Cllr Frances Peacock
I first became a Parish Councillor in 2003 and after a short break, rejoined in 2017. For the whole of this time, I have served on the Planning Committee, either as Chair or Vice-Chair. I became a Parish Councillor because I am interested in planning matters, but also because I find the role satisfying and I wanted to make a difference to people’s lives.
My professional experience is of benefit my role on the Planning Committee. I have my own architectural practice which specialises in heritage and conservation, so I have plenty of knowledge about building design, historic buildings, conservation areas and of course planning applications.
I am a Chartered Architectural Technologist, a Chartered Building Engineer and I have Full Membership of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). I have a degree in Architectural Technology, a Post Graduate Certificate in Historic Conservation, and the equivalent of a degree in External Wall Assessment (surveying buildings for the presence of combustible materials).
My other line of work is fire safety and I am professionally qualified as a Fire Engineer. I work as an independent consultant, as well as for a company. My role involves fire risk assessments, fire strategies, peer reviews of other fire engineers’ reports, fire system and equipment specifications, and the remediation of buildings with combustible cladding on the façade.
I am recognised, both nationally and internationally, as an expert on façade fires, having undertaken groundbreaking research into the subject following the Grenfell Tower fire. This has led to media interest in my work and I have been interviewed by BBC Radio 4, ITV News, Reuters and others.
My research has several key applications, one of which is fire investigation, where it can be used explain how the fire was able to spread on a particular building and why. This has been used to explain several serious fires which have affected high rise buildings, both in the UK and abroad, including Grenfell and some of the high-rise fires in Dubai. I also now work as a Fire Investigator.
Other areas of the Parish Council’s work where I have been involved include Highways & Environment (I was once Chair of this committee), Health & Safety (I am able to offer advice on fire safety) and personnel matters. I am currently a member of the Personnel Committee.
Hobbies and Interests: Local History (I have published a book about Delapre Abbey and I am currently preparing a second one about Northampton Gas Light Company and its Gasworks. The company eventually laid pipes to Brixworth and supplied the village with gas). I am also interested in railways and industrial history in general, as well as architectural history and social history. I enjoy travelling (I have visited various destinations in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America). I love reindeer, moose and raccoons and I sponsor the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd in Scotland. I also collect soft toys.
