Issue - meetings

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND

1.     That the Two Waters Strategic Framework, as attached at Appendix 1 of the report to Cabinet, be used as a material planning consideration in the determination of planning applications and guide future strategic planning in the area.

Decision

RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND

1.     That the Two Waters Strategic Framework, as attached at Appendix 1 of the report to Cabinet, be used as a material planning consideration in the determination of planning applications and guide future strategic planning in the area.

Reason for Decision

To recommend Council to agree the strategic framework for the Two Waters area of Hemel Hempstead to guide future planning policy and planning applications within the Two Waters area.

Implications

Financial

No implication is this report

Value for Money

The study will highlight areas within the plan that will allow for future growth and investment into the area

Risk Implications

None arising from this report

Equalities Implications

An Equality Impact Assessment has been carried out prior to this document coming to cabinet.

No adverse issues have been identified as part of this assessment

Health And Safety Implications

Not applicable in this report

Corporate Objectives

Delivery of housing particularly affordable housing and economic growth for the area.

Attracting investment into Dacorum and improving the quality and identity of the Two Waters area.

Advice

The Portfolio Holder for Planning & Regeneration introduced the report and noted that it had previously been to Cabinet, following the workshops. He felt that the framework provided a very interesting platform for future development.

He had recently attended a workshop on this which he found to be very refreshing to see the discussions and hear the ideas. This would be a good base for the future.

The Assistant Director for Planning, Development & Regeneration felt that this would be a good platform to go forward and further work would be carried out on transport and viability.

The Portfolio Holder for Residents & Corporate Services referred to the taller buildings section of the report and asked if the wording was robust enough to protect the council when considering planning applications for  tall buildings.

The Assistant Director for Planning, Development & Regeneration said there would be a rise in developments in certain locations and the developers could argue for reasons to develop there.

The Portfolio Holder for Residents & Corporate Services raised concern that by endorsing this framework, councillors were endorsing all future high rise storeys.

The Assistant Director for Planning, Development & Regeneration reassured councillors that they were being asked to acknowledge this section and not to endorse all future tall developments.

The Portfolio Holder for Environmental, Sustainability & Regulatory Services noted that she had received many emails from concerned residents and she noted that many people could be reading the document with a limited understanding. She felt therefore that it would be beneficial to include in the document a phrase such as ‘to be sympathetic to the open Boxmoor Trust views’.

The Assistant Director for Planning, Development & Regeneration said that the Boxmoor Trust featured very strongly in the document and the document included reassurances, similar to those being requested.

The Portfolio Holder for Environmental, Sustainability & Regulatory Services felt that scenarios differed depending on their locations, for example developments around the train station would be viewed differently to those  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29