Issue - meetings

1.    That the Council’s response to the consultation document ‘Changes to the Planning System’ issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government be approved as set out in Appendix A of report CAB3261.

2.    That the Council continue to work with strategic partners and local MPs to influence the outcome of the consultation.

3.    That delegated authority be awarded to the Strategic Planning Manager to make minor and typographical updates to the consultation response.

Councillor Porter introduced the report and highlighted the key changes proposed.  Earlier in September, the proposals had been presented to the Local Plan Advisory Group and the Winchester Town Forum, in addition to an all Member briefing and parish council event.

Councillor Porter proposed two additional recommendations, the first to enable minor editing changes to be made to the response and the second to recognise that the Council would continue to work with local MPs and strategic partners to influence the outcome of the consultation.  These were agreed as set out below.

At the invitation of the Leader, Councillors Read, Brook and Horrill addressed Cabinet as summarised briefly below.

Councillor Read

Welcomed the proposed additional recommendations.  Considered the most significant issue was the impact on the housing numbers required with 40% of the district being situated within the South Downs National Park (SDNP).  Highlighted that the actions of developers rather the council had the most impact on the speed of development.  Criticised the presentation of the response.

Councillor Brook

Generally supported the overall stance of the proposed response whilst acknowledging that in principle, changes to the planning system had the potential to be of wider benefit to the district and the response was somewhat negative.  However, did not consider that the proposed response was sufficiently robust in relation to housing numbers and could potentially include alternative suggestions in terms of the level of housing development that would be acceptable.  Further discussions were required with the SDNP, neighbouring local authorities and the Partnership for South Hampshire (PfSH) to promote a coordinated response to government.  Also expected to see an action plan in place by now for the development of the Local Plan.

Councillor Horrill

It was essential that the Council’s response reflected the strength of concerns expressed at previous fora regarding the proposals.  Urged Councillors to write formally to the local MPs and the government independently of the Council response.  In addition, discussions with partner organisations such as the SDNP and PfSH should be maximised.

The Leader and Cabinet Members responded to comments made, including confirming that meetings with SDNP and PfSH were taking place.

Cabinet agreed the following for the reasons set out above and outlined in the report.

RESOLVED:

1.            That the Council’s response to the consultation document ‘Changes to the Planning System’ issued by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government be approved as set out in Appendix A of the report.

2.            That the Council continue to work with strategic partners and local MPs to influence the outcome of the consultation.

3.            That delegated authority be awarded to the Strategic Planning Manager to make minor and typographical updates to the consultation response.