Issue - meetings

To receive a report setting out the purpose and content of the proposed replacement Local Development Scheme relating to the preparation of the Local Plan update.

Executive Councillor: T Sanderson.

With the aid of a report prepared by the Chief Planning Officer (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Cabinet were acquainted with the purpose and content of the proposed replacement Local Development Scheme (LDS) relating to the preparation of the Local Plan update.

By way of background, the Executive Councillor for Planning reminded the Cabinet of their previous decision on 24th January 2023 to support the preparation of an updated Local Plan. The Local Development Scheme detailed the components of the current development plan and summarised the plan-making process, providing an indicative timetable for preparing the Local Plan Update. He then went on to report that the primary purpose of the Scheme was to make local communities and stakeholders aware of the phases of engagement opportunities as well as illustrating the range of evidence base and supporting documents required together with the resources and risks involved.

Having had their attention drawn to the views of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel (Performance & Growth), in particular the comments relating to the level of engagement to be undertaken with the District’s Town and Parish Councils, it was

RESOLVED

  that the contents of the Local Development Scheme March 2023 be approved and brought into immediate effect following the Cabinet’s meeting and the call-in period.

The Panel is invited to comment on the Local Development Scheme report.

By means of a report by the Chief Planning Officer (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book) the Local Development Scheme Report was presented to the Panel.

Councillor Gardener enquired what communication parishes could expect with regards to the scheme. The Panel heard that the Council was obliged to publish the details on the website but are planning to email local parishes to notify of its publication. It was further advised that local members could help this communication by informing parishes at any upcoming meetings.

Following further questions from Councillors Gardener and Wells, the Panel heard that in regard to Neighbourhood Plans, the newest plan takes precedence if there is any conflict between the strategic policies. Therefore any Neighbourhood Plans in development should continue as normal. Neighbourhood Plans that then have conflicting policies with the new Local Plan could be updated after the publication of the new Local Plan.

Councillor Gleadow enquired if sufficient staff and resources were available to the team to undertake the work, the Panel heard that this would be carefully monitored but the team were confident that current levels were sufficient.

Councillor Wells enquired whether drought conditions were considered as part of the Water Cycle Study. The Panel were advised that this study would look at all elements of water management alongside climate change predictions with all factors being brought together for consideration. The Panel further heard that neighbouring districts would also be taken into account in case of any implications for Huntingdonshire.

It was thereupon

RESOLVED

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