Agenda item

Note – the status of Neighbourhood Plans in the District may be found via this link

https://www.west-lindsey.gov.uk/my-services/planning-and-building/neighbourhood-planning/

The Committee heard from the Interim Planning Manager (Development Management) with the following update.

Revised NPPF / National Design Code

A revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published on 20 July 2021:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-planning-policy-framework--2

alongside the National Model Design Code:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/national-model-design-code

“The policies in this Framework are material considerations which should be taken into account in dealing with applications from the day of its publication. (paragraph 218)”.

The changes, following recommendations of the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission were to “place greater emphasis on beauty, place-making, the environment, sustainable development and underlines the importance of local design codes.”

Greater emphasis on design quality

·         introducing a new test that development should be well-designed (paragraph 134). This says that “development that is not well designed should be refused, especially where it fails to reflect local design policies and government guidance on design, taking into account any local design guidance and supplementary planning documents such as design guides and codes”.

·         the test goes on to say that "significant weight" should be given to "development which reflects local design policies and government guidance on design, taking into account any local design guidance and supplementary planning documents such as design guides and codes". Significant weight should also be given to "outstanding or innovative designs which promote high levels of sustainability, or help raise the standard of design more generally in an area", the new paragraph 133 says. 

An emphasis on using trees in new developments

• The updated NPPF introduces a new paragraph 131 stating that “planning policies and decisions should ensure that new streets are tree-lined, that opportunities are taken to incorporate trees elsewhere in developments (such as parks and community orchards), that appropriate measures are in place to secure the long-term maintenance of newly-planted trees, and that existing trees are retained wherever possible". It goes on to say that applicants and local planning authorities "should work with local highways officers and tree officers to ensure that the right trees are planted in the right places”.

Encouraging faster delivery of further education colleges, hospitals and prisons 

• A new paragraph 96, which was not included in the January draft version, states: "To ensure faster delivery of other public service infrastructure such as further education colleges, hospitals and criminal justice accommodation, local planning authorities should also work proactively and positively with promoters, delivery partners and statutory bodies to plan for required facilities and resolve key planning issues before applications are submitted." 

Councils should 'retain and explain' statues rather than remove them

• A completely new paragraph 198 states: “In considering any applications to remove or alter a historic statue, plaque, memorial or monument (whether listed or not), local planning authorities should have regard to the importance of their retention in situ and, where appropriate, of explaining their historic and social context rather than removal." 

Tightened rules governing when isolated homes in the countryside can be acceptable

• In paragraph 80 in the rural housing section, it sets out the circumstances in which isolated homes in the countryside can be acceptable. Previously, it said such homes would be acceptable if the design was “truly outstanding or innovative” - now the word “innovative” has been removed.

Draft Central Lincolnshire Local Plan Consultation

There was only just under two weeks left (24^th August) to get consultation responses in for the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan.  West Lindsey District Council’s formal response was discussed and agreed at the Prosperous Communities Committee on 29 July and would be submitted this week.  A summary of key areas of discussion were as follows:

• Allocation levels within some villages appear out of character in relation to rural settings and unclear why there is that level of allocation when overall numbers are reducing.
• Emphasised the importance of securing a strong and sustainable future for RAF Scampton.
• Clarity needed on the map for wind energy policies and understanding that only limited areas would be considered (map seems to be read ‘the wrong way around’)
• Importance to capture within the policy and supporting text heritage preservation and as the driver for regeneration in Market Rasen and Caistor needs strengthening
• Quality of design within housing development is very important and could be further emphasised
• Importance of maintaining role and validity of Neighbourhood Plans is key and shouldn’t be undermined
• Concern around the inclusion of the First Homes Exception sites in the National Planning Policy Framework and the potential impact this may have on the provision for social rented housing required to meet genuine needs
• General support for greater emphasis on green infrastructure policies

Following the close of the first consultation period a full assessment of responses would be made.  A summary of the responses would be presented at the next Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee on 18 October 2021.  The report would be made public and would be available on the Central Lincolnshire Local Plan website prior to the meeting taking place. 

These responses would be used to help inform further refinement to policy.  The Draft Local Plan would then be presented to the Central Lincolnshire Joint Strategic Planning Committee again early 2022 and would then again be publically consulted on in spring 2022. 

This regulation 19 consultation would provide a further opportunity for councillor, resident and stakeholder comment and ultimately shape the final draft, which would be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for Examination in Public.  It was hoped that the new CLLP would be adopted later in 2022.

The following update regarding Neighbourhood Plans was provided.