Issue - meetings

Report of the Strategic Director of Place

The Planning Policy Team Manager presented the report to Members, highlighting the implications for North West Leicestershire with the changes to the plan as detailed at section 7.0 of the appended Cabinet report.  He reported that the plan was currently going through the approval process at all of the eight local planning authorities and it was expected to be in place by the New Year.

In response to a question from Councillor R Adams, the Planning Policy Team Manager stated that he had no reason to not expect  all of the planning authorities to sign up to the plan.  In response to a further question regarding a new Joint Strategic Planning Manager, the Planning Policy Team Manager reported that work was underway and he was hopeful that the post would be filled by March/April next year dependant on the applicant.

Councillor V Richichi asked about the consequences of building more houses than the annual requirement figure.  The Planning Policy Team Manager explained that it was a balancing act and building more houses now would mean less were required in the future.  Councillor V Richichi expressed concerns that if housing numbers were to dwindle then it could become difficult to meet the requirement figures in the future.  The Planning Policy Team Manager stated that the figures also relied on housing market and the sites available.

Councillor J Legrys raised concerns that the plan was becoming politicised by some Members and could be used against the Committee both during debate at Full Council the following week and in the future.  He felt it was important to have the correct wording for the resolution so that Members were not tied down to an opinion that could change in the future.  The Planning Policy Team Manager suggested the following amendment to the resolution:

‘The Committee support note the Strategic Growth Plan.’

All Members agreed with the proposal.

Subject to the above amendment, it was moved by Councillor J G Coxon, seconded by Councillor R Johnson and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)  The Committee note the Strategic Growth Plan.

b)  The views of the Committee be considered by Council.