Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Services

Presented by the Regeneration and Planning Portfolio Holder

The Chairman reminded members that the usual rules of debate would apply to this item.

Councillor T J Pendleton presented the report to members, reiterating that the Local Plan was the culmination of years of hard work and was an inspirational strategy that would deliver genuinely sustainable growth across the district.  He reminded members that the Local Plan had been the subject of numerous rounds of informed scrutiny by members, carried out in public through the Local Plan Advisory Committee in public, with the aim of garnering cross party support.  He added that the Council had set out clear priorities for the district and the Local Plan would put these priorities into action.  He stated that the council was unashamedly determined that these priorities of jobs and growth would continue to be supported and would continue to support Coalville’s resurgence as an economic powerhouse, capitalising on its fantastic location, proximity to the motorway network, and wealth of talented people.  He made reference to the uniqueness of the place and stated that being open for business would not result in the loss of the uniqueness that made this a special place to live, work and thrive.  He added that the local distinctiveness and identity of places would be maintained including protecting the Whitwick green wedge and Coalville.  He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to the development of the South East Coalville sustainable urban extension which would provide more than 3,000 homes and more than £13 million investment in infrastructure to support those new homes.  He highlighted the progress made in the regeneration of Coalville town centre, which had been made possible by the South East Coalville sustainable urban extension.  He also made reference to the significant investment in infrastructure which had been secured along the A511 corridor and across the district.  He alluded to the risks in the process of preparing the Local Plan and the considerable advice taken about the position in which the Council found itself.  He commended the Local Plan to Council and moved the recommendations set out in the report.

The motion was seconded by Councillor D J Stevenson who reserved his comments.

Councillor M B Wyatt sought clarification in respect of the Bardon relief road and its status in the Local Plan.  Councillor T J Pendleton stated that this was enshrined within the local planning decision and this could not be reversed.

Councillor J Legrys thanked the officers for their succinct explanations throughout the process.  He also thanked Councillor J Bridges as Chairman of the Local Plan Advisory Committee.  He expressed disappointment that the Local Plan Advisory Committee had not been listened to or engaged with by many members.  He did not feel that the Local Plan was a visionary plan but he believed that the people of North West Leicestershire must be given the opportunity to present their concerns and opposition directly to the independent inspector.  He made reference to the explicit timescales set out by the current government.  He added that the government had moved  ...  view the full minutes text for item 28