Agenda and minutes

Councillor R Blunt submitted apologies and Councillor R Ashman took the Chair in his absence.

Under the Code of Conduct members are reminded that in declaring interests you should make clear the nature of that interest and whether it is a disclosable pecuniary interest, registerable interest or other interest.

There were no interests declared.

No questions were received.

To confirm the minutes of the meeting held on 31 January 2023.

The minutes of the meeting held on 31 January were considered.

It was moved by Councillor R Bayliss, seconded by Councillor T Gillard and

RESOLVED THAT

The minutes of the meeting held on 31 January be confirmed as an accurate record of proceedings.

Reason for decision: To comply with the constitution.

Report of the Strategic Director of Place

Presented by the Planning Portfolio Holder

The Planning Portfolio Holder presented the report and wished to thank officers and Castle Donington Parish Council Planning Committee for all their hard work.

It was highlighted that dividing the conservation area as per the recommendations would reflect not only the historic development of the settlement but also the varying functions of the different parts of the settlement, for instance the primary shopping area would fall within the proposed “Castle Donington” conservation area as opposed to the “High Street” area.

It was noted that a public consultation on the draft character and boundary review had been undertaken and had received a significant response, as well as responses received from both the Parish Council and Historic England and that these had shaped the recommendations.

A member wished to note that this had been a good piece of work and that Castle Donington was a precious place, worthy of conservation.

It was moved by Councillor K Merrie, seconded by Councillor R Bayliss and

RESOLVED THAT:

1. The division of the existing conservation area into the “Castle Donington” and “High Street” conservation areas be approved by Cabinet.
2. The character appraisal and boundary review for the “Castle Donington” conservation area be adopted.
3. Authority be delegated to the Strategic Director in consultation with the Portfolio Holder to make any necessary non-material amendments to character appraisal and boundary review documents as and when necessary.

Reason for decision: Adoption of the revised character appraisal and boundary review would support the Council in fulfilling its duties under the Planning (listed Buildings and Conservation Aeras) Act 1990 relating to the designation and review of conservation areas.

The report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration.

Presented by the Planning Portfolio Holder.

The Planning Portfolio Holder presented the report and outlined the principles behind the new type of discounted market sale housing, designed to help first-time buyers. It was stated that in response to the consultation, some suggested changes to the Interim Position Statement had been made.

It was noted that officers from both planning and housing would be dealing with the first First Homes in the district as part of the redevelopment of the former Arla Dairies site in Ashby de la Zouch.

A member suggested that this would be a useful step given that the maximum eligible income for the scheme would be £80,000 per annum and that this would be affordable on a £250,000 property as proposed in the scheme.

It was moved by Councillor K Merrie, seconded by Councillor R Bayliss and

RESOLVED THAT:

1.       The First Homes Interim Position Statement in Appendix A be approved by Cabinet.

2.       Authority be delegated to the Head of Planning and Infrastructure, the Head of Housing and the Head of Legal and Commercial Services to administer the First Homes scheme.

3.       Authority be delegated to the Strategic Director in consultation with the

       Portfolio Holder to make any necessary minor amendments to the Interim Position Statement.

Reason for decision: The agreement of an Interim Position Statement is a Cabinet responsibility.

The report of the Head of Planning and Regeneration.

Presented by the Planning Portfolio Holder.

The Planning Portfolio Holder presented the report and summarised officers’ suggestions in response to the Government’s consultation on the National Planning Policy Framework and other potential changes to the planning system. It was noted that some of these suggested changes would have the potential to impact on the new Local Plan which the Council is preparing and also on how planning applications are determined.

A member wished to thank the team for the work which had gone into this consultation response and also wished to remind the meeting that at present this was something which was only in the consultation stages.

It was moved by Councillor K Merrie, seconded by Councillor A Woodman and

RESOLVED THAT:

The Consultation in respect of the Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill: reforms to national planning policy be responded to by Cabinet as per the report at Appendix A.

Reason for decision: To determine the Council’s response to the consultation.