Agenda item

The Planning Policy Manager presented the report on the emerging Borough Local Plan which had been submitted for examination in December and for which the inspector had requested that the Council works in collaboration with Natural England in relation to air quality. The new National Planning Policy Framework also required that local councils update their local development schemes which were timetables to producing local plans. A report had been taken to Cabinet and it had been agreed that a new plan would be started around November 2025 subject to the outcomes of the examination.

Cllr Reece wished for reassurance that the questions about the natural habitats regulation assessment would be answered sufficiently not to delay the examination.

The Planning Policy Manager said that the Council was in touch with Natural England in regard to the methodology used as well as the statement of common ground requested by the inspector.

Cllr Gordon asked for more details about the public hearing, especially how individuals and organisations would be selected and if officers would have an opportunity to respond to people providing evidence.

Cllr Gordon also wondered about the possible consequences of the Local Government Reorganisation on the assessment of the plan.

The Planning Policy Manager advised that it was unlikely that the reorganisation would have any impact on the plan that was submitted although it may affect future plans.

Regarding the public hearings, these would be chaired by the inspector who would start by asking the Council to respond to a series of issues brought to their attention. Other participants would then have an opportunity to raise questions and be heard, following which the Council would be asked to provide responses either during the session or at a later stage.

In terms of selection for involvement, a program officer was appointed to facilitate the examination and they would typically approach people who had made representations on particular areas and ask them if they wish to speak at the hearings.

Cllr Holland enquired about Natural England’s representation and if there was anything the Council could have done in relation to the issues raised then.

The Planning Policy Manager advised that the Council had met with Natural England a number of times since the representation and what had been requested required some time to implement.

Cllr Holland wondered about the likelihood of a statement of common ground being reached in good time in relation to further issues being raised including by other parties.

The Planning Policy Manager responded that the requirement for an agreement to be reached was about two specific issues i.e. air quality and habitats matters and with Natural England only meaning there wouldn’t be other parties involved.

About the duty to cooperate with other organisations the Council already had an agreement with the City Council and this matter had been resolved.

Cllr Holland raised there may be some inconsistency in the government policies which were promoting more housing on the one hand and a reduction in air pollution on the other hand.

The Deputy Leader / portfolio holder for Finance, Town Centres and Growth shared Cllr Holland’s opinion.

Cllr Grocott wondered if sites would have to be changed in relation to natural habitats and gas emissions.

The Planning Policy Manager said that the work was still being finalised and the process would need to run through before any decision was made.

Cllr Whieldon congratulated the team and shared her concerns that decisions made by governmental and / or neighbouring authorities may affect the plan as currently drafted which she felt accurately reflected the people and the borough.

Resolved:    That the update on the progress of developing a new Local Plan for the Borough be noted.

Watch the debate here