Issue - meetings

1.    RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND:

a)     the changes set out in Table 4 of the Report of Representations are made to the Pre-Submission Site Allocations DPD as a result of representations received; and

b)     the Site Allocations DPD incorporating Focused Change, together with other appropriate supporting documents is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.

2.    That the issues arising from representations received to the Focused Changes to the Pre-Submission Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) and the impact of new advice be noted.

3.    That authority is delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration to approve any further minor wording changes to the Site Allocations document prior to consideration by Full Council.

4.    That authority is delegated to the Assistant Director (Planning, Development and Regeneration) to:

(a)   Finalise the Report of Representations and other Submission documents; and

Agree any further minor changes arising during the course of the Examination.

Decision

1.    RESOLVED TO RECOMMEND COUNCIL:

a)     that the changes set out in Table 4 of the Report of Representations are made to the Pre-Submission Site Allocations DPD as a result of representations received; and

b)     that the Site Allocations DPD incorporating Focused Change, together with other appropriate supporting documents is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate.

2.    That the issues arising from representations received to the Focused Changes to the Pre-Submission Site Allocations Development Plan Document (DPD) and the impact of new advice be noted.

3.    That authority is delegated to the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Regeneration to approve any further minor wording changes to the Site Allocations document prior to consideration by Full Council.

4.    That authority is delegated to the Assistant Director (Planning, Development and Regeneration) to:

(a)   Finalise the Report of Representations and other Submission documents; and

(b)   Agree any further minor changes arising during the course of the Examination.

Reason for Decision

To consider the significant new issues raised through representations on the Focused Changes to the Pre-Submission Site Allocations DPD; and Agree the process for submitting the Site Allocations DPD to the Planning Inspectorate.

Implications

Financial

Budget provision for the next stages of the statutory process i.e. Submission and Examination are made in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 LDF budget. 

Having an up-to-date planning framework helps reduce the incidence of planning appeals (and hence costs associated with these).  It will be the most effective way of ensuring the optimum level of developer contributions to infrastructure and in mitigation of development impacts can be achieved.  This process will be further improved and simplified through the implementation of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

Value for money

Where possible, technical work that supports the Site Allocations has been jointly commissioned with adjoining authorities to ensure value for money.

Legal

Jameson and Hill have been retained to provide external legal support for the Site Allocations.  The same advisers acted for the Council through the Core Strategy Examination process and subsequent (unsuccessful) legal challenge to this document.   They will provide the Council with any advice required regarding the implication of new Government advice; assist with responding to key representations; advise on the production of any additional evidence and support Officers through the Examination process itself. 

Staff

It is critical that the Strategic Planning and Regeneration team is fully staffed to enable the agreed LPF timetable to be delivered.  A Programme Officer will need to be appointed by the Council to provide administrative support to the Inspector and act as a single, independent point of contact for all parties throughout the Examination process.

Land

The Site Allocations supports delivery of the Council’s adopted Core Strategy which will play an important role in decisions regarding future land uses within the Borough.  The Council has specific land ownership interest in two of the Local Allocations - LA1 (Marchmont Farm) and LA2 (Old Town).

Risk Implications

Key risks are identified in the Local Development Scheme and reviewed annually within the Annual Monitoring Report.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 120