustainable development. The updated plan will run to 2043 and will guide how we balance homes, jobs, and infrastructure.

The Plan also proposes:

• Policies to bring forward regeneration sites such as Greyfriars in Northampton.
• Updates to planning boundaries to reflect growth areas.
• Enhanced protection for valued green spaces nominated by communities.
• Updated development management policies covering a wide range of topics.

The views of residents, parishes, businesses and wider community are going to be essential as we update our Local Plan, to ensure we manage housing growth in a way that supports our communities, protects our environment, and delivers the homes and jobs people need.

We will be providing further information soon on how people can get involved when the consultation launches in the new year. I would strongly encourage people to get involved as their input will really make a difference in ensuring this Plan reflects local priorities and creates thriving places for generations to come.

Cllr Thomas Manning, Cabinet Member for Planning at West Northamptonshire Council

While the Local Plan consultation will open in early 2026, residents can help shape how development supports local infrastructure. The Council is currently consulting on developer contributions for roads, schools, health services, and other essential facilities. This is your chance to help ensure growth is matched by investment in the services communities rely on.

Click here to find out more and respond to the current consultation. Details of the Local Plan consultation will be published when it opens in the new year.