Issue - meetings

Local Plan Update

Meeting: 20/06/2019 - Economic Growth, Environment and Development (Overview & Scrutiny) Committee (Item 7)

7 Local Plan Update pdf icon PDF 160 KB

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Committee received a report updating the Committee on the Local Plan Allocations final Inspectors Report.  It was noted that the Inspector had made comments and found the plan sound and deliverable and the next step was for Council to accept the Inspector’s Main Modifications.

 

The Committee was then updated on the consultation of the Local Plan Review – Preferred Options & Policy Directions.  It was reported that the consultation closed on the 18th March 2019 and officer responses had been prepared for the representations received.  The Committee was asked whether (in the context of generic representation) it was advantageous to list them all or if it would be easier to group the same responses together i.e. similar to a petition.  It was noted that there were national and EU protocols regarding reporting representations and it was agreed to investigate these further with an aim to apply this locally.

 

It was asked why Kings Bromley was not listed in the table updating on Neighbourhood Planning and it was reported that it because that area had chosen not to progress a plan and as such not become designated.  The Committee was pleased to see that there had been progress in Burntwood.

 

Affordable housing was discussed and it was noted that if the target of 40% was not being hit, then a look into the planning policy would be required.  It was noted that it was part of the Local Plan Review.

 

Infrastructure was considered and it was felt that there was a need to reconsider the infrastructure plan and it was noted that this would be part of the Local Plan Review.  It was agreed that there was a large demand to commute to and from greater Birmingham so rail as well as roads should be contemplated.  It was requested that the cycle network also be investigated.

 

The prospect of a Burntwood BID was raised and it was noted that there needed to be a commitment locally and the Economic Development Officer has supported the current Burntwood Business Corporation and would aid in setting up a BID if it was desired.

 

The Committee congratulated Officers on the report and the work undertaken.

 

RESOLVED:  (1)       That Cabinet be recommended to approve the Local Plan Allocations for the purposes of adoption.

 

(2)        That the progress associated with the Local Plan Review be noted;

 

(3)        That Cabinet be recommended to approve the summary of comments and officer responses in respect of the Local Plan Review;

 

(4)        That Cabinet be recommended to approve the revised Local Development Scheme timetable asset out at paragraph 3.13 of the report; and

 

(5)        That the recent progress in relation to neighbourhood plans within Lichfield District be noted.