Agenda item

This report sets out a programme and timetable for production of future planning policy documents.  The previous LDS dates from 2018 and requires an update.  This report also introduces the proposed LDS, summarises key content and provides more information on plan production considerations.

The Service Lead – Planning Strategy and Development Management presented the East Devon – Local Development Scheme (LDS) outlining the programme and timetable for production of future planning policy documents.

Members noted some amendments to the new Local Development Scheme (LDS) document as detailed below: 

o   Page 9, paragraph 4.1; Point c) of the Cranbrook Development Plan

The adoption of the timetable for production will now be September 2020 due to mediation recommended at the Hearing. 

o   Page 11, paragraph 5.5 of the Cranbrook Development Plan

An additional point be added to the list of additional guidance in relation to the production of a Cranbrook Town Centre Masterplan which should read: A Masterplan to show how it is envisaged the Cranbrook Town Centre should come forward indicating the appropriate layout and mix of uses as well as guidance on design and development form.

Members noted that the Local Development Scheme would need to be approved by Council and the Service Lead – Planning Strategy and Development Management proposed to change the recommendation to read ‘that committee recommends that Council adopts the proposed new Local Development Scheme as appended to this report.’

Ward Members discussed the following:

·         It was claimed viability had been a point of contention since May 2019.

·         Concerns raised about the SPD.

·         It was queried whether the timescale of September 2020 realistic for a SPD.

·         The developers have the power and it is not a great place to be.

·         I was claimed that Cranbrook had a different demographic to the rest of East Devon.

Points raised during discussion included:

·         Advice sought on making the right decision.  In response the Chief Executive advised Members would need to consider whether they were able to properly consider the Consortium’s offer in the context of the council’s policies.

·         Concerns raised about the timelines that the Service Lead – Planning Strategy and Development Management had proposed.

·         Facts were needed from both sides before a decision could be made.

·         Clarification sought about why the Strategic Delivery Board were against a SPD.  In response the Chairman briefed Members on the background of the Delivery Board.

·         Concerns raised that Cranbrook had very limited shared facilities where people can meet.

·         Members need to consider ways to improve public perception and the media image of Cranbrook.

·         It was suggested that a copy of the letter received by Members from David Lock Associates Ltd be available in the minutes as a link.

The Chairman put to Members Councillor Howe’s proposal which was seconded by Councillor Allen to hold a special meeting of the Strategic Planning Committee to speak to the developers about their proposal.    This was agreed by a show of hands.

RESOLVED:

That Committee hold a special meeting to consider and debate the developer’s proposal be agreed.

Further discussions covered:

·         Concerns raised about the timescale of the GESP and the Local Plan.

·         It was suggested that the GESP would need to come to either Strategic Planning Committee or Full Council at various points to keep Members informed.  The Service Lead – Planning Strategy and Development Management advised the committee dates would be recorded in the Corporate Work Programme.

·         Concerns raised about the Local Plan and the growing evidence that shows councils splitting their Local Plan so that they can get ahead of the GESP if it was delayed.  This council should be pushing on with parts of the Local Plan we can do now so we are fully prepared.  In response The Service Lead – Planning Strategy and Development Management advised he had concerns and referred Members to page 20, paragraphs 2.12 and 2.13 of the report. 

·         Members welcomed the Chief Executive suggestion for the Service Lead – Planning Strategy and Development Management to prepare a report for the Committee in April to give Members a better understanding on the timescales.

RESOLVED:

That subject to the amendments detailed for the date for adoption for the Cranbrook Plan DPD and the insertion of the Cranbrook Town Centre Masterplan as a SPD the Committee recommend that Council adopts the proposed new Local Development Scheme as appended to this report.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL:

That Council adopt the proposed new Local Development Scheme, as appended to this report subject to the date for adoption of the Cranbrook Plan being amended to September 2020 and the insertion of the Cranbrook Town Centre Masterplan SPD.