Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors D Bigby, T Eynon, S Lambeth, P Moult, S Sheahan and N Smith.

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

Following a question from a Member, the Interim Monitoring Officer clarified that interests must be directly related and that a general interest in affecting the wider population did not require a declaration.  Therefore, Members did not need to declare an interest in item 9 – North West Leicestershire Local Plan Regulation 19.

There were no interests declared.

The Chairman of the Council announced that a World Cup launch event was to be held at Marlborough Square on 13 June and encouraged Members and residents to attend.

Members are reminded that under paragraph 11.1 of part 3 of the Constitution, questions can be asked of the Leader and Cabinet Members without notice about any matter contained in any address.  Questions shall be limited to five minutes in total for each announcement.

There were no announcements.

To receive questions from members of the public under procedure rule no.10.  The procedure rule provides that members of the public may ask members of the Cabinet any question on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties which affect the District, provided that three clear days’ notice in writing has been given to the Head of Legal and Support Services.

No questions were received.

To receive members’ questions under procedure rule no.11.  The procedure rule provides that any member may ask the Chairman of a board or group any question on any matter in relation to which the Council has powers or duties which affect the District, provided that three clear days’ notice in writing has been given to the Head of Legal and Support Services.

No questions were received.

To consider any motions on notice under procedure rule no. 12.

No motions were received.

To receive petitions in accordance with the Council’s Petition Scheme. 

No petitions were received.

The report of the Interim Planning Policy Team Manager.

Councillor N Rushton, Infrastructure Portfolio Holder, presented the report and moved the recommendations.  It was seconded by Councillor J Legrys.

During discussion, Members acknowledged the significant work undertaken to reach this stage and expressed general support in progressing the plan to consultation.  Concerns were raised regarding elements of the evidence base including transport modelling and strategic warehousing, and Members stressed the importance of ensuring the plan was robust.

In response to the concerns, officers confirmed that the plan was suitable for consultation, an opinion supported by external legal counsel who had provided advice during the preparation process.  It was also confirmed that outstanding evidence would be available during the consultation.

RESOLVED THAT:

1)    The proposed submission draft Local Plan (appendix B) and Policies Map (appendix C) and Sustainability Appraisal (appendix D) be approved for a minimum six week consultation in accordance with the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement, the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) and Regulations 19 and 20 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012, subject to the finalisation of evidence base studies and there being no substantive issues for the Council to reconsider.

2)    Following the public consultation, Full Council will be invited to consider the representations received on the draft plan and prior to considering whether the plan should be submitted to the Secretary of State under Regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

3)    Authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Infrastructure, to make minor amendments to the Local Plan and accompanying Sustainability Appraisal before publication and before submission to the secretary of state.

4)    Authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Infrastructure, to make amendments to the wording of policies EC6, AP3, AP4, AP7, AP9,H4, H5 H10 and H11 and to agree any subsequent revised Sustainability Appraisal prior to publication.

5)    Authority be delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Infrastructure to agree the final content of the Local Plan appendices including the glossary, monitoring framework and housing trajectory.

6)    Authority is delegated to the Strategic Director of Place, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Infrastructure, to prepare and consult on main modifications to the Local Plan during the examination process, if required, to address issues of soundness.

The report of the Audit Manager.

Councillor J Simmons, previous Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, presented the report.

Members expressed support for the work of the Committee and recognised its role in providing effective scrutiny and oversight.

The Chair of the Council thanked Members for their comments and the report was noted.

The report of the Interim Head of Legal and Support Services.

Councillor J Simmons, previous Chair of the Audit and Governance Committee, presented the report.

The report was noted.