Issue - meetings

RESOLVED:

That Cabinet:

1.     Noted the summary of comments and endorsed the recommended responses to the issues and scope consultation;

2.     Approved the revised Local Development Scheme for preparing the Local Plan review;

3.     Approved the scope of the Conservation Area Appraisal reviews; and

4.     Noted the updates on the associated evidence base work.

KEY DECISION:

Yes

PORTFOLIO:

Planning and Economy

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED/REJECTED:

As set out in the report.

DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST:

None

DISCUSSION:

The Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economy introduced the report which provided an update on the Local Plan Review and sought Cabinet approval for a revised Local Development Scheme.  The report set out the updated timetable and the approach for the Local Plan review.  Since the last report, a call for sites consultation had been undertaken as well as an issues and scope consultation, which included public exhibitions.  This saw an increase in the number of comments received and they had been summarised in the report.  The key themes resulting from the consultation included the urgent need for affordable housing, improved infrastructure, climate resilience and protection of the unique character of the New Forest.  The respondents to the consultation had also emphasised the importance of town centre regeneration, prioritising brownfield development and ensuring new housing was well connected to employment and services. 

The Portfolio Holder reported that the revised programme proposed a consultation on a draft Local Plan in late 2025, focusing on spatial growth options and emerging policies.  This would be followed by a full Local Plan consultation in Autumn 2026, with submission to the Secretary of State by the end of 2026.  The report also proposed reviews of Conservation Areas to ensure alignment with current policy and guidance and this work would take approximately eight months to complete.   The work programme would be kept under review in light of the LGR context. 

Finally, the Portfolio Holder congratulated the planning team on the comprehensive report presented and the wide range of consultation responses which had been received.  It was recognised that conflicting views had been expressed and that it would not be possible to please everyone.  It was important to produce a plan which was right for the district, looking at all sites, seeking the views of all members, in particular the member working group.  Some compromises would need to be made in order to balance the many policies coming from central government.

The Service Manager – Planning Policy, Infrastructure and Delivery expressed thanks to those who had engaged in the consultation and to members through the working group for their input in work to date.

The Portfolio Holder for Finance and Corporate highlighted that when a new Local Plan was being produced there were constraints from national government and that this was not always in line with the views of local residents.  However, the council would look to deliver a plan with the best outcomes for residents within those constraints.  It was recognised, that in the context of LGR, it would the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22