Agenda item

Minutes:

 

The ‘Planning for the future’ White Paper was published in early August and included significant changes at both Policy and Development Management stages.

 

Since 1947 planning applications in England have been assessed on a case-by-case basis against a long-term local plan, with permission ultimately decided by committee. The new system proposes to diminish this.

 

Land would instead be classified into three zones within a new Local Plan, with outline planning permission awarded automatically if proposals meet specific criteria within specific zones.

 

As well as introducing a zonal planning approach the White Paper also sought to make changes to:

 

·         The development of local plans

·         The role of Councillors in Development Management

·         Public Engagement

·         Developer Contributions

·         Design

·         Enforcement

 

Members therefore gave consideration to a report which considered these proposals and the implications of the White Paper.  Section 2 of the report set out a summary of the key proposals, section 3 the implications of each proposal and section 4 the next stages.

 

The report also sought agreement on the proposed consultation response, appended to the report.

 

A workshop had been offered to all Members to attend to discuss the implications of the White Paper for West Lindsey, its communities and residents.  This had been held on 7 October and all discussion points and comments had been collated and added to the West Lindsey response.  Members were provided with a final opportunity to add further comment to the response as drafted and highlight to Officers where they considered the response could be more emphasised or strengthened.

 

Debate ensued with the following areas being identified: -

 

Affordable Housing – the need for affordable products that meet local needs, not a nationally prescribed product that doesn’t assist locals, particularly our young people to access.

 

Climate Change - the White Paper  wasn’t considered radical enough, Members were of the view that consideration should be being given to all aspects of sustainability, not just carbon neutrality.

 

Regeneration and renewal – Members considered there was too much emphasis within the White Paper about the new; new development, new design and not enough focus on the benefits of re-use, regeneration and renewal.

 

Lack of public / Member engagement afforded within the proposals – This was something of real concern to Members.  Some were of the view that the system was already heavily weighted in favour of developers. The democratic engagement of communities and a system where Members were at the heart of the decision making process was key.   The proposals appeared to be the direct opposite of what the public would expect, already often requesting that they be more involved and receive more notification of proposals.  Digital consultation in rural communities was also a matter of concern, given connectivity issues.  Inclusivity seemed to be lacking.

 

Officers undertook to make necessary adjustments in line with Members’ comments, with the final consultation response being signed off under delegated powers in consultation with the Chairman.

 

The Chairman thanked Members for their participation and encouraged Members to make individual responses to the consultation.

 

On that basis it was RESOLVED that: -

 

(a)     the conclusions of the report and the   suggested response to each question be endorsed; and

 

(b)     Delegated authority be granted to the Assistant Director of Planning and Regeneration, Projects and Growth in consultation with the Chair of Prosperous Communities Committee  to  finalise and submit the response, on behalf of West Lindsey District Council,  in line with the content of the report and the  comments made throughout the debate, summarised above. 

 

 

 

Supporting documents: