Issue - meetings

The report of the Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager and Principal Planning Policy Officer

Before the presentation of item 5, the Chair of the Local Plan Committee explained the structure of the presentations and discussions to the Committee.

The report was presented by the Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager and the Principal Planning Policy Officer.

Sections 1 – 3
The Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager explained to the Committee that the actual number of dwellings required may change based on updated government modelling. If the number decreases, some sites may be removed; if it increases, new sites may need to be added. Unmet housing needs from Leicester City and possibly Oadby and Wigston would also influence final numbers.

It was appreciated by a member of the Committee, that the HS2 safeguarded had been removed. In response to their enquiry about the Norton Juxta Twycross development, the Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager explained that the majority of this proposal was located within Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council area. Decisions made for this site relied on the Borough Council, who were less advanced in their Local Plan process which could mean potential delays in this Council’s Plan. Updates would be provided to the Committee.

It was requested by a member that the Committee have further discussions about proposals that involved Nortion Juxta Twycross, Appleby and employment at Junction 11.

Officers were congratulated for their ‘meticulous’ responses to the public consultation process.

Section 4
A member of the Committee raised concerns, on behalf of residents of Rushey Close, about an allocated site South of Burton Road. It was reported that these residents were not officially informed during the consultation of this site. It was explained that the consultation process involved Parish and Town Councils being notified with the expectation to help disseminate information; and those signed up to the consultation database, or had previously made representations, were contacted. It was added that writing to every resident was not feasible due to cost and time constraints. Officers were unsure why residents of this site were unaware as other sites across the district were notified. Any comments received would be reviewed thoroughly and if changes to the plan was warranted, recommendations would be made accordingly.

Section 5

A discussion followed. The Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Mangers informed Members, that whilst the Council were unable to compel developers to work together, there was some reassurance that 3 of the developers had met. Upcoming transport modelling evidence may require sensible planning and encourage collaboration between developers, but it was up to them to do so.

Members were updated on an active petition in relation to Torrington Avenue (recommendation 2). Actions taken, because of the petition, depended on the number of signatures.

In response to a question, it was explained that a parcel of undeveloped land would be preserved by a legal agreement, but future changes could not be ruled out.

Concerns were raised about the West Whitwick land. It was explained that If the land was included in the Regulation 19 plan, objections  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5