Agenda item

Report of the Director of Services

The Director of Services presented the report to Members. He reminded Members that at the first meeting of the Advisory Committee, Members had agreed to recommend to Council that the period of the plan covered 2011-2036. He informed Members that since then, with the SHMA being agreed and as a result of the proposed Memorandum of Understanding that all authorities in the Housing Market Area could accommodate their housing requirements to 2031, it was now being suggested that 2031 be the plan end date. He advised Members that whilst 2031 raised the issue of the plan not hitting the time horizon, it was less of a risk than to commit to 2036. He stated that this was the Cabinet preferred option and that it had requested the Advisory Committee to reconsider this.

Councillor J Legrys stated that he understood the need for the report and the date coming down, however he was aware that some neighbouring authorities were looking at a 2028 end date. He added that the three year period between 2028 and 2031 would make a difference and questioned the inconsistence. He highlighted that the NPPF makes clear the period length and that he could not understand why all authorities could not be consistent. He added that whatever the Authority chose, once the plan was approved, it would need to be reviewed.

The Director of Services advised Members that in looking at an end date of 2028, Leicestershire County Council had tested the likely highway impacts but that should the Authorities in the HMA  go to 2031, it would require a small piece of work, but they would be looking at each authority meeting its needs. He added that the Authority needed to progress the plan as soon as possible, and should they go to 2036, it would require more work and possible redistribution as the City would not meet their needs. He added that some authorities may go to 2036 as they were comfortable to do this. He reminded Members that the district needed a robust plan soon.

Councillor J Legrys stated that he was not suggesting 2036, but he felt that consistency was required across the whole market area. He added he was aware that the City would struggle past 2030, but wanted the district to be consistent with neighbouring authorities in going for 2028.

The Planning Policy Team Manager advised Members that the Authority would struggle with 2028.

The Consultant added that it would be a big risk to go with an end date of 2028.

Councillor C Large expressed her concerns with 2028. She stated that the Director of Services had explained the reasoning well and that she was happy to move the recommendation to amend the plan period. This was seconded by Councillor R D Bayliss.

Councillor D De Lacy stated that it was a big call and that Members had just considered the risks involved with preparing the plan. He advised Members that it would not take much of a delay for the risks to increase. He added that he could not judge risks and therefore would go with officers, but stated that if it went wrong it would be a big disaster.

The Legal Advisor informed Members that it was a big call and that the plan should be drawn up over an appropriate timescale and that this was an informed risk.

It was moved by Councillor C Large, seconded by Councillor R D Bayliss and

RESOLVED THAT:

The Advisory Committee recommends to Council that the Local Plan Period be amended to cover 2011-2031.