Have your say on the renewal of a Public Space Protection Order for West Northants
16 June 2025
Residents are being encouraged to share their views on the renewal of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering dog control and the prohibition of smoking in public places.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) is seeking to renew and expand the current PSPO to ensure that public spaces across the area remain safe, clean, welcoming and accessible for all. As part of the proposed changes, the Order would be extended to include two additional areas where dogs must be kept on a lead, specifically parts of the Gravel Pits and Washlands in the Upper Nene Valley, Northampton, and St James Park in Brackley.
A Public Spaces Protection Order allows local authorities to introduce rules on public and certain privately accessible land to address persistent issues such as anti-social behaviour.
These Orders help improve the quality of life for residents and visitors by promoting respectful and responsible use of shared spaces.
PSPOs are valid for three years. As the current PSPO approaches its renewal date, the Council has reviewed its effectiveness and is proposing to include two further locations where walking dogs on leads will be required based on community needs and evidence of ongoing issues.
The current PSPO means that people are liable for a fine of up to £100 if they do not:
- Pick up after their dog immediately
- Have the appropriate means to pick up after that dog i.e. a bag
- Do not put the dog on a lead when requested to do so by an Authorised person
- It also restricts the number of dogs that can be walked by one person to a maximum of four dogs at any one time unless they hold a licence to breed, board or provide day care services where up to six can be walked at any one time.
These requirements apply to the whole of West Northants and are proposed to be carried over to the new Order.
There are also some additional requirements that apply to specific parts of all villages and towns across West Northamptonshire, specifically, these are to:
- Prohibit dogs from entering the following: children’s play areas; schools when open and in use by pupils; skateparks; tennis courts; multi-use games areas (MUGAs) and bowling greens.
- Keep the dog on a lead when in: Cemeteries; burial sites; graveyards; memorial gardens; allotments; car parks; sports grounds, fields and pitches (when in use for authorised sporting activity), land at Daventry Country Park café, Northampton Town Centre, Phase 2 of Upton Country Park (land between Kislingbury and Upton which flanks the river Nene) and land near school entrances and exits when open and in use by pupils.
- No smoking - Smoking of tobacco, tobacco related products, smokeless tobacco products including electronic cigarettes, herbal cigarettes or any illegal substances is prohibited in the following areas: Children’s play areas; land near school entrances and exits when open and in use by pupils; skateparks; tennis courts; multi-use games areas (MUGAs) and bowling greens.
“We want to ensure that our public spaces remain safe, clean, and welcoming for everyone. By renewing our PSPO, we can better address the issues that matter most to our communities. This consultation is an important opportunity for residents, business and other key organisations to have their say and help shape the future of our shared spaces.”Cllr Laura Couse, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services
The consultation is open until Sunday, 27 July, and people can have their say on our Consultation Hub.