Issue - meetings

This report seeks Member agreement of the amendments to the draft Local Plan policies consulted on during the Part 5 Regulation 18 consultation which took place in July and August this year. Additionally, this report seeks Member agreement for amendments to other policies consulted on during the Draft Local Plan Regulation 18 Part 1: Preferred Policy Options document. The amendments to the policies are detailed in red in the appendices to this report. The policies were amended in response to changes to national planning policy, evidence studies, comments received as part of the Regulation 18 consultation and consideration at Local Plan Sub-Committee meetings from 2022-2025.

Recommendation:

That the Local Plan Sub-Committee note the contents of this report, agree the amendments to policies detailed in red in the appendices to this report and then recommend the following updated policies to the Policy & Resources Committee:

Appendix 1 – Biodiversity

Appendix 2 – Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation

Appendix 3 – Northwood Headquarters

Appendix 4 – Net Zero Operational Carbon in New Build Residential Development

Appendix 5 – Net Zero Operational Carbon in New Build Non-Residential Development

Appendix 6 – Climate-adapted Design and Construction

Appendix 7 – Embodied Carbon and Minimising Waste

Appendix 8 – Reducing Carbon Emissions in Existing Buildings

Appendix 9 – Affordable Housing

Appendix 10 – Housing Mix and Type

Appendix 11 – Green Belt

Appendix 12 – Parking

Appendix 13 – Parking Standards

Officers introduced the report, explaining that the appendices contained proposed amendments in red, based on Member instructions from earlier meetings, consultation responses from the Part 5 Regulation 18 consultation and further policy review.

Jon Bishop, Chair of the Three Rivers Joint Residents Association addressed the Committee before the consideration of the item. Concern was expressed that several draft policies continued to use the word “should” rather than “must” which weakened the council’s ability to defend and apply the policies. Issues with the Local Connection policy were highlighted including that certain affordable housing products did not apply to social or affordable rent. Appendix 13 (Parking Standards) First two paragraphs were unclear and required redrafting. The upcoming Planning and Infrastructure Bill were likely to reduce decision making powers which would mean that policy wording would need to be strong and unambiguous.

Appendix 1 Biodiversity

The policy had been consulted on during the Regulation 18 Part 5 consultation, receiving extensive feedback from statutory bodies and the public.

Concern was raised about the location of Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) sites, with a request that BNG be delivered within the parish or unparished area of development where possible. Officers explained that Hertfordshire County Council had previously challenged the restriction of BNG to the Three Rivers Boundary. National Character Areas meant tighter restrictions were difficult to justify. Members sought stronger wording to prioritize local BNG delivery without making it a rigid requirement.

Officers agreed to strengthen the policy to state that BNG should be provided “within Three Rivers, ideally within the appropriate parish or unparished area where possible”. Retain flexibility by avoiding use of “must”, but include the additional encouragement requested.

The Appendix was carried by general assent.

Appendix 2 Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation

No changes had resulted from consultation. A member queried whether onsite or district based SANG provision could be emphasized. Officers agreed this could be emphasized. Officers agreed that this could be strengthened, but a strict requirement may not be justifiable.

On being put to the vote, the Appendix was carried by general assent.

Appendix 3 Northwood Headquarters

Councillor Cooper raised an amendment:

“Due to the need for operational secrecy, the evidence provided by the Ministry of Defence of the national security impact of development may be more limited than for other consultees.  This council recognises that and will defer whenever possible to representations from the Ministry of Defence regarding the national security impact of development.”

The amendment was carried by general assent

The Appendix was carried by general assent.

Appendix 4 and 5 Net Zero Operation Carbon in New Build Residential Development and Net Zero Operation Carbon in New Build Non-Residential Development.

Members discussed energy performance thresholds, fossil fuel exceptions, and the feasibility of certain standards.

Key issues that had been raised included the possible adjustment of the 65kWh/m2 energy target, recognition that some commercial uses (Pizza ovens, cement processes) currently require fossil fuels and some exceptions might be needed. Members expressed concern that the carbon offset figure was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 32