Residents, businesses and community groups across West Northamptonshire are being urged to take part in a major consultation that will shape how the area grows and develops for decades to come.
Planning policy29 January 2026
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has launched an eight-week consultation on its new Local Plan, giving people an opportunity to have their say on it between now and the deadline of Friday 27 March.
With demand for housing, employment land and services continuing to rise, the Local Plan will play a decisive role in determining how growth is managed and where investment is focused.
It will guide critical decisions about where new homes and jobs are built, how town centres are regenerated, how transport and infrastructure are delivered, and how green spaces and the area’s character are protected.
People are encouraged to share their views by completing the online survey while there is a real opportunity to influence the final plan.
As part of the consultation, the Council is also hosting a series of public engagement events, offering people an opportunity to learn more about the proposals and speak directly with council officers:
- Monday 2 February: Moulton Community Centre, NN3 7AX from 1.30pm to 4.30pm
- Friday 6 February: The Forum, Towcester, NN12 6AF from midday to 5pm
- Tuesday 10 February: Wootton Community Centre, NN4 6ED from 2pm to 7.30pm
- Wednesday 11 February: Middleton Cheney Village Hall, OX17 2LT from midday to 4.30pm
- Thursday 12 February: Mercure Hotel, Daventry, NN11 0SG from 3pm to 6.30pm
- Thursday 19 February: The Grosvenor Centre, Northampton, NN1 2EW from 12.30pm to 4.30pm
- Wednesday 4 March: Long Buckby Community Centre, NN6 7QB, from 3pm to 7.30pm
- Wednesday 11 March: Brackley Town Hall, NN13 7AB from 12.30pm to 6pm
This consultation is live now and it is a crucial moment for people to get involved. The Local Plan will shape where development happens, how communities are supported, and how we balance growth with protecting the places people care about. These are long-term decisions that will affect everyday life for future generations.
We want to hear directly from residents, businesses, parish councils and community groups about what works locally and what doesn’t. This is a key opportunity to influence decisions that will shape West Northamptonshire’s future, so please take the time to share your views.Cllr Thomas Manning, Cabinet Member for Planning at West Northamptonshire Council
Following the consultation, responses will be analysed and used to shape the next stage of plan development. A further draft Local Plan is expected to be published later in 2026, informed by feedback, before the full plan is submitted for independent examination by planning inspectors.
Once examined and updated as needed, the final Local Plan will guide planning decisions across West Northamptonshire through to 2043.
Find out more and have your say by visiting our Consultation pages
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Have your say in the future of planning in West Northamptonshire
