Council’s disappointment at Government’s Local Plan intervention

15 September 2026

West Northamptonshire Council has expressed deep disappointment at the Government's decision to intervene in its Local Plan reset, warning that Whitehall deadlines are being prioritised over the needs of its residents. 

At their meeting this week (Monday 14 September), West Northamptonshire Council’s Planning Policy Committee agreed to restart the process of producing a new Local Plan, based on the 2026 National Planning Policy Framework and Town and Country Planning Regulations 2026. 

However since the decision, Matthew Pennycook, Minister of State for Housing and Planning has written to the Council exercising the Government’s statutory powers of intervention directing the Council to proceed with the current draft Regulation 19  Local Plan, which has been produced in line with the Town and Country Planning Regulations 2012.  

The letter instructs the Council to continue with the process for the current draft Plan by: 

• Starting Regulation 19 consultation on the emerging plan by no later than 5 October 2026 for a minimum 6-week period; 
• Submitting the emerging plan by no later than 31 December 2026; 
• Not to take any step to withdraw the Plan and report monthly to Government officials on the progress of the Plan 
• Progress the Plan up to the end of the examination process. 

The Government has given WNC until 29 September to set out any exceptional circumstances which suggest intervention is not appropriate. 

Councillor Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “We are deeply disappointed that the Government has chosen to intervene in our decision to start afresh on our Local Plan. 

“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 shape the future growth of our communities. 

“We firmly believe our communities deserve a Local Plan that is truly deliverable, reflects local priorities and commands public confidence, not one that has been simply pushed through by the Government to meet their deadlines and expectations. 

“Our residents should not be forced to choose between having a Plan quickly and having a Plan that works. Despite our disappointment we will now carefully consider the Government's direction and its implications, while continuing to make the case for a Local Plan that delivers sustainable growth in the right places and at the right pace for West Northamptonshire."