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 Development Management Team Leader that on 5 September 2023, the Secretary of State for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities had issued a written ministerial statement to update the policy on planning for onshore wind development in England. The following link was agreed to be included in the minutes:

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2023-09-05/hcws1005

It was explained that the Government’s formal response to the wider proposals in the National Planning Policy Framework consultation would be published later this autumn.

Members heard that policy changes regarding onshore wind development, relevant to planning decisions, took effect immediately upon publication (with some transitional arrangements for plan making set out at Annex 1 of the statement). The amendments were to chapter 14 of the National Planning Policy Framework and responded to the technical consultation that concluded earlier this year.

The measures would pave the way for more onshore wind projects to come online by broadening the ways that suitable locations could be identified. Communities would be able to bring forward proposals to local councils, rather than solely identifying developments through local plans which could take many years (via Local Development Orders, Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders). Additionally, the measures would ensure local councils considered the views of the whole community, rather than a small minority, when considering a planning application. This would address the planning impacts of these focused changes to the NPPF, with further guidance to follow on best practice and new digital engagement techniques.

Members also heard that the Government had announced delays to the introduction of mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG). The latest announcement stated:

“developers in England will be required to deliver 10% “Biodiversity Net Gain” from January 2024 onwards when building new housing, industrial or commercial developments meaning by law they must deliver a net positive for the local environment, for example by creating new habitats and green spaces. Biodiversity Net Gain for small sites will still be applicable from April 2024, and implementation for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects remains planned for 2025.”

The full announcement would be made available within the minutes as follows:

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/biodiversity-net-gain-moves-step-closer-with-timetable-set-out)

With regards to the Neighbourhood Plan updates, it was explained that the Hemswell Cliff Neighbourhood Plan had passed examination and a referendum was scheduled to be held on Thursday 19 October 2023. Members also heard that the Nettleham Neighbourhood Plan review had been submitted to the Authority, and the regulation 16 consultation would commence shortly.

Following the update, a request was made for the planning policy updates to be distributed to all Members of the Council in an appropriate format. Officers would look at the potential avenues, which included the Members Bulletin.