Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors J Legrys, R Morris and L Windram.

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.

In accordance with the Code of Conduct, Members declared the following interests:

Councillor C Sewell declared an ‘other’ interest in item 5 – Local Plan Draft Policies as she had been in discussions with officers in relation to Houses in Multiple Occupation in Kegworth.

To receive questions from members of the public under rule no.10 of the Council Procedure Rules.

There were no questions received.

To confirm and sign the minutes of the meeting held on 5 July 2023

Consideration was given to the minutes of the meeting held on 5 July 2023.

It was moved by Councillor A Woodman, seconded by Councillor M Wyatt and

RESOLVED THAT:

The minutes of the meeting held on 5 July 2023 be approved and signed by the Chair as a correct record.

The report of the Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager

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

During discussion it was suggested that a clear timetable that corresponded with what the Committee was required to do, and decisions taken by Council and Cabinet be used going forward.  Officers responded that it would be challenging to provide such detail as the timetable regularly changes but would investigate further.

The uncertainties for officers were acknowledged including the lack of flexibility in the timescales due to deadlines imposed by government and the outcome of the general election which could lead to a reform of the planning system.

It was moved by Councillor P Moult, seconded by Councillor D Bigby and

RESOLVED THAT:

a)        The Local Development Scheme as set out at Appendix A be agreed.

b)        It be noted that the Local Plan being prepared under the current regulations will need to be submitted by 30 June 2025, as set out in Appendix B

c)        The potential consequences of not being able to meet this deadline be noted.

The report of the Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager

The Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager presented the report and along with the Principal Planning Policy Officers, summarised each of the policies for consideration.

Each policy was discussed in turn and Members suggested several minor changes to wording to enable better application of the policies, particularly at Planning Committee.  It was also proposed that deadlines and timescales, in the form of a Gant Chart be presented to Members in the future to assist with understanding progress.  Officers noted the suggestions.

Some questions of clarity were sought and addressed by officers in relation to renewable energy, neighbourhood plans and viability in relation to affordable housing.

Members welcomed the revisions to policies, particularly Policy H8 – Houses in Multiple Occupation in Kegworth, Policy TC2 – Hot Food Takeaway Uses, Policy IF3 – Green and Blue Infrastructure, and Policy EN4 – Charnwood Forest Regional Park. Some concerns were raised in relation to Air quality, as it was felt that more could be done, and providing community facilities for new development, as it was felt that it was not as strong as the current policy.

Officers thanked members for their contributions at the meeting and encouraged them to submit all comments made formally as part of the consultation when it was launched early next year, either individually or as part of their political groups.

Councillor K Merrie left the meeting during discussion at 7.23pm and returned at 7.25pm.

The Chair thanked officers for a comprehensive report and reiterated encouragement to Members to take part in consultation process.

It was moved by Councillor P Lees, seconded by Councillor A Woodman and

RESOLVED THAT:

The Draft policies as set out at Appendix A be agreed for the purposes of consultation.

The report of the Principal Planning Officer

The Principal Planning Policy Officer presented the report to Members.

It was moved by Councillor A Woodman, seconded by Councillor p Lees and

RESOLVED THAT:

The Air Quality Supplementary Planning Document, as attached at Appendix B, be adopted.