Decision details

Purpose of Report: The report sets out the Local Plan proposed modifications and associated evidence base as well as proposing the production of a range of topic specific supplementary planning documents (SPD’s) and a possible Article 4 Direction to support the implementation of the Local Plan.

The Executive will be asked to:
1. Agree to formally consult on the Local Plan proposed modifications and the associated evidence base and agree submission to the Planning Inspectorate following this consultation.
2. Agree the proposed list of SPD’s to be produced to support the implementation of the Plan.
3. Agree the preparation of an evidence base to support the possible introduction of an Article 4 direction to remove permitted development rights to allow changes from office to residential.

Resolved:  (i)      That the schedules of modifications and evidence provided in Annexes 1 to 8 to the report and in Table 1 be approved, and that approval be given to commence consultation on the Proposed Main Modifications and the associated evidence base.

                   (ii)      That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance and Major Projects, to agree any minor (non-material) amendments and to sign off the publication version of the Local Plan Proposed Modifications prior to public consultation.

Reason:     For the Local Plan found to be ‘sound’ the proposed modifications must be formally consulted on as set out in the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning (England) Regulations 2012 (Regulations 23,24,25 relating to Examination period).

                   (iii)     That authority be delegated to the Corporate Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Finance & Major projects, to collate the results of the consultation on the Proposed Main Modifications and the associated evidence base, and submit them to the Inspectors for them to draft their report; and

                   (iv)    in the event that there are no material changes following the conclusion of the consultation exercise on the Proposed Main Modifications and the associated evidence base and following receipt of the Inspectors’ report, the Local Plan (as modified in accordance with the Proposed Main Modifications and the associated evidence base) and the Inspectors’ report be submitted to Full Council by the Leader, in consultation with the Corporate Director of Place, to recommend adoption.

Reason:     To support progress towards adoption of the Local Plan, which will ensure the Council meets its statutory and national planning policy requirements.

                   (v)     That the proposed list of Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs) to be produced to support the implementation of the Local Plan be approved.

Reason:     To support the implementation of the Local Plan.

                   (vi)    That approval be given to prepare an evidence base to support the possible introduction of an Article 4 direction to remove permitted development rights to allow changes of use from office to residential.

Reason:     To support the implementation of the Local Plan.

                   (vii)    That the evidence-gathering in relation to short term lets and HMOs be noted.

Reason:     To establish how best to monitor and control these uses and support the implementation of the Local Plan.

                   (viii)   That officers specifically address the issue of the Badger Hill petition on HMOs in respect of the appropriateness of an Article 4 direction to prevent the expansion of HMOs.

Reason:     To ensure that the issues raised in the petition are properly considered.