Agenda item

The Chief Executive addressed the issues raised by the Consortium and East Devon Community Partnership and asked members to consider two amendments to the recommendations.  Recommendation 2 to include ‘subject to any necessary changes arising from consultation being approved by the Strategic Planning Committee’ and recommendation 4 to replace ‘prior to consultation’ with ‘up to the point of submission’. 

The Service Lead, Planning Strategy and Development Management addressed the points raised by the Consortium and Persimmon Homes and acknowledged East Devon District Council had worked with the Consortium and Persimmon Homes throughout the process and in the development of policies in the Cranbrook Plan.  He addressed the issues that had resulted from the late arrival of the viability work.   The Service Lead, Planning Strategy and Development Management advised the consultation process would be part of the ongoing engagement with the Consortium and any concerns would be considered and addressed as appropriate.

The Cranbrook New Community Manager presented the report, which related to the publication of the proposed submission version of the Cranbrook Plan Development Plan Document and sought Member endorsement for consultation and recommendation to Full Council for submission to the Planning Inspectorate to allow the production of a Development Plan Document to guide the expansion of Cranbrook.

The Service Lead, Planning Strategy and Development Management addressed the confusion surrounding development in the Green Wedge and advised the Cranbrook Plan DPD does not propose any development in the Rockbeare Green Wedge area the subject of policy Rock06 of the Rockbeare Neighbourhood Plan. 

Members raised the following points during discussion of the Cranbrook Plan Development Plan Document:

·        Concerns about how the approach taken would influence other Green Wedge areas.  Members were advised that the proposed incursion into the Green Wedge in Clyst Honiton incorporated into the plan is considered to be in accordance with the Local Plan as it does not undermine the purpose of the Green Wedge.  It was also noted that to date Clyst Honiton Parish Council had not raised concerns with this proposal;

·        Clarification was sought about additional schools including a secondary school and special needs school.  In response members were advised the plan included an infrastructure contribution of £1million and East Devon District Council were meeting the requirements set by Devon County Council’s Education Infrastructure Plan;

·        The lack of community centres.  One community centre will be funded for its construction costs and other sites have been permitted;

·        Clarification was sought about meeting the needs of health care provision. In response members were advised there were plans for a Health and Wellbeing Hub to serve Cranbrook and a contribution of £8.7million would be made towards the full cost of the delivery of the hub;

·        Clarification was sought about Green Wedges. Members were referred to Strategy 8 of the Local Plan;

·        Issues with affordable housing delivery and CIL contributions;

·        Members sought clarification on the application of Strategy 36 – Accessible and Adaptable Homes and Care/Extra Care Homes.  Members were advised that Strategy 36 would be applicable at Cranbrook but it was not possible to put in place a stronger policy or amend Strategy 36 as sufficient evidence did not currently exist of the needs for such housing at Cranbrook.  Officers committed to gathering the necessary evidence and addressing Members concerns through the new Local Plan;

RESOLVED:

1.     That the Cranbrook Plan Development Plan Document consultation as detailed in this report and in accordance with the adopted Statement of Community Involvement be approved.

2.     That the position in terms of the current planning applications for the expansion of the town be noted.

3.     Delegated powers to the Service Lead, Planning Strategy and Development Management in consultation with the Chairman of the Strategic Planning Committee to make minor changes and address any typos and other errors to the document up to point of submission be approved.  These to include additional wording to clarify the application of Strategy 36 at Cranbrook.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

1.     The Cranbrook Plan Development Plan Document for submission to the Planning Inspectorate for Examination in Public (subject to any necessary changes arising from consultation being approved by the Strategic Planning Committee).