Agenda item

The Executive Councillor Planning Strategy and Transport to present the Development Plan Document – Core Strategy 2008 to the Council for adoption.

By way of a report by the Head of Planning Services (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book), the Executive Councillor for Planning Strategy and Transport, Councillor D B Dew, informed the Council that the Planning Inspectorate had issued its report on the examination into the Development Plan Document - Core Strategy 2008 which had concluded that the Strategy had satisfied legal requirements and was sound.

As the first District in the County to publish a Core Strategy, the Executive Councillor thanked his predecessor, Councillor P L E Bucknell, other Members and Officers for their contribution during compilation of the document.

Regarding the proposed strategic housing development at Godmanchester, Councillor C R Hyams reported that this would be dependant upon the implementation of the improvement scheme to the A14 between Ellington and Fen Ditton and particularly the construction of a new junction at the A1198, Ermine Street.  He added that in his opinion, the developer would have to demonstrate that the scheme would not have a detrimental effect on traffic on the A1198 and that, his view was that the construction of 800 houses at Godmanchester could only exacerbate the current situation.  In these circumstances, Councillor Hyams indicated that he would not be able to support the adoption of the strategy.  Councillor P Godley endorsed the views expressed by Councillor Hyams adding that development in Godmanchester would lead to traffic congestion in the village if pursued in advance of improvements to the A14 and the removal of the Huntingdon viaduct.

In terms of development east of the railway line, St. Neots, Councillor G S E Thorpe welcomed the proposed extension to the town hoping that it would bring with it improved infrastructure and employment to ensure St. Neots remained a healthy and vibrant market town.

Councillor P D Reeve welcomed the proposed adoption of the Core Strategy and in particular those initiatives which promoted employment.  In his view, it was essential that decisions on the future development of Huntingdonshire should be made by the District Council and not be influenced by the East of England Regional Assembly. 

The Executive Councillor, Councillor Dew concurred with the comments made by Councillors P J Downes and R J West in respect of the requirement for stringent enforcement action if the expectation for strategic housing development was to be achieved and for presentations on the Core Strategy to be made to all town and parish councils.  The latter suggestion was endorsed by Councillor J S Watt who also requested training for District Council Members on the Core Strategy and on subsequent development plan documents.

Councillor R G Tuplin raised his concern at the decision of H M Inspectorate to approve, on appeal, an application for development of 190 houses at Sawtry which, in his view, was already contrary to the Core Strategy.

In closing the debate, Councillor Dew reaffirmed that development would only progress in Godmanchester if it was established that there would be no detriment on the A1198 and that development for Ramsey should be balanced and sustainable, bringing forward together new houses and job opportunities. 

Whereupon, and having explained that the strategic policies contained within the adopted Huntingdonshire Local Plan and Alteration and Huntingdonshire Interim Planning Policies would now be superseded, it was

RESOLVED

  that the Huntingdonshire District Core Strategy 2008 be adopted.