To receive a presentation from Mr Roger Ranson – Planning Policy Manager at Rutland County Council – regarding additional consultation for the Local Plan to consider the implications of potential development at St George’s Barracks and other sites that have been promoted for development since the Consultation Draft Local Plan was issued for public consultation.

Mr Roger Ranson – Planning Policy Manager for Rutland County Council, provided the Forum with a presentation regarding additional consultation for the Local Plan which now included implications of the potential development at St George’s Barracks and other sites that have been promoted for development since the Consultation Draft Local Plan was issued for public consultation.

Please find the full presentation attached as well as pre-submitted questions.

During discussion the following points were noted:

1. It was felt that the 6 week consultation should be extended to accommodate those that were on holiday. Mr Ranson explained that the Chief Executive was keen that information regarding the consultation for the Local Plan was in the public domain from the time the Cabinet discussed the matter in July and that Parish Councils had been advised by email of when the consultation was taking place.
2. It was noted that Cabinet had only approved the additional consultation of the Local Plan.
3. The Local Plan would be going to Full Council on Monday 26 November where public are welcome to attend as they are with Cabinet meetings.
4. The definition of a brownfield site was questioned. Mr Ranson responded that the most up to date definition was available on the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), and it states:

“Land which is or was occupied by a permanent structure, including the curtilage of the developed land (although it should not be assumed that the whole of the curtilage should be developed) and any associated fixed surface infrastructure. This excludes: land that is or was last occupied by agricultural or forestry buildings; land that has been developed for minerals extraction or waste disposal by landfill, where provision for restoration has been made through development management procedures; land in built-up areas such as residential gardens, parks, recreation grounds and allotments; and land that was previously developed but where the remains of the permanent structure or fixed surface structure have blended into the landscape.”

Mr Ranson also referred to paragraphs 117 and 118 of the NPPF regarding making effecting use of land, which could be found at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2

5. There was concern that regardless of the consultation, the Council had already made its mind up as there was a lack of alternative options. Mr Ranson reiterated that the Council is here to listen, the current plan was a starting point based around national policy and making as much use of a brownfield site.
6. Mr Ranson noted there would be a statement regarding the Quarry Farm site included within the next stage of the plan.
7. It was questioned whether the local plan was now starting to abandon development in town centres with a reduction of shopfronts in the first draft. Mr Ranson stated that town were not the focus of this consultation but would be noted in a later draft of the plan.
8. The Chairman of Morcott Parish Council stated that their parish had a poll that was in favour of refurbishing the White Horse Inn, and developing housing. However, the development was not included within the local plan. Mr Ranson questioned whether they needed the local plan for this and whether they should look at a neighbourhood plan. Mr Ingram suggested that the Chairman of Morcott should come and talk to himself or Mr Ranson regarding community driven development as the planning process could make things happen.
9. Mr Ingram that all the housing targets were the minimum target, housing numbers would start there and then increase. There was a need to think about the future of the county.  The policy for more housing is national policy from the Government and was not coming from RCC.
10. There was a need to make the St George’s Barracks site as good as it could be, it had to be developed  in a way that was right for Rutland.
11. It was questioned whether there was still opportunity for Uppingham to have more houses than stated in the plan as there was more than enough land. Mr Ranson welcomed a discussion with Uppingham if the community wanted more houses.
12. It was noted if that for whatever reason the St George’s Barracks project did not happen, then there would be more housing development in Oakham, Uppingham, and the larger villages.
13. Mr Ranson noted a need to create development other than just a housing estate.
14. Mr Ranson confirmed that if people were unable to fill out the consultation form then free text was welcomed.
15. Mr Ranson noted that appropriate amount of employment for 3000 houses would be 9-10 hectares, the development would provide opportunities to work within Rutland.
16. Parishes noted a need for the infrastructure to be built first. Mr Ranson mentioned that there would be an infrastructure delivery plan in the next stage.
17. Questioned with what was benefit of there being 1200 houses at St George’s rather than 500, Mr Ranson replied that it would create a new community. The alternative would be to place the 1200 into Oakham, Uppingham, and other large villages.
18. There would be a plan that took power generation into consideration at a later date.
19. Mr Ranson noted there was a need to develop a sound Local Plan that was in line with national guidance.
20. The Chairman noted that he and Councillor Gale Waller, Ward Members for Normanton, were active in their parishes and regularly attend parish meeting.
21. The Chairman encouraged everyone to use their Ward Members as vehicles to get their thoughts through to the Council.
22. Oliver Hemsley – Leader of Rutland County Council – expressed the importance of sending in feedback regarding St George’s Barracks and Rutland as a whole and encouraged to do so.
23. The Chairman noted that the minutes from the meeting would include the pre-submitted questions, attached.