Issue - meetings

To consider a report by the Head of Planning Services on the adoption procedures for the Huntingdon West Area Action Plan.

Recommended to Council that they approve the Huntingdon West Area Action Plan (AAP) as part of the Council’s Development Plan.

Following on from its submission to the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Environmental Well-Being) consideration was given to a report by the Head of Planning Service (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) which summarised the Inspector’s considerations and conclusions regarding the soundness of the Huntingdon West Area Action Plan (AAP).

The Cabinet were advised that the Inspector had issued his binding report which had found the AAP to be sound.  The plan could therefore be adopted by Council as part of the Development Plan for the District. Having noted that the majority of changes to the plan had been proposed by the Council, either at the time of submission in April 2010 as a consequence of representations received or later following questions raised by the Inspector, the Cabinet

RESOLVED

that the Council be recommended to approved the Huntingdon West Area Action, as set out in the report now submitted, as part of the Development Plan for the district.

To consider a report by the Head of Planning Services on adoption procedures for the Huntingdon West Area Action Plan.

(Councillor D B Dew, Executive Councillor for Planning Strategy and Transport was in attendance for this Item).  

The Panel considered a report by the Head of Planning Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) informing Members of the results of the Planning Inspector’s report of his examination of the submitted Huntingdon West Area Action Plan (AAP).

The Panel was informed that the Inspector had found the AAP to be sound, thereby enabling the Council to adopt the AAP as part of the Development Plan for the District.  Members were advised that this would form the framework for retail development in the Huntingdon West Area. Adoption of the Plan also would ensure that the most up to date policies would be applied in respect of planning proposals for the area which would help to facilitate positive change and redevelopment whilst supporting the town centre and appropriate redevelopment of Chequers Court.

Notwithstanding its support for the Plan the Panel raised the issue of the proposed link road and the possible congestion that might result as a consequence. Members were assured that collaboration with the County Council was ongoing in order to try and secure a satisfactory balance between an efficient road system and a vibrant town centre. 

In reply to a question on the possible loss of the temporary car park opposite the railway station, it was explained that alternative provision was being considered for joint office accommodation and parking on land between the link road and the railway.

RESOLVED

  that the report be endorsed for submission to Cabinet