Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Planning Services on consultation responses received in respect of the draft Urban Design Framework for the Whaddons, Mayfield Drive, Huntingdon and seeking approval of it as Interim Planning Guidance. 

Copies of the Urban Design Framework will be despatched under separate cover.

Approved the contents of the Urban Design Framework for land around Buttsgrove Way, The Whaddons and Suffolk House, Huntingdon and authorised the Head of Planning Service to approve any minor consequential amendments to the text and illustrations after consultation with the Executive Councillor for Planning Strategy and Transportation.

(Councillor J J Dutton, Member for Huntingdon North was in attendance and spoke on this item)

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Planning Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) to which was attached a schedule of responses received to the consultation on the Urban Design Framework for land around Buttsgrove Way, The Whaddons and Suffolk House, Huntingdon and suggested amendments as a consequence thereof. 

Having considered the views of Councillor J J Dutton, a local ward member, on the proposals, the Cabinet

  RESOLVED

  (a)  that the contents of the Urban Design Framework for land around Buttsgrove Way, The Whaddons and Suffolk House, Huntingdon, as amended to reflect the content of the Annex to the report now submitted, be approved; and

  (b)  that the Head of Planning Services be authorised to approve any minor consequential amendments to the text and illustrations after consultation with the Executive Councillor for Planning Strategy and Transportation.

To consider a report by the Head of Planning Services.

(A copy of the Urban Design Framework is enclosed with Members’ copies only).

(Councillor P L E Bucknell, Executive Councillor for Planning Strategy was in attendance for this item).

With the assistance of a report by the Head of Planning Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Panel considered the content of an Urban Design Framework (UDF) for development opportunities in this part of Huntingdon. A copy of the responses received from the recent consultation exercise also was tabled for information.

Having been acquainted with the background to the creation of the UDF, Members were advised that it was intended to establish a clear planning framework to ensure that future proposals for development within the area were well planned and appropriate. The owners of some of the existing property had already indicated their intention to redevelop the area and the Panel was informed that the UDF would assist in the formulation of the design of the new development proposals.

Members attention was drawn to the comments that had been received by way of correspondence and questionnaires completed at public exhibitions that had been held into the proposals. A formal response from the Town Council was awaited. It was noted by Members that a number of replies had contained concerns over loss of green space in the area.

In welcoming the document as a positive step and one which had helped to alleviate initial misunderstandings amongst local residents. Members commented also on the question of highway safety in Buttsgrove Way, the future housing mix of development and the need to respect the private dwellings in the area in the subsequent development proposals.

RESOLVED

that the contents of the Urban Design Framework be endorsed.