Issue - meetings

This report updates Members on the Local Plan following the Council Resolution on 9^th October 2014 and outlines what actions are being taken to respond to the requirements of the motion.

Resolved:  That Cabinet note the contents of the Local Plan housing report.

Reason:     So that an National Planning Policy Framework compliant Local Plan can be progressed.

Consideration was given to an update report on the Local Plan, following a Council motion on 9 October 2014, which asked Officers to produce a report for the next Local Plan Working Group (LPWG) meeting on housing trajectory. This analysis would then be used to inform housing allocations and a new proposed Local Plan would be brought back for consideration by Cabinet in November.

Officers confirmed that, following the halting of the Local Plan, Members had been invited to an independently chaired Seminar and presentation on 1 December 2014. This had provided members with details of how to ensure that local plans were compliant with the National Planning Policy Framework, information on objectively assessed housing need and household formation rates. Full details of which had been attached as annexes to the report.

Following the Seminar it was proposed to prepare a report for the LPWG on housing options and details of the proposed way forward on the Plan.

Officers highlighted the need to minimise delay in the preparation of the Local Plan in order to reduce the risks of not having a planned approach to development. 

Members referred to the LPWG meeting to be held the following day and, whilst also wishing to protect the Green Belt, they highlighted the need for compromises in respect of additional housing sites.

Resolved:  That Cabinet note the contents of the Local Plan housing report.

Reason:     So that a National Planning Policy Framework compliant Local Plan can be progressed.