Issue - meetings

To agree the Local Development Scheme as set out in Appendix 3.

Councillor Stephen Giles-Medhurst moved the recommendation as set out in the report, seconded by Councillor Louise Price.

Councillor Khalid Hussain left the meeting at 20:24 and returned at 20:26.

The Conservative Group expressed their disapproval of the proposal to modify the local plan in light of the new NPPF. They argued that relying on uncertain solutions undermines the integrity of the Green Belt, and emphasised the need for a robust evidence base to support any claims of harm. Furthermore, they highlighted the importance of preparing for potential changes in government and planning regulations. Councillor Oliver Cooper stated that he wished to put forward an amendment to ensure that evidence gathering for a low growth option is prioritised. Councillor Cooper offered to provide the proposed amendment in a written format, and confirmed that it has been sent via email to all Members of the Council, Chief Executive and the Monitoring Officer.

Councillor Anne Winter left the meeting at 20:32 and returned at 20:34.

Councillor Philip Hearn tabled the proposed amendment as follows, seconded by Councillor Oliver Cooper:

1. To instruct and delegate power to officers to finish compilation of evidence base required for the Low Growth Option in the event that the NPPF commencement date is later than February 28th.
2. To instruct and delegate power to officers to commence a Regulation 19 consultation on the Low Growth Option at the earliest opportunity, to last no longer than six weeks and one day.
3. To arrange an emergency full council meeting at any notice and on any day required to amend the Local Development Scheme to fit that timeline.
4. To agree £250,000 budget allocation for completion of said works.

The Conservative Group emphasised the critical need to protect the Green Belt in Three Rivers, and argued that the current NPPF does not require the redrawing of Green Belt boundaries. In addition, they urged immediate action to seize the opportunity to safeguard the Green Belt to prevent potentially disastrous consequences for local residents and the environment.

Councillor Sarah Nelmes left the meeting at 20:38 and returned at 20:39.

Members debated the proposed amendment; the Liberal Democrat Group expressing disappointment regarding the claims about planning feasibility, emphasising the importance of professional advice from Council officers.

The Conservative Group emphasised that the proposed amendment regarding the NPPF is contingent upon its publication date, specifically pointing out that if the NPPF is published after 28 February 2025, the amendment becomes non-operative. Furthermore, they pointed out that if the NPPF is not finalised, there should be no misunderstanding within the Council about delegating authority, or taking action based on an incomplete framework.

Councillors Joan King and Stephen King left the meeting at 20:49 and returned at 20:55.

Councillor Oliver Cooper moved for a recorded vote on the proposed amendment, seconded by Councillor Philip Hearn.

In response to a question raised regarding Councillors Joan King and Stephen King being able to vote on the proposed amendment, the Monitoring Officer confirmed that Councillors Joan King and Stephen King had not been  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35

This report seeks Members’ approval of a revised Local Development Scheme (LDS) following the delay of the Regulation 19 consultation which was agreed by Members at the 17th October Local Plan Sub-Committee. The delay to the Regulation 19 consultation is as a result of the Government’s proposed reforms to the NPPF and proposed transitional arrangements and the subsequent need to undertake further evidence work. The committee report for the 17th October Local Plan Sub-Committee titled “Implications of NPPF Consultation and Transitional Arrangements on Local Plan Progress” can be seen at Appendix 1.

Recommendation

That the Policy & Resources Committee recommend to Full Council the Local Development Scheme as set out in Appendix 3.

Marko Kalik, Head of Planning Policy and Conservation, presented the report.

The committee discussed the delay to agreement of a new Local Plan, as recommended by the Local Plan Sub-Committee, and noted that a draft list of development sites was to be agreed by the Local Plan Sub-Committee. In his introduction, the Chair confirmed he had requested the Head of Planning Policy and Conservation whether opportunities could be taken to recover the delay. The committee discussed what opportunities there had been to take advantage of changes to the National Planning Policy Framework, the need to balance submitting a plan promptly but which was sound, the level of resource required within the planning policy team, the impact on the green belt, and the requirement to consider traveller sites within a Local Plan.

In response to questions, officers confirmed that the risk matrix for the Local Plan would be reviewed.

Councillor Oliver Cooper moved an amendment to the recommendations such that the Local Plan Regulation 19 consultation would open on 19 January 2025 and close on 25 February 2025, that the Council meeting of 25 February 2025 would be asked to approve the Local Plan for submission as soon as practicable following that meeting, for the evidence base to be updated during this time.

The Chair reminded the Committee of the advice given to the Local Plan Sub-Committee that moving forward to a similar timetable could risk the soundness of the local plan. Officers confirmed that the position of different Councils had to be considered on their own merits and why this course of action was necessary.

In order to progress to a decision, the amendment was seconded by Councillor Sarah Nelmes. The Chair confirmed with officers whether the matter could be put to the vote, given the potential risks relating to the soundness of the local plan if the amendment was agreed.

The Director of Finance confirmed that a further budgetary provision would need to be agreed by Council if the amendment was agreed; the Chair, having taken advice, confirmed that a vote could not be taken on a budget allocation at the meeting.

The amendment, as originally proposed, was then put to the vote and fell.

Prior to taking the vote on the substantive motion, the Chair confirmed the intention to work with officers to try to reduce the timescale for commencing the consultation and submitting the local plan and would be committing resources within the budget to secure its completion.

RESOLVED: That the Policy & Resources Committee recommend to Full Council the Local Development Scheme as set out in Appendix 3.