Issue - meetings

The Panel are invited to comment on contents of the report.

Executive Councillor: Tom Sanderson.

By means of a report by the Senior Planning Officer of Strategic Growth (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), The Local Plan Engagement Review Report was presented to the Panel.

Councillor Gardener and Chapman sought clarification regarding engaging with Parish Councils concerning developments for sites within their area but also if sites bordering their area will be included in this as well. The Panel heard that at the next stage of consultation, there will be a draft local plan which will include all of the sites and will go to all the Parish Councils.

After a question from the Panel, it was heard that the consultation period would be 6 weeks as they have now reached the key part of the Local plan process which must be completed by December 2026. 

Councillor Jennings expressed his thanks for the detail in the report, but queried the percentages of increases since the last consultation calculated as he does not think this is accurate. He sought confirmation as this will be published to the public domain. He drew attention to point 5:9, the responses from a wide variety of stakeholders, members of the general public and Parish Councils and requested a breakdown of the sources of respondents. The Panel heard that this would be taken away and responded to by the Officers.

Councillor Taylor requested clarification as to whether the Cambridge Fire & Rescue service and the East of England Ambulance service were represented as consultees as any growth would affect the respective services. The Panel heard that the list of statutory consultees are those that are required by regulation. It was confirmed that both services were in the consultation database and they are in contact with them through the development of infrastructure study.

After a question from the Panel, it was heard that a report would be published regarding the Statement of Compliance which will set out the duty to cooperate and actions.

Councillor Martin drew attention to point 7:5 of the report and requested if the Members could be given a week’s notice so they can respond to any questions from their constituents. The Panel heard this will be actioned.

Councillor Martin joined the meeting at 19:15.

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.