Decision details

RESOLVED:

1.    That the Local Plan Review Part 2 be progressed to address the following matters, as set out in section 5 of the report:

a.    Non-strategic housing land allocations

b.    Town centre opportunities

c.     Climate Change and working towards a zero-carbon economy

d.    Green infrastructure, nature recovery and landscape matters

e.    Affordable Housing, including First Homes and specialist housing.

2.    That the updated Local Development Scheme set out in Appendix A of the report be agreed and published to inform interested parties of the Local Plan Part Two process and timetable, including opportunities for public engagement.

3.    That it be noted that the Planning Service will also progress work on a range of supporting planning, policy and delivery matters essential to deliver sustainable growth, as set out in Section 6 of the report.

4.    That if warranted by planning reforms or other circumstances and in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure, that the Local Development Scheme and Council planning work priorities be further updated for future Cabinet consideration.

REASONS FOR DECISION:

As set out in the report.

KEY DECISION:

No.

PORTFOLIO:

Planning, Regeneration and Infrastructure.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST(S):

None.

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder introduced the report and confirmed that whilst there was uncertainty on reforms to the planning system, there were no suggestions on moving away from a plan led system.  Therefore, it was important that the Council progressed key priority work areas such as climate change reduction and green infrastructure.

At both a national and local level, the pandemic had accelerated the pace of change and the work outlined in the report would direct and assist in delivering changes to  town centres, to ensure they continued to play a key role in recovery from Covid.

The Leader of the Council welcomed the work set out in section six, relating to town centres, particularly in the context of each town and village having its own unique requirements and distinctiveness to be recognised in local planning.