West Northamptonshire County Council Planning
Looking for planning permission help in the West Northamptonshire Council Area?
Simple Planning Solutions is a specialist planning consultant headed by Michelle Hill, BA (Hons) MSc MRTPI.
With extensive knowledge of the West Northamptonshire Council area and its local plan, Simple Planning Solutions can offer you the expertise to help you get your project completed successfully.
If you require a planning specialist in the West Northamptonshire Council area, please get in touch via the contact form below.
Submit Your Planning Enquiry Today
Submit your planning enquiry today and we will begin working towards finding a planning solution for your situation.
FAQs
My planning permission project in the West Northamptonshire Council area is not straightforward, can you help?
Yes, I have years of experience securing planning permission for tricky projects and have extensive knowledge of the local planning authority in the West Northamptonshire Council area.
My planning permission has been refused, can you help?
Yes, if you’ve been refused planning permission in the West Northamptonshire Council area, I can advise on a strategy in how to deal with the issue.
Can you tell me if I need planning permission for my project in the West Northamptonshire Council area?
Yes, if you are planning a new building project and are unsure if you need planning permission, I can advise you on that and give you all the information you require.
Planning for all sorts of circumstances
Whether you’re looking to extend your existing property, looking for specialist advice on heritage planning, or building new from scratch, Simple Planning Solutions has the knowledge and expertise to help you make your project happen.
West Northamptonshire Council Architecture
Towcester Town Hall, a Grade II listed landmark built in the Italianate style on Watling Street, was designed by architect Thomas Heygate Vernon. Its foundation stone was laid in 1865 by the Earl of Pomfret, and construction was completed in 1866. Originally built by a private company as a Corn Exchange and municipal hub, the building initially housed a public hall, reading rooms, and local shops.
A devastating fire in 1880 destroyed the original clock tower, which was subsequently rebuilt with its distinctive zinc-clad belfry. Purchased by the Rural District Council in 1935, the building became the official headquarters of the Towcester Town Council in 1986.
Heritage & Conservation in Towcester
As the oldest town in Northamptonshire, Towcester’s historic character is its greatest asset—but for property owners, it’s often the greatest planning hurdle. Whether you are working on a Grade II listed building near Watling Street or a residential project within the Towcester Conservation Area, the margin for error is slim.
Navigating Article 4 Directions
Much of central Towcester is subject to Article 4 Directions. This means West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has removed many “Permitted Development” rights. Even minor changes—such as replacing windows, altering a roofline, or adding a porch—often require full planning permission.
The “Setting” of Easton Neston & The Town Hall
Planning in Towcester isn’t just about your building; it’s about the “setting.” WNC planners are increasingly strict about how new extensions or modern materials impact the view of landmark heritage assets like Towcester Town Hall and the Easton Neston estate.
How We Help
We provide the technical documentation required to move these sensitive applications forward;
Heritage Statements
Professional assessments of “significance” required for almost all applications in the Conservation Area.
Listed Building Consent
Expert management of Grade II and II* applications to ensure architectural integrity meets modern living needs.
2026 Local Plan Insight
With the new West Northamptonshire Local Plan (Regulation 18) currently in consultation, we ensure your project aligns with the latest sustainability and biodiversity standards being introduced this year.
Planning Specialists in central England
Planning Specialist South Northamptonshire
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Planning Specialist North Northamptonshire
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Planning Specialist West Northamptonshire
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Planning Specialist South Cambridgeshire District Council
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Planning Specialist North Oxfordshire
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Planning Specialist Worcester
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Planning Specialist Birmingham
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Planning Specialist Warwick
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Planning Specialist Stratford-Upon-Avon
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Planning Specialist Solihull
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Planning Specialist Rugby
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Planning Specialist Nuneaton & Bedworth
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Planning Specialist Coventry
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Rich R.
11:45 04 Nov 25
Understood the brief quickly and produced a balanced and exhaustive report that ultimately helped us secure planning in a conservation area. Was also excellent with advice during and after the process. Quick and easy to reach when needed, fully transparent with fees. Very much recommended, I would definitely use again.
Safwaan J.
09:49 28 Oct 25
Can't thank Michelle enough, we needed help with an appeal as our planning application was refused. Thanks to Michelle our appeal was successful. The stress prior to the appeal was intense and having the support from someone with a high level of knowledge took a huge weight off our chest. Michelle's communication and attention to our case was great. Overall, highly recommend Simply Planning Solutions to anyone and we will definitely use again if needed!
Sue L.
17:07 14 Sep 25
Michelle was so knowledgeable and very helpful. Thank you so very much. Hopefully I will need to instruct Michelle in the future and would highly recommend her to anyone.
Gurjit S.
20:35 08 Sep 25
What a great find! We were looking for someone to help us with a retrospective planning permission application. Searching the Internet, we came across Michelle from Simple Planning Solutions Ltd.
The website was impressive, already with lots of information. Easy decision to make to contact Michelle. She was fantastic, full of knowledge and experience. Answered all our questions with fast accurate responses! Great attention to detail too.
Most definitely highly recommended for sure. Thankyou again Michelle 😀
The website was impressive, already with lots of information. Easy decision to make to contact Michelle. She was fantastic, full of knowledge and experience. Answered all our questions with fast accurate responses! Great attention to detail too.
Most definitely highly recommended for sure. Thankyou again Michelle 😀
Llewellyn H.
12:25 08 Aug 25
Michelle is down to earth and easy to work with. Great advice and always happy to help. Best outcome I could have asked for on my project - I can't thank Michelle enough!
Kieran B.
14:31 23 Apr 25
Brilliant service and went above and beyond, would definitely recommend!
Skoot I.
18:40 16 Apr 25
I had a fantastic experience with Simple Planning Solutions Ltd. in securing planning permission for a single-storey rear extension—something that had previously been rejected. Their expertise made all the difference. A special thank you to Michelle for her professionalism, clear communication, and pleasant conduct throughout the entire process. Her support and guidance truly made it a smooth and successful journey.
Chris D.
11:07 16 Apr 25
It was a pleasure dealing with Michelle and she is extremely willing to help and assist in any way she can.
Very knowledgeable and resourceful in her line of work, she is able to efficiently and effectively direct you in any matters regarding planning etc..
Capable of guiding you through the process from start to finish throughout your project or endeavours, answering any queries and providing assistance in resolving any issues you may come across along the way, she is sure to make your planning application experience a stress free and straightforward process.
Would recommend and will be using again in future.
Very knowledgeable and resourceful in her line of work, she is able to efficiently and effectively direct you in any matters regarding planning etc..
Capable of guiding you through the process from start to finish throughout your project or endeavours, answering any queries and providing assistance in resolving any issues you may come across along the way, she is sure to make your planning application experience a stress free and straightforward process.
Would recommend and will be using again in future.
Victoria S.
10:20 26 Mar 25
Thank you for the excellent service, support and guidance that Michelle - Simply planning solutions - provided to us.
We received the fantastic news of being successful in our appeal and being granted our LDC.
We would not hesitate on recommending your services.
Thank you again Mark and Vicki
We received the fantastic news of being successful in our appeal and being granted our LDC.
We would not hesitate on recommending your services.
Thank you again Mark and Vicki
Naomi T.
18:52 31 Jan 25
I honestly cannot praise Michelle enough. I have a listed building and was at my wits end trying to work out exactly what my local council required of me. In desperation I found Michelle on a Google search and she was absolutely marvellous. She took over everything, dealt with the replacement window company, the architect and the council and magically I had listed building consent within a very short space of time. I was told up front what the cost would be and there were no hidden extras. I will definitely be using Simple Planning Solutions again as I have more work which requires consent. Thank you Michelle you lifted a huge weight from my shoulders!
Caroline S.
19:31 09 Jan 25
Very professional, informative, explained everything in a clear and understandable manner. Was timely and honest. Would definitely recommend. Great value for money x
Gershon S.
20:13 08 Jan 25
Michelle offered me a good service. She will update you of the process
Anytime you call she will fine time for you. Good customer service.
Anytime you call she will fine time for you. Good customer service.
John N.
13:26 27 Nov 24
A HUGE thank you to Michelle for pointing me in the right direction with the very difficult job of ‘planning permission’ for replacing my out dated Septic Tank. Not only was it six star advice, it was all done within 24 hours. THANK YOU again, regards, John.
Dean C
21:30 14 Nov 24
Michelle is very helpful and responsive. I contacted her for some initial advice on a project and the advice was excellent. Thank you!
Dee
11:01 31 Oct 24
I had the pleasure of working with Michelle, who demonstrated exceptional expertise in her role. She proactively took the initiative and was instrumental in helping me secure planning permission. Great work—thank you, Michelle!
Charles B.
08:31 25 Oct 24
Michelle is excellent and I can't recommend Simple Planning Solution Ltd enough. Our application had a complex history and we were not expecting a positive result, however Michelle managed to achieve a quick, efficient and very positive outcome. Thanks so much. Happy to give a more detailed reference if needed
Chaz D.
14:09 16 Oct 24
We were recommended Simple Planning Solutions by a friend, and choosing Michelle was the best decision we made. She handled our farm's change of use planning for dog kennels and dog fields on green belt land with such expertise. Michelle was fantastic—extremely knowledgeable and helpful throughout the entire planning process.
From site visits to quick responses, she was always there for us, even replying to the council on our behalf while on holiday! Her dedication and professionalism were truly impressive.
Top-notch service, highly recommended! We will definitely be using Michelle for all our future planning applications on other projects.
And the best part? Planning granted! 😁🙌
From site visits to quick responses, she was always there for us, even replying to the council on our behalf while on holiday! Her dedication and professionalism were truly impressive.
Top-notch service, highly recommended! We will definitely be using Michelle for all our future planning applications on other projects.
And the best part? Planning granted! 😁🙌
GOLDY S.
16:53 13 Oct 24
Michelle Hill made the entire process entirely seamless with exceptional customer service and friendly yet professional advice. Simple Planning Solutions gets a big 10 out of 10 for value for money and customer service. Michelle made me feel at ease throughout. Highly recommend.
James C.
10:57 21 Sep 24
Michelle Hill achieved the planning permission that was needed for Stables, was an absolute pleasure to work with and made the process straight forward
*David B.
06:30 18 Sep 24
Michelle promptly visited us, was very knowledgeable and very thoroughly guided us. This was followed up with a suprisingly comprehensive report. Without hesitation reccomended.
Sam G.
11:05 09 Sep 24
The level of service provided by Michelle was exceptional, she went above and beyond every single day to ensure my application for change of usage was a success.
The complications implemented by the council caused alot of stress for me but Michelle overcame every obstacle.
Highly recommended and will always use in the future, thank you again!
The complications implemented by the council caused alot of stress for me but Michelle overcame every obstacle.
Highly recommended and will always use in the future, thank you again!
David S.
15:01 02 Sep 24
Simple Planning..Simply Stunning!!
Excellent Service!! Michelle has been amazing. She is an experienced planning officer who is able to provide a wealth of knowledge and information. Thanks to her advice and her application support document, we have recently had our application approved which we are over the moon about. Michelle has helped at every stage and has worked with the surveyors, architect and most recently negotiated with the planning officer during the application to ensure approval. Her fees are very reasonable and she is so easy to talk to and deal with. Very few of us who are not in the industry have the knowledge to support these complex applications to give them the best chance of success and I think this possibly the best money I have ever spent for her help with this project. I can't recommend Simply Planning enough. Well deserved 5 stars!!
Excellent Service!! Michelle has been amazing. She is an experienced planning officer who is able to provide a wealth of knowledge and information. Thanks to her advice and her application support document, we have recently had our application approved which we are over the moon about. Michelle has helped at every stage and has worked with the surveyors, architect and most recently negotiated with the planning officer during the application to ensure approval. Her fees are very reasonable and she is so easy to talk to and deal with. Very few of us who are not in the industry have the knowledge to support these complex applications to give them the best chance of success and I think this possibly the best money I have ever spent for her help with this project. I can't recommend Simply Planning enough. Well deserved 5 stars!!
Laura K.
08:57 01 Sep 24
Michelle responded quickly to mine and my husband’s initial inquiry and offered a free high level assessment of the proposal. She came back the next day and we really appreciated her view and honesty over the unlikelihood of achieving what we wanted. She was clear and explained her thoughts. She could have dragged out the process or said she needed to perform a costly assessment but she didn’t. We hugely valued this. Would definitely recommend.
Mike P.
08:26 17 Jul 24
Excellent service and a fantastic result! Michelle made the whole process easy and stress free, she provided expert advice and managed the application process on our behalf. If you’re struggling with planning, you should give Simple Planning Solutions a call.
Hema
16:25 17 May 24
We appointed Michelle to act on our behalf to appeal against an enforcement notice served upon us. Michelle was prompt to deal with this, preparing the appeal statement within a week ready for submission. We have recently had the Appeal Decision in our favour. Result!
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
Roy H.
07:07 10 Apr 24
Michelle at Simple Planning Solutions is my go to for heritage related advice including the supply of heritage impact assessments and post permission building recording. Excellent service!
Adam F.
11:47 12 Mar 24
I was totally lost and confused as to how to move forward with my planning application, a friend recommended Michelle and I’m so glad they did, she made me understand the process and made it really easy to move forward, I’m delighted with the service, price, and result I got! Highly recommend
Kevin G.
12:57 08 Mar 24
Michelle helped with my planning application extremely professional throughout having completed the process and getting the application passed, very happy with the service form start to finish and would highly recommend Michelle
Jodie M.
13:42 07 Mar 24
Thank you Michelle, for your patience perseverance and determination! We got the result in the end and all thanks to you! Great knowledge, understanding and advice! Can’t recommend Michelle enough for anyone looking for planning help! X
Anne K.
12:44 28 Feb 24
The information that was given to us by Michelle was professionally and clearly explained to us as to why we wouldn’t be successful in our planning application at this stage. Michelle dealt with our query in a prompt and friendly manner.
Andrew C.
09:50 27 Nov 23
Michelle was more than helpful navigating with planning even assisting me after we had the planning refused and we manged to secure the planning helping keeping my business of years going in these hard times I would recommend Michelle to anyone needing planning.
She also helped me secure my builders for the job
She also helped me secure my builders for the job
Grant W.
16:25 29 Sep 23
Outstanding service from start to finish, highly recommended!!
Martin D.
10:36 27 Jun 23
Great service, held our hand all the way through our planning application and kept us updated throughout - resulting in an approval from a notoriously difficult local council!
Gus M.
15:48 31 May 23
We had a unusual change of use planning application. Michelle immediately understood what was needed to manage our planning application. Knowledgeable, professional and easy to work with.
Katie P.
08:53 30 Apr 23
Fantastic service from Michelle; her knowledge and experience really helped me to get the result I needed. Prompt replies to questions and work carried out were also part of the excellent service received.
Mandeep S.
20:00 20 Feb 23
Michelle played a key part in helping us process are application with Coventry city council.
we where working against the clock to obtain a Lawful Development certificate allowing us to be able to complete the sale of are home.
she was very quick and professorial in her response to are inquiry and after tell her the situation we were in, she was able to come to are home to take pitchers and get the application in to the council very promptly. which we would not have been able to do without her support.
if i needed to ask her any question or was unsure of anything I was able to contact her and get a prompt response.
Thank you for the great service as you have played a significant role in us being able to exchange on are family home.
we where working against the clock to obtain a Lawful Development certificate allowing us to be able to complete the sale of are home.
she was very quick and professorial in her response to are inquiry and after tell her the situation we were in, she was able to come to are home to take pitchers and get the application in to the council very promptly. which we would not have been able to do without her support.
if i needed to ask her any question or was unsure of anything I was able to contact her and get a prompt response.
Thank you for the great service as you have played a significant role in us being able to exchange on are family home.
Andrew
19:01 09 Feb 23
We came into contact with Michelle of Simple Planning Solutions as a result of a case involving a difficult neighbour and an incompetent local authority. At all times Michelle has got to the heart of the matter very quickly, never seeking to over-complicate anything or 'blind us with science.' Throughout she has been clear, helpful and pleasant. Her written skills are also first-class.
The matter we are dealing with is going to Appeal and we had no hesitation in engaging Simple Planning Solutions.
I cannot regard her work more highly or recommend her too highly.
The matter we are dealing with is going to Appeal and we had no hesitation in engaging Simple Planning Solutions.
I cannot regard her work more highly or recommend her too highly.
Lee B.
08:08 04 Oct 22
Simple Planning Solutions have saved the day.
After many planning issues and attempts to sort them ourselves we called upon Michelle, who has really gone above and beyond to get the job done. Very professional and gets results. In hindsight we should have used her from the very start.
After many planning issues and attempts to sort them ourselves we called upon Michelle, who has really gone above and beyond to get the job done. Very professional and gets results. In hindsight we should have used her from the very start.
Graham W.
13:35 17 Jul 22
Simple Planning Solutions do anything/everything to make planning permission as simple as possible. Michelle was always willing to answer all my questions and helped make the whole process as easy as possible. Her knowledge, skills and contacts made the whole process straightforward and efficient. Whatever project you are considering, I would strongly suggest having a conversation with Simple Planning Solutions and using them to make your life easier.
Aeolus Air Quality C.
11:00 25 Mar 22
Aeolus Air Quality Consulting worked with Simple Planning Solutions in March 2022, helping their client retrospectively discharge planning conditions.
Michelle was honest, responsive and ensured we were paid by their client on time. We would recommend Simple Planning Solutions and look forward to working with Michelle in the future.
Michelle was honest, responsive and ensured we were paid by their client on time. We would recommend Simple Planning Solutions and look forward to working with Michelle in the future.
Richard H.
09:15 05 Mar 22
Understood the brief quickly and produced a balanced and exhaustive report that ultimately helped us secure planning in a conservation area. Was also excellent with advice during and after the process. Quick and easy to reach when needed, fully transparent with fees. Very much recommended, I would definitely use again.