Issue - meetings

To provide an update on the Local Plan Review.

An update on the local plan review was provided to Council along with comments on the scope, issues and options consultation exercise. Concern was expressed about the low response rate and that the majority of responses were from land owners and developers and it was suggested that the proportion be made clear and responses be weighted appropriately to ensure responses from communities, parish councils and individuals were given sufficient weight.

A member suggested that the best way forward was grouping development, for example via a planned new garden village, in order to ensure that infrastructure was delivered and that areas to the west of the district be considered. It was noted that infrastructure included not only highways and transport, but doctors’ surgeries, education, water and power supplies.

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

RESOLVED –

(i)            The progress made to date be noted;

(ii)           The public consultation exercise that had taken place be noted;

(iii)          The summary of comments received to the scope, issues and options consultation be noted but it be acknowledged that many contributions were from developers and landowners which will have been weighted towards their own interests;

(iv)         The concerns of the Scrutiny Commission that the delivery of infrastructure needs to be given sufficient priority in all its forms be endorsed;

(v)          Continuing progress on the local plan review be supported.

To provide an update on the local plan review.

The Commission received an update on the local plan review and comments to the scope, issues and options consultation exercise. Some members felt that the consultation responses were not necessarily representative of the residents of the borough as they were mostly from developers, landowners and agents.

Concern was expressed that there was a need for infrastructure before any further development and this had been reflected in comments received by councillors.

The issue of roads on estates not being built to proper standards was raised and it was agreed that this could be requested as a separate report. Concern was also expressed about the spending of S106 money, particularly contributions to health, that were not spent on the local facilities.

It was moved by Councillor Lay, seconded by Councillor Bill and

RESOLVED –

(i)            The progress made on the local plan review be noted;

(ii)           The eight week public consultation exercise undertaken between 8 January and 4 March 2018 be noted;

(iii)          The summary of comments received to the scope, issues and options consultation be noted but it be acknowledged that many contributions were from developers and landowners which will have been weighted towards their own interests;

(iv)         The concerns of the Scrutiny Commission that the delivery of infrastructure needs to be given sufficient priority in all its forms be reiterated;

(v)          Progress continues to be made on the local plan review as set out in the development scheme.