Residents and community groups in West Northamptonshire can now apply to transform council-owned land into gardens, following a new policy approved by the West Northamptonshire Council cabinet on 15 April 2026.
The initiative allows individuals and local groups to request permission to manage specific sections of council-owned open spaces, such as parks, for activities including food growing, flower planting, or the creation of sensory gardens. Under the new rules, these projects must be carried out in a way that preserves general public access to the areas.
Successful applicants will be granted a standard five-year licence. This agreement is designed to offer stability for community projects while ensuring that the council retains the ability to return the land to general use if required in the future.
Councillor Nigel Stansfield, Cabinet Member for Environment, Recycling and Waste, stated that the policy provides a clear framework for residents to make more use of green spaces. He added that the initiative aims to boost physical and mental wellbeing while helping people take an active role in shaping their local environment.
The policy supports the council’s ongoing efforts to manage approximately 150 parks and green open spaces across the area. It also aligns with wider public health priorities, including the Grow Cook Eat programme, which is designed to encourage community growing and healthier lifestyles.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
