Issue - meetings

Recommending adoption of the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document.

Members received a report which recommended adoption of the Site Allocations and Development Management Polices Development Plan Document (DPD). It was noted that modifications, as recommended by the Inspector, had been made and the Document would be in operation the day following approval.

Councillor Richards wished her concern regarding the need for improved infrastructure resulting from increased housing development in Barwell and Earl Shilton to be recorded.

It was moved by Councillor Surtees, seconded by Councillor Rooney and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The Inspector’s report on the Examination into the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies DPD be noted;

(ii)           The adoption of the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies DPD be approved.

To give consideration to adoption of the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies document and endorse it to Council.

The Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Document was presented to the Commission following Examination in Public in autumn 2015 and resulting modifications which had been made and subsequently agreed by the Inspector in May 2016. It was noted that, once adopted, this document would have weight in decision making as a development plan, whilst still having to consider the National Planning Policy Framework and the five year housing land supply.

There was significant discussion on the relationship between this document and Neighbourhood Plans, and in response the following points were raised:

·         The importance of Neighbourhood Plans in strengthening and protecting communities

·         The document provided a framework within which Neighbourhood Plans could be written

·         Neighbourhood Plans would take precedence in non-strategic matters

Concern was expressed that some communities or parishes may be procuring expensive support for creating a Neighbourhood Plan. A member asked if support could be provided in development of Neighbourhood Plans, and in response it was stated that, whilst they must be community-led, a report could be brought to the next meeting on the support that could be offered.

A member asked a question about the reference to the extension of the Hinckley West site in the document and how this would affect determination of the planning application at the following week’s committee. Officer’s agreed to look into the matter ahead of that meeting and respond back to the member in question.

RESOLVED –

(i)            The Inspector’s report on the examination into the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Development Plan Document be noted;

(ii)           The adoption of the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies Document be endorsed;

(iii)          A report be brought to the next meeting on the potential for Council support for creating Neighbourhood Plans.