Government intervenes on ditched housing plan

The government has told a council it must continue with a local plan that includes proposals for 40,000 new homes despite it being rejected.

West Northamptonshire Council's Local Plan was discussed and dismissed by the three Reform UK cabinet members on the Planning Policy Committee on Monday.

On Tuesday, the government's housing minister, Matthew Pennycook, told the authority it must continue with the existing plan.

Council leader Mark Arnull said the authority was "deeply disappointed" by the decision.

"We made our decision in the best interests of our residents to ensure we had the time needed to prepare the right plan that addresses their concerns, reflects the new National Planning Policy Framework, and adequately shapes the future growth of our communities," he said

The Reform-led authority had proposed up to 47,300 new homes by 2043.

A consultation on the existing plan had raised concerns about the large allocation to rural villages, including 1,000 homes in Long Buckby, near Daventry.

In a letter, Pennycook stated he was "concerned by the council's decision not to progress" the original plan.

He raised concerns that the council had not adopted a plan since its creation in 2021.

"As you know, considerable time, effort and investment has gone into the preparation of this emerging plan.

"The decision not to progress it would not only see that time, effort and investment wasted, but would create further uncertainty and leave the council exposed to ongoing speculative development as a result of not having an up-to-date plan," he added.

Four directions have been issued, including starting a consultation on the final plan in October and submitting it to the government by the end of December.

The letter stated if the council failed to comply then further action would be taken.

West Northamptonshire Council has until the end of September to appeal the decision.

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