New guidance to protect Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits moves forward

11 June 2026

Plans to strengthen protection for the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area (SPA) is being considered by councillors this month.

North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive reviewed the proposals on 9 June, followed by West Northamptonshire Council’s Planning Policy Committee on 17 June.

The guidance and mitigation strategy set out a clear and consistent approach for managing the impact of new development on the internationally important wildlife site.

The Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits SPA is recognised for its importance to wintering birds and forms a key part of the area’s natural environment.

The updated approach reflects new evidence showing that development and visitor activity from a wider area can affect the site. It expands the area where mitigation may be required from 3km to 5.9km, helping to ensure that planned growth does not harm the SPA.

The draft guidance was published for public consultation earlier this year, with responses received from residents, town and parish councils, developers, environmental organisations and statutory bodies.

There was strong support for the overall aim of protecting the SPA, particularly given its international importance. At the same time, respondents provided detailed feedback on how the guidance could be improved, including requests for greater clarity, stronger explanations of the legal framework and more detail on how the guidance would be applied in practice.

As a result of the feedback, the document has been updated in several ways. It now more clearly explains how it will be used in planning decisions, how it fits with other planning and environmental policies, and how mitigation will work in practice. It also includes new information on how the changes will be introduced and clearer guidance on creating alternative green spaces to help reduce pressure on the SPA.

The revised document also explains more clearly what it covers. It focuses on impacts covered by the Habitats Regulations and works alongside existing Local Plan policies and other nature and wildlife strategies.

Councillor Thomas Manning, Cabinet Member for Planning at West Northamptonshire Council, said: “Protecting the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits is vital.

“It is an internationally important site for wildlife, particularly for birds that rely on it during the winter.

“The responses we received during consultation were thoughtful and constructive. They have helped us strengthen the guidance, making it clearer, more robust and easier to use.

“This means we now have a consistent approach that supports growth while making sure we meet our responsibilities to protect this special environment.”

Cllr Jan O’Hara, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Planning and Economic Growth, said: “This area of Northamptonshire is vitally important, and we must do all we can to protect it for generations to come, including the wildlife that call the area home.

“This new guidance will help mitigate the impact of development on wildlife and ensure everyone is on the same page with how we can protect the Upper Nene Valley Gravel Pits Special Protection Area.”

The strategy includes measures to manage visitor pressure and protect habitats, funded through contributions from new development. This will support long-term conservation while allowing sustainable growth.

If adopted, the guidance will replace earlier supplementary planning documents used by both councils and provide a shared framework for planning decisions across North and West Northamptonshire. It will also help ensure both authorities meet their legal duties to protect the site.