Have your say on how people are involved in local planning

Overview

We are asking for people to provide feedback on our proposed methods to engage with local communities, businesses and other stakeholders in the preparation of our Local Plan, other planning policies and in considering planning applications.

Background

All local planning authorities are required to have a Statement of Community Involvement (or SCI). The SCI makes sure that public consultation on emerging local plans, other planning policies and planning applications, is fair, efficient and effective. An SCI sets out who will be consulted, when consultations will take place, and the methods used for consultation.

The Proposal

Currently, there are five SCIs in place for West Northamptonshire. These include one for the Local Plan (adopted in January 2024) and three from legacy authorities. The Council proposes to introduce a new SCI that will bring all of these into one document, aiming to streamline and clearly set out how the Council engages with various stakeholders in its planning processes. Please note the fifth SCI is for the Minerals and Waste Local Plan. This will remain in force for applications submitted for mineral and waste development.

We are now seeking views on the draft SCI, to make sure that the engagement and consultation processes for the planning service are clear, transparent, effective, and inclusive. The SCI sets out the minimum standards for how we will involve those who live, work, and do business in our area. It also explains what interested parties can expect during the consultation process.

View the Draft West Northamptonshire Statement of Community Involvement (PDF, 727KB), link opens in a new window.

Take me to the survey

What happens next

After the consultation on the draft SCI is finished, all feedback will be carefully reviewed. This feedback will help improve the draft SCI, making it clear how the Council will work with residents, businesses, landowners, developers, and other groups. The goal is to clearly set out the planning consultation process, so it better supports planning decision making for the places where we live, work, and operate business. The updated draft will then be reported back to the Planning Policy Committee for further consideration.

How to have your say

Give us your views by completing an online survey using the link below or using the below email or postal address.

Email: localplan@westnorthants.gov.uk 

Telephone: 0300 126 7000

Postal address: 

• Planning Policy SCI
• West Northamptonshire Council
• The Guildhall
• St Giles' Street
• Northampton
• NN1 1DE

If you need help with the questionnaire or would like it in another format, please use the contact details above.

This consultation closes 23:59pm Monday 25 August 2025.

For information on how we handle your data and responses, you can view our Planning and climate change policy privacy notice (opens in a new window).

Please note that we cannot accept anonymous responses.

Thank you for taking part.