Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Services

Presented by the Regeneration and Planning Portfolio Holder

The Regeneration and Planning Portfolio Holder presented the report to Members. He highlighted that it was the last chance to comment on the plan before it was formally submitted to the District Council and the response was attached as Appendix 1 to the report. He informed members that three fundamental issues had been discussed and agreement reached with representatives of the town council.  These issues would still go forward in the Council’s consultation response for consideration by the town council.

Councillor T J Pendleton advised Members that because the formal process was set out in Government Regulations, the District had no choice but to stick to the timetables imposed, once the Neighbourhood Plan was been submitted to the Authority; and therefore needed to make sure proportionate delegations were in place to enable the District to respond in a timely and appropriate manner.

Councillor R Blunt commended the Head of Planning and Regeneration for the work that had been carried out to ensure that the plan aligned with the work of the District and that it was positive for the residents of the District to see due respect between authorities.

Councillor R D Bayliss concurred that it was necessary for the Councils to work together.

It was moved by Councillor T J Pendleton, seconded by Councillor R Blunt and

RESOLVED THAT:

1.    The suggested response to Ashby de la Zouch Town Council at appendix 1 be endorsed;

2.    Following submission of the Neighbourhood Plan to the District Council the Director of Services, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration & Planning

A)   Consider the plan’s legal compliance;

B)   Publish the plan for a six week period and invite representations;

C)   Notify consultation bodies; and

D)   Appoint an independent examiner to conduct the examination of the Neighbourhood Plan; and

3.    Following receipt of the independent examiner’s report, the Director of Services in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Regeneration & Planning determine whether the conditions have been met for the Neighbourhood Plan to proceed to referendum.

4.    If the majority of those who vote in the referendum are in favour of the Ashby Neighbourhood Plan and the District Council does not consider the making of the Neighbourhood Plan to be incompatible with any EU or human rights obligations, the Ashby Neighbourhood Plan must be made by the District Council within eight weeks of the referendum. This will take place by way of delegated authority

Reason for decision: The District Council is a statutory consultee and so it is appropriate to provide comments to assist with the formulation of the Neighbourhood Plan.