Issue - meetings

This report provides a summary of the Regulation 18 consultation on the Council’s Newly Submitted Sites and New Policies (Part 5).

Recommendation:

That the Local Plan Sub-Committee notes the contents of the report.

Officers presented an overview of consultation responses, covering themes such as clarity of policy wording, housing site objections, environmental concerns, affordable housing definitions, traveller accommodation and climate/ energy standards.

Members emphasized the need for consistent and enforceable language (“must” where appropriate). The importance of demonstrating responsiveness to consultation through the Regulation 19 draft. Ensuring that public feedback, Member input and evidence are clearly linked to resulting policy amendments.

The report was noted and officers were asked to review policy wording comprehensively, ensure all changes agreed were incorporated and provide clear justification where suggestions could not be implemented.

The substantive motion was put to the vote and was agreed by general assent.

With all remaining Part 1 business having been concluded the Chair agreed to allow Jon Bishop, of the Three Rivers Joint Residents Association to further address the Committee.

Mr Bishop thanked members and officers for their considerable work over the years on the Local Plan and taking onboard the issues the TRJRA had raised and the proactive engagement with the TRJRA recognized the very difficult position that the Council had with the Government’s housing targets for Three Rivers but hoped that a consensus from the Councillors could be found to unite over a preferred plan that protected as much of the Green Belt as possible whilst recognizing some might have to be released.

The Chairman thanked Mr Bishop and the TRJRA for their hard work and the positive contributions that they had made to the process.