To receive Report No. 110/2015.  Report of the Director for Places (Development and Economy)

Report No. 110/2015 from the Director for Places (Development and Economy) was received.

The Portfolio Holder for Places (Development and Economy) and Resources, Mr King, introduced the report the purpose of which was to consider the updated Local Development Scheme (LDS) covering the Local Plan work programme for the next 3 years period from 2015-2018 prior to forwarding it to Cabinet

The revised Programme for Preparation of Development Plan Documents 2015 – 2018 was distributed.

Members were advised that the Site Allocations and Policies Development Plan Documents (DPD) – part of the last Local Plan specified that that the Local Plan review would  be completed by the end of December 2017.  That as a new Council, it would need to consult with the community on the 20 Year Vision for Rutland; that the main drivers from the community would need to be set against the anticipated future growth of the County.  The more formal Local Plan process would consider the level and location of development.

The Planning Policy and Housing Manager, Mr Troy, highlighted the following points:

1.    It was proposed that the Minerals Core Strategy and Development Control Policies Development Plan Documents (DPD), Core Strategy DPD and Site Allocations and Policies DPD be replaced by a single Local Plan, the framework by which planning would be determined.

2.    That Neighbourhood Plans were part of the statutory development plan, of similar weight to the Local Plan.  It was a lengthy process; initially a community document that was subject to an external examination and referendum.

3.    That the Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) would be brought to the Places Scrutiny Panel.

4.    Slight delay due to 20 Year Vision therefore it was proposed to present the report to Cabinet in August.

The following points were raised during discussion:

1.    That two and a half years was a compact timescale in which to prepare the documents.  Once produced more formal comment could be made at a later stage.

2.    That the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) replaced Section 106; once set in place would apply to all residential development with some exceptions (e.g. house extensions, annexes).  Town/Parish Councils with a neighbourhood plan would receive 25% of the levy; non-neighbourhood plan councils would receive 15%.

3.    That neighbourhood plans had to be compliant with the Local Plan and policies in place.  The allocation of development sites and the type of development would be detailed in the neighbourhood plan and should not promote less development than set out in the Local Plan.  It is envisaged that the neighbourhood plans would be reviewed and refreshed to ensure compliance with the Local Plan review for the period up to 2036.

4.    That the general focus of/for development was on larger villages and towns.

5.    That only those communities with development would receive CIL.

6.     Concern was expressed that future development would place pressures on the infrastructure.

7.    That the views of communities would be sought at the beginning of the 20 Year Vision process before final decision making.

8.    That the Panel was broadly supportive of the 20 Year Vision; would welcome further work on consultation scope to be incorporated into the report to Cabinet

9.    That all communities would be engaged with equally; it was acknowledged that communities with a neighbourhood plan were likely to have a greater understanding of their issues and knowledge of, and getting communities engaged in, the process.

10. That the 20 Year Vision offered an opportunity to encourage communities to produce a neighbourhood plan.

11. Concern was expressed that there was a risk that the housing allocation stated in the Local Plan could be delivered early.  Report to be brought to a future meeting of the Places Scrutiny Panel.

12. If December 2017 deadline was exceeded the Council could be at risk from developers looking for development in the area and applying for planning permission if the Local Plan polices are out of date..  The Minister had already stated he wanted to speed up the neighbourhood plan process.  Look to adopt the Local Plan in March 2018.

13. That neighbourhood plans had to be compliant with the Local Plan and policies in place.  The allocation of development sites and the type of development would be detailed in the neighbourhood plan and should not promote less development than set out in the Local Plan.  It is envisaged that the neighbourhood plans would be reviewed and refreshed to ensure compliance with the Local Plan review for the period up to 2036.

14. If December 2017 exceeded the Council could be exposed, two and a half year plan.  The Minister had already stated wanted to speed up the neighbourhood plan process.  Look to adopt the Local Plan in March 2018.

15. It was requested that the report to Cabinet included detailed funding information.

AGREED:

1.    That the content of report no. 110/2015 be noted.

2.    That the Panel was broadly supportive of the 20 Year Vision.

3.    That the Panel requested further work on consultation scope be incorporated into the report to Cabinet.

4.    That the Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) would be brought to the Places Scrutiny Panel.

5.    That a report of Local Plan Housing Allocations and delivery would be brought to the Places Scrutiny Panel.