Issue - meetings

The report of the Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager.

The Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager presented the report.

During discussion, members expressed the importance of maintaining an area of separation in the Local Plan to preserve the character of the village and protect the surrounding countryside. Members also highlighted the potential an area of separation has to enforce Policy S2 – Settlement Hierarchy, and Policy S3 – Strategic Policy, in the Local Plan – concerns were raised over the robustness of these policies. It was added that establishing an area of separation in writing would be more effective in enforcing protection.

A few members raised doubts over whether establishing an area of separation was necessary due to the protection offered by policies S2 and S3 in the Local Plan.

A motion was put forward by Councillor P Moult for an area of separation to not be included in the Local Plan. It was seconded by Councillor A Barker.

The motion was LOST.

The Legal Advisor advised the Committee to put forward an alternative motion.

Councillor R Morris moved that an area of separation at Diseworth be identified as part of the Local Plan on the grounds that it would better preserve the surrounding countryside and the character of the village. It was seconded by Councillor J Legrys and

RESOLVED THAT:

An area of separation at Diseworth be identified as part of the Local Plan to better protect the surrounding countryside and preserve the character of the village.