Issue - meetings

Report of the Service Manager Planning Policy.

The Service Manager Planning Policy introduced a report, which had been circulated prior to the meeting, to consider the Willow Farm Development Brief as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

Cllr Hollingsworth started by thanking everybody who took part in the consultation. She said that on reflection, it was felt that she could not support the recommendation to adopt the Development Brief as a Supplementary Planning Document but instead proposed the second alternative option at paragraph 3.2 of the report which meant that although not adopted, the document could be used as informal guidance if and when required. She said that this was partly due to the strength of views from local residents, particularly the Willow Farm Action Group. In seconding the revised recommendation, Councillor Payne also requested that Cabinet formally thanked the public, in particular Willow Farm Action Group for their involvement and input into the consultation. He also requested Cabinet formally thanked officers in the Planning Policy team for their work in preparation of the Development Brief. Councillor Payne stated that, on balance, it would not be appropriate for Cabinet to make a decision to formally approve and endorse the development brief as a Supplementary Planning Document, particularly given shared concerns with residents about issues contained within the Development Brief, and that any planning application put forward by developers would be determined by the Planning Committee.

The Service Manager Development Services clarified that should Cabinet not adopt the document as an SPD, the document will still be material to any decision made at planning committee, albeit with less weight attached to it.

RESOLVED to:

1)    Not adopt the Development Brief as a Supplementary Planning Document but agree that the document should be used as informal planning guidance in support of the development plan; 

2)    Thank the public, particularly members of the Willow Farm Action Group, for their input into the consultation; and

3)    Thank officers in the Planning Policy team for their considered professional advice and hard work in preparation of the brief.

REASON for decision:

The use of the design brief document as informal planning guidance promotes high standards of design and it is important that the engagement with local residents is not lost. The Planning Committee will give detailed consideration to the development of the site.