Issue - meetings

Report of the Head of Planning and Infrastructure

The Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager presented the report, and pointed out key differences in the various housing options. It was noted that opportunities to extend existing settlements had become more limited therefore a new settlement would need to be a key part of the future strategy .

It was observed that whilst there is no single right approach, there had to be an appropriate strategy in place.

Officers invited member questions.

Councillor R Morris thanked officers for an excellent update and enquired whether this strategy would be subject to any external examinations by the inspectorate. Officers replied that at this stage it would be an internal document but noted that whatever strategy was employed, it would have to go before a Planning Inspector at a future date.

A member asked whether there was a particular point in the strategy which could be construed as a weakness, and officers responded that there currently was not, however should things change, information may be received which suggested the need to take a different approach.

Councillor R Johnson enquired whether neighbourhood plans would be protected and informed the meeting that the existing Hugglescote Neighbourhood Plan was currently under review. Officers advised that plans already in place would continue to hold weight, but once the new Local Plan was in place then there would be a need for Neighbourhood Plan groups to look at whether a review was necessary.  He suggested that there was a need for an ongoing dialogue in order that there would be as few gaps as possible.

Councillor R Morris queried whether Breedon Neighbourhood Plan, which was currently a work in progress, would be too late and officers responded that the Local Plan was unlikely to be adopted until 2024, therefore it would be impossible to comment at this stage whether the neighbourhood plan would need a review.

Officers outlined potential options for the authority’s employment land strategy and recapped the main options.

Councillor J Geary asked officers how much of the unit space is currently unused or unoccupied and officers advised that as a district, the vacancy rate was below ‘normal’ averages. The meeting was informed that a certain amount of vacancy was positive as this allowed for movement and growth; but too little and this was not possible.

Councillor N Smith noted that it would be good if the council attempted to provide facilities for people visiting small businesses in order to attract people to visit from outside the district.

It was moved by Councillor D Harrison, seconded by Councillor J Hoult and

RESOLVED THAT:

(i)            Option 7b providing the basis for the Housing Development Strategy of the Local Plan Review be agreed and

(ii)           (ii) Option 2a providing the basis for the Employment Development Strategy of the Local Plan Review be agreed.