Issue - meetings

The committee is requested to consider the contents of this report and provide comments on the New Housing Strategy and Action Plan.

By means of a report by the Head of Economy, Regeneration & Housing Delivery. (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), The Economic Growth Strategy Report was presented to the Panel.

Concerns were expressed regarding the implications for rural areas. While acknowledging and supporting the points set out in paragraph 7.215 of the report, attention was drawn to the limited availability of local services and transport links in such communities. It was noted that access to essential services, such as GP appointments, often requires the use of a private vehicle, which can be costly to maintain. The rationale for granting planning permission for affordable housing in rural locations was questioned and it was requested that these considerations be fully reflected and addressed within the development of the new Strategy.

The Panel agreed with the points raised and it was emphasised the importance of ensuring that, when developing a housing strategy, proposed sites are appropriate, accessible, and well?served by local amenities. She stressed that such considerations should be approached at a strategic level. Councillor Tevlin further highlighted the need to prioritise locations with adequate infrastructure and to ensure that community engagement forms a key part of the decision?making process.

The Panel was advised that the question raised related to planning decisions, which do not form part of the Council’s strategic approach to housing. It was acknowledged that a wide range of factors are considered when determining planning applications. The Panel was reminded that the purpose of the policy is to outline the identified needs and challenges which will be incorporated in the Local Plan review.

It was noted that a significant number of housing schemes delivered within rural communities are brought forward under the Rural Exception Policy, as set out in the current Local Plan. Members were advised that such schemes are typically supported by Parish Councils, informed by the housing needs assessments undertaken through the Council’s partnership work with Cambridgeshire ACRE. It was emphasised that the Policy requires clear evidence of local housing need before any Rural Exception Site can be granted permission.

Support for the report was expressed by the Panel. They asked whether the proposed actions could be further developed to provide greater clarity and requested a more detailed explanation of the strategy and its implementation.

It was noted that Officers would be happy to provide Members with further detail on how the Team operates and how specific actions are delivered, should Members require it. Officers also advised that they anticipate the Strategy may be reviewed and refreshed by a future Administration. The structure of the current document was designed intentionally to allow for future development and expansion.

It was noted that several recent legislative changes will inform a number of key service?specific actions that the Council intends to deliver over the next year.

Concerns were raised regarding the projected increase in residents with mobility issues and dementia, noting that the report did not indicate a corresponding rise in the provision of M4(3)  ...  view the full minutes text for item 68