Issue - meetings

The report of the Head of Planning and Infrastructure

The report was presented by the Head of Planning and Infrastructure.

A discussion followed. Members welcomed and commended the Good Design Guide, and commented that it was a step forward from an already good guide and looked forward to its publication which would support stronger development in the district.

A discussion was had about the requirement to include chimneys on all new housing, as some members commented it was unnecessary with others liking them and think they improve the street scene. It was explained that chimneys make a development look stronger and have a positive impact on streetscape but the Head of Planning and Infrastructure would explore this further. 

It was suggested by a member that sustainable and energy efficiency could be included more in the report with more recommendations. This included encouraging a fabric first approach to energy efficiency and encouraging developers to put the management of open spaces back to local authorities.

The comments were taken on board by the Head of Planning and Infrastructure as they welcomed any feedback and informed the Committee that there was the opportunity to make amendments to the document.

A member expressed disappointment that the guide wasn’t submitted to a Scrutiny Committee and commented that all members of the Council should have the opportunity to provide input to the guide.

At the end of the discussion, a member commented that they had requested for the Committee to discuss whether a policy could be developed in relation to the management of public open space. The chair agreed that this could be looked into.

It was moved by Councillor J Legrys, seconded by Councillor R Morris and

RESOLVED THAT:

The draft Good Design Guide for North West Leicestershire Supplementary Planning document be approved for public consultation.