Agenda item

This report provides a summary of ongoing work on the Local Plan production.

The Committee received a report providing an update on the preparation of the East Devon Local Plan, following the close of the second stage of Regulation 19 consultation on 26 January 2026.  Members were advised that approximately 3,200 separate comments had been submitted which included points that had been previously raised and including a significant number of objections to specific site allocations - particularly Exmo_20, which received 1,500 responses.  It was noted that a detailed feedback report summarising the consultation responses would be presented at the next meeting.

The Assistant Director – Planning Strategy and Development Services outlined further technical work that still needed to be completed, including:

·       West End focussed transport assessment to consider growth impacts around Marlcombe, the M5 and the A30,

·       An assessment of Air quality impacts at the Pebblebed Heaths, required to ensure a satisfactory Habitat Regulations Assessment prior to the submission of the Local Plan.  This work is being undertaken by independent consultants Ricardo.

The current timetable for preparing the Local Plan is as follows:

Ø  Submission: Spring 2026

Ø  Strategic Planning Committee: May 2026

Ø  Full Council: Early June 2026

Ø  Examination, including Inspector’s Hearings: June 2026

The questions raised included:

·       Confirmation was requested about whether there remains a requirement to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply and how confident officers are that this can be achieved.  The Committee noted that the requirement remains in place and were advised that the latest monitoring report showed the Council currently has a 3.5 year housing supply.  Officers confirmed that this will continue to be monitored and that the five-year figure is expected to be demonstrated at the point of adoption.

·       Whether additional time will be provided to resolve any outstanding issues with the Plan.  It was confirmed that further time could be allowed during the examination period if additional work on the Local Plan was required. It would depend on how the Plan was viewed by the Inspectors and what recommendations they made.

·       Further information was sought on how air quality impacts could be addressed on the Pebblebed Heaths.  While no definitive mitigation strategy is in place at present, it was advised that the independent consultants Ricardo have identified potential measures, including encouraging the uptake of electric vehicles and exploring changes to farming practices, such as introducing covered digestate storage facilities.

·       Clarification was sought about the length of time for the technical work to be completed.  The Assistant Director – Planning Strategy and Development Services confirmed that all technical reports must be completed by 12 June 2026 to submit for examination.

·       The Chair asked for clarification on what steps could be taken if evidence indicates that the Council does not have a satisfactory mitigation strategy.  The Assistant Director – Planning Strategy and Development Services explained that achieving a satisfactory outcome to the Habitat Regulations Assessment is a legal requirement.  If this cannot be achieved within the current timeframe, the Council will need to revise the schedule to allow sufficient time to reach compliance.  At present, the Council is awaiting the findings from Ricardo, the independent environment consultancy.

·       A question was raised about the use of AI and how will the accuracy of AI-generated summaries of residents’ input be verified. It was confirmed that AI will be used to assist in producing summaries, and the Committee was reassured that a checking process will be carried out to ensure the summaries are accurate and reflective of the responses received.

·       Clarification was sought on whether the Pebblebed Heath mitigation strategy considers planting to encourage stronger vegetation growth along the roadsides to help improve the air quality.  It was suggested that such planting could help address pollution impacts at ground level and potentially improve soil nutrient conditions. Other management measures could include the uptake of electric vehicles

·       Clarification was sought regarding the potential status of the Local Plan following Local Government reorganisation.  If adopted, the Local Plan will remain in force by the new unitary authority until it is superseded by the next Local Plan, which is reviewed every 5 years.

·       A question was asked about the extent to which the Water Cycle Study will influence the overall Local Plan and in response it was confirmed that no changes to the Plan are currently envisaged as a result of the study.

·       A question was raised regarding site allocation Exmo_20 and its relationship to the survey on housing needs in Exmouth.  It was noted that Exmo_20 does not reflect the survey findings in terms of type and quality of housing identified as needed, which emphasised affordable housing.  Concerns were expressed about whether the minimum requirement for affordable housing would be delivered on this site, and why the Council is continuing to pursue Exmo_20.  The Chair reminded the Committee that it had previously agreed the affordable housing policy, which provides for 35% affordable housing, comprising 70% shared ownership and 30% social rent.

RESOLVED:

That the contents of the report be noted and the proposed programme of works going forward be endorsed.