Issue - meetings

Report of the Head of Planning and Infrastructure

The Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager presented the report to Members highlighting the next steps by the District Council in relation to the submitted Neighbourhood plan.  Members were also given a general update on neighbourhood planning in the District.  

Members spoke positively in relation to the work undertaken by Hugglescote and Donington le Heath Parish Council in the preparation of the neighbourhood plan.

A concern was made about the amount of support available by officers due to the current resources in the Planning Policy and Land Charges Team, and other work priorities such as the local plan review.  Members felt that as communities put a lot of work and effort into neighbourhood plans, it was important that officer support was provided.  The Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager assured Members that support would always be provided but it was important to balance this work with that required for the local plan.

It was moved by Councillor J Legrys, seconded by Councillor D Bigby and by affirmation of the meeting

RESOLVED THAT:

1)     The proposed response to the submission draft of the Hugglescote and Donington Le Heath Neighbourhood Plan in appendices A and B be agreed.

2)     It be noted that the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure, would:

a)     publish the plan for a six-week period and invite representations;

b)     notify consultation bodies; and

c)      appoint an Independent Examiner to conduct the examination of the Neighbourhood Plan.

3)     It be noted that following the receipt of the Independent Examiner’s report, the Strategic Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure, would determine whether the conditions had been met for the Neighbourhood Plan to proceed to referendum.

4)     Following the referendum and if time did not allow for a report to the Local Plan Committee, the Strategic Director of Place in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Infrastructure would determine whether the Neighbourhood Plan should be ‘made’.

5)     The progress being made with Neighbourhood Plans in the District be noted.