Agenda and minutes

To receive and note any apologies for absence.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors R D Bayliss and R Johnson.

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

There were no interests declared.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 27 July 2016.

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 27 July 2016.

It was moved by Councillor M Specht, seconded by Councillor R Adams and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 27 July 2016 be approved and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

Terms of Reference attached.

Noted.

Report of the Director of Services.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration presented the report to members.  He explained that following the last meeting of the Advisory Committee in July, officers had since finalised the list of potential sites and had written to ward members to notify them and set out the arrangements for viewing the details of sites.  He advised that officers had begun to contact land owners to establish the availability and suitability of the land, and any responses would be taken on board in a report to Council.  It was intended that Council would be asked to endorse the allocations document for formal consultation on 8 November.

In response to questions from Councillor R Adams, the Head of Planning and Regeneration advised that when the chosen sites were announced, this would be considered by Council rather than Planning Committee as this formed part of the development plan.  He highlighted that the process in respect of identification of potential sites differed from a planning application.

Councillor G Jones sought clarification on the criteria used to determine whether there were sufficient suitable sites.  The Head of Planning and Regeneration advised that an independently prepared study had been undertaken in 2013 across North West Leicestershire and the other district councils in Leicestershire which was used to work out the requirements.  He explained that an update to that study was currently in progress and North West Leicestershire District Council was a member of the consortium of councils who were working to update the shared evidence base.  He added that until the new figure was available, it was necessary for the Council to plan to meet the need on the best available evidence.

Councillor J Legrys expressed concern that Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council had excluded themselves from this methodology and sought clarification on the reasons for this.  The Planning Policy Team Manager advised that this was essentially because they were undertaking an existing piece of work for their own local plan.  He added that they were using the same consultants as employed by the consortium, which should ensure some consistency.

Councillor J Legrys welcomed the report and supported the recommendations.  He expressed concerns about the issue of releasing the list of proposed sites into the public domain and felt this required careful handling.  He asked that the Portfolio Holder study the report to Council and the press releases prior to their publication.

In response to questions from Councillor V Richichi, the Head of Planning and Regeneration advised that land owners had now been contacted in respect of potential sites, however no responses had been received to date.

It was moved by Councillor R Adams, seconded by Councillor J Legrys and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)     The progress being made to identify possible sites and broad locations to meet           the accommodation needs of gypsies, travellers and travelling showpeople be noted;

b)     The broad format and content of the Gypsy and Traveller Site Allocation DPD:         Site Options Consultation Document be noted;

c)     The need to undertake a sustainability appraisal and habitats  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Report of the Director of Services.

The Head of Planning and Regeneration presented the report to members.  He advised that the Council had prepared an Infrastructure Delivery Plan in order to deliver the developments in the Local Plan.  He added that the Infrastructure Delivery Plan had been submitted along with the Local Plan to the Secretary of State in order to give the inspector some confidence that the Council can deliver what is being planned for.  He outlined the arrangements in respect of establishing a partnership to manage infrastructure provision and the agencies responsible for the delivery of infrastructure.  He also drew members’ attention to the infrastructure set out in Appendix A which was critical to the delivery of the Local Plan.  He advised that there was currently a funding gap and the Council would need to continue to secure as much funding as possible via Section 106 Agreements and other sources to ensure that infrastructure was delivered.

Councillor J Legrys expressed disappointment that members had not had the opportunity to add to this list prior to the meeting. He also stated that he was bitterly disappointed that the Hugglescote Crossroads continued to be put in the wish list as Leicestershire County Council as the Highways Authority had made it clear that there was no money and no need to undertake this project.  He expressed his vehement objection to this.

Councillor J Legrys made reference to the critical water supply problem in respect of the Grange Road development in Hugglescote.   He sought assurances that there would be sufficient water supply to serve the sustainable urban extension.  The Head of Planning and Regeneration advised that the purpose of forming the infrastructure partnership was to actively manage such issues and bring them to the attention of the water authority to ensure that developments were not coming forward with insufficient water supply.

Councillor J Bridges expressed concerns in respect of statutory consultees raising no objections to planning applications and subsequently requiring infrastructure improvements. 

Councillor J Legrys supported these comments and stated that he was pleased the Council had made a bid for monies to expand the fire service.  He felt that the Police should be included in the list at Appendix A.  The Head of Planning and Regeneration advised that the Police had been involved in this particular piece of work and had other funding sources available.

Councillor J Legrys commented that if he were to purchase a new property, he would expect broadband access and a decent mobile phone signal.  He felt this should be prioritised.

In response to questions from Councillor M Specht, the Planning Policy Team Manager advised that there was no formal policy in respect of self build properties in the Local Plan and there was no specific requirement to do so.  However the Council maintained a register in accordance with the requirements.

It was moved by Councillor J Legrys, seconded by Councillor R Adams and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)     The findings of the Infrastructure Delivery Plan be noted and;

b)     The proposal to establish an  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.