Agenda item

The Committee received an update on the Local Plan. It was reported that the Local Plan Allocations document had recently been examined by the Planning Inspectorate at a public hearing and the Council was now awaiting the Inspectors report. 

The Committee expressed their thanks to Mr Ashley Baldwin, Spatial Policy and Delivery Manager, and all Officers in his department for all the work they have undertaken at the examination hearing and overall for the whole process.

It was noted that the examination stage of the Allocations document had not ended and the Inspector had requested further information on a number of points including reliance on larger allocation sites.  It was reported that a requirement for main modifications to the document was expected and if this was the case, these would be reported to Members

The results of the consultation on the Local Plan Review Scope, Issues and Option was noted as concluding on the 11^th June 2018 and the responses received were included in the report. Feedback from the effectiveness of the consultation was also reported and the Committee was pleased to note that this would be taken on board for the next consultation which was due in January 2019.  Members did request that mailshots were not used due to the cost.  It was suggested that Mosaic be utilised if possible to help target specific demographics.  It was also suggested that Councillors highlight the consultation when meeting with residents.

The use of greenbelt was discussed further and it was noted that the Council’s position was not to use to accommodate housing and this was expressed at the examination hearing by both the Council’s Counsel and Members speaking as witnesses.  It was noted that some responses from the consultation had suggested that greenbelt be released however these were from owners of such sites. When asked, it was agreed that the Infrastructure Development Plan could be used to help prove sustainability of the proposed sites.

Duty to Cooperate was discussed and it was noted that this was continuing and a Statement of Common Ground would soon be forthcoming with Tamworth Borough Council. 

The proposed new NPPF was noted and in particular, windfall sites.  It was asked if a policy could be introduced to prevent back garden development and it was reported that the NPPF still leaned towards the presumption of development and so any policy would have to be very robust.

The housing need for Birmingham was discussed and the Committee still felt that all brownfield sites should be considered by that City Council before looking outside their area to need their need.  It was noted that it could be the case that sites are not suitable for housing but for employment needs but Officers will continue to articulate this point with Birmingham

RESOLVED:  (a) That the progress associated with the Local Plan Allocations and Local Plan Review be noted;

(b)  That the summary of representations received to the Local Plan Review Issues and Options consultation and the officer responses be noted;

(c)   That the need to review the content of the Statement of Community Involvement in more detail and subsequently present this to Cabinet to request permission consult on the proposed changes be noted;

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