Agenda item

The report of the Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager.

The Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager presented the report, who, with the Principal Planning Policy Officer, summarised each of the policies for consideration. Reference was also made to the additional papers that were circulated before the meeting.

The Principal Planning Policy Officer introduced the report by detailing the factors that had influenced the proposed policy changes. It was also noted that some changes may not be required depending on the results of the National Development Management Policies (NDMPs) consultation.

Each chapter was then discussed in turn, and it was agreed that questions would be dealt with at the conclusion of each chapter, with the exception of those asked for clarification.

Chapter 5 – Creating Attractive Places

During discussion councillors expressed concern over the proposed changes to Policy AP4 (Reducing Carbon Emissions). It was highlighted that the current policy had the potential to raise funds for the Council’s Zero Carbon ambitions.

It was noted by the Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager that developers were becoming increasingly aware of carbon emissions and were therefore becoming more effective at addressing related issues.

The Legal Advisor then informed the Committee of the measures that had been put forward to Parliament relating to the policy which would come into effect on 7 October 2025. It was then proposed by members that any decision which related to this policy should be deferred.

Chapter 6 – Housing

Councillors expressed their support for Policy H8 (Housing in Multiple Occupation in Kegworth), and it was questioned why this was not a universal policy.

The Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager responded that evidence had not been presented that other areas were experiencing issues similar to Kegworth, and that the implementation of a policy that applied across the District could undermine the focus on Kegworth and result in having no policy in place at all.

Chapter 7 – The Economy

A discussion was had regarding several existing empty sites that were not being used for development, and it was noted by members that local residents were anxious about the use of new sites when there were already sites available. Councillors questioned whether the need to ask developers for new sites could be reduced by using available empty sites.

The Planning Policy and Land Charges Team Manager responded that the goal of the New Local Plan was to ensure that sufficient new land was provided up to 2042.

Chapter 9 – Infrastructure and Facilities

Councillors expressed their support for this policy.

Chapter 10 - Environment

Councillors expressed their support for this policy that would work alongside the Council’s Zero Carbon ambitions.

Councillor D Bigby moved to defer any decision on Policy AP4 (Reducing Carbon Emissions) pending further investigation into the feasibility of a carbon offset fund. It was seconded by Councillor P Moult.

RESOLVED THAT:

Policy AP4 (Reducing Carbon Emissions), as amended in Appendix F for inclusion in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, subject to the findings of the Whole Plan Viability Assessment, be deferred.

The remaining recommendations detailed within the report were moved by Councillor J Legrys, seconded by Councillor M Ball and

RESOLVED THAT:

1)     Policy AP2 (Amenity), as amended in Appendix F for inclusion in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, be agreed.

2)     Policy AP3 (Renewable Energy), as amended in Appendix F for inclusion in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, be agreed.

3)     Policy AP5 (Health and Wellbeing, as amended in Appendix F for inclusion in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, be agreed.

4)     Policy AP6 (Health Impact Assessments), as drafted in Appendix F for inclusion in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, be agreed.

5)     Policy AP8 (Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems), as amended in Appendix F for inclusion in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, be agreed.

6)     Policy AP9 (Water Efficiency), as amended in Appendix F for inclusion in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, be agreed subject to the findings of the Whole Plan Viability Assessment.

7)     The principle of Policy H2 (Housing Commitments), with the wording to be drafted in full in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, be agreed.

8)      Policy H8 (Houses for Multiple Occupation in Kegworth), as amended in Appendix F for inclusion in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, be agreed.

9)      The principle of Policy EC2 (Employment Commitments), with the wording to be drafted in full in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, be agreed.

10)   Policy IF1 (Development and Infrastructure), as amended in Appendix F for inclusion in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, be agreed.

11)   Policy IF3 (Green and Blue Infrastructure), as amended in Appendix F for inclusion in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, be agreed.

12)   Policy IF5 (Transport Infrastructure and New Development), as amended in Appendix F for inclusion in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, be agreed.

13)   Policy EN1 (Nature Conservation/Biodiversity Net Gain), as amended in Appendix F for inclusion in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, be agreed.

14)   Policy EN3 (The National Forest), as amended in Appendix F for inclusion in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, be agreed.

 Policy EN5 (Area of Separation), as amended in Appendix F for inclusion in the Regulation 19 version of the Local Plan, be agreed.