Agenda item

Proposed consultation on a Local Plan Issues and Options Report

The report seeks Members approval for consultation to start in January 2021 on a new local plan issues and options report.

Minutes:

The Committee considered and discussed the report that sought approval to commence an 8 week consultation to start on 18 January 2021 and conclude at midday on 15 March 2021 on a new local plan issues and options report.  The report provided Members with detail on the proposed work streams for the next 2 years with some background materials and considerations to ensure on-line questions were suited to software requirements.

 

Members noted that the feedback received from the consultation would be used to structure and form the new local plan which would be submitted for examination in early spring 2023.

 

The Service Lead - Planning Strategy and Development Management updated Members on the numbers of comments received from a Cranbrook resident including questioning the shortfall in housing numbers and advised taking into account the new plan period which extended beyond the current plan of 2031 the housing numbers would be extended to approximately 2040 which would lead to an increase.  He advised he was mindful to note the White Paper in the document as the figures may change in the future.

 

In the absence of Councillor Allen who left the meeting the Chair read out an email from him sent prior to the meeting that read:

 

‘I am writing to you direct because I would recommend a pause to think about how we are going to do the local plan review.  We can take the LGA guidance and review the local plan without take the LGA guidance and review the local plan without undertaking 3 or 4 years of costs and running the risk of 2 or 3 years with no updated plan which developers will undoubtedly exploit.  The LGA is being very clear on what is needed for review as opposed to a wholesale new plan.  The Service Lead’s belt and braces approach reflects not necessarily the legal requirement.  As far as I can see we can conduct the view via the issues and options process but then focus on what needs to be changed by the end of 2021.  We need to be very careful of our 5 year land supply issues but avoid our wholesale land grab by developers.’

 

In response the Service Lead – Planning Strategy and Development Management raised concerns that Councillor Allen may be referring to the review process and the Planning Advisory Service Framework that was discussed at the last meeting which had already been done

 

·         Concerns raised about losing the councils 5 year land supply;

·         Need to include something about villages.  In response it was suggested to broaden out this section in terms of town centres to encompass vibrant villages;

·         Clarification sought on heritage assets.  In response it was advised the question related to how important heritage assets was to people in terms of conserving and enhancing;

·         The need to include our communities, parish and town councils and partners to get this right.  This is the perfect vehicle.

·         Weight should be given to walking and cycling and not assume car ownership as a basis of living;

·         Need to install home charging wires in new builds;

·         Need to aim for passive house standards;

·         The council has a legal duty to preserve and enhance heritage assets;

·         Need to consider uPVC like for like sash windows on listed buildings to make them energy efficient;

·         The need to facilitate cycle links and paths in small communities as well as large communities.  Town centres also need to accommodate cycles in a safe and secure way to encourage families to cycle into town.

 

RESOLVED:

1.    That consultation on the draft local plan issues and options report, as appended to this paper, starts in January 2021 and runs for an eight week period be approved;

2.    That delegated authority be granted to the Service Lead – Planning Strategy and Development Management in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning, to make any minor changes to finalise the consultation document and facilitate the requirements of consultation software as well as to make any changes agreed at committee  be approved.

 

 

Supporting documents: