Issue - meetings

Report of the Head of Planning and Infrastructure

The Principal Planning Policy Officer presented the report and referred Members to the update sheet as circulated prior to the meeting.

In response to a question from a Member, the Planning Policy Team Manager reported that there was no indication yet as to what the freeport would mean for the area.  He explained that a piece of work was underway across Leicester and Leicestershire (the Housing and Economic Needs Assessment) in relation to future housing and employment needs which had been asked to consider the potential implications of the Freeport element.  A report was expected for the committee in the Autumn.

Comments were made on the wording of the consultation questions as some Members were concerned that the language used was very technical, therefore discouraging people to respond. It was acknowledged that it would be difficult to engage with the public due to the technical subject matter of the consultation. Reference was made to comments currently circulating on social media which indicated that people did not understand this process, Members strongly urged officers to communicate clearly with appropriate language for all to understand.  The Chairman also encouraged Members to go out and communicate this to the public as they had the experience and knowledge gained from sitting on the committee. 

It was felt that some of the advantages and disadvantages in relation to option 7 within the report were leading in what should be a balanced and neutral position.  Officers were asked to reword the disadvantages to make them more of a suggestion than a statement, and to include arguments for the advantages  The Planning Policy Team Manager took on board comments made and reminded Members that the advantages within the report were factual statements used in the NPPF. 

In response to a question, the Planning Policy Team Manager confirmed that Members were not being asked to agree the wording for the consultation at this point, all comments received would be considered and a further report would be presented to committee before the consultation commenced.

In relation to start up workspace, a Member felt that the policy should encourage people to use unoccupied agricultural buildings and asked for clear wording on this to be included.  A discussion then ensued in relation to the continuing building of new units despite already unoccupied units which affected a number of areas throughout the District.  A comment was also made in relation to suitable housing for the people that worked on these sites to reduce commuting.

It was moved by Councillor K Merrie, seconded by Councillor V Richichi and

RESOLVED THAT:

The potential policy options set out in the report for

a)     a review of Policy EC2(2) as amended by the update sheet;

b)     Start-Up workspace; and

c)      Local Employment

be included in the next consultation stage of the Local Plan review.