Agenda item

To provide an update on progress on preparation of the proposed submission Huntingdonshire Local Plan to 2036, its supporting evidence base and the highways and transport infrastructure projects necessary for its delivery.

Notes progress on preparation of the Huntingdonshire Local Plan to 2036, its supporting evidence base and the highways and transport infrastructure projects necessary for its delivery.

Prior to commencement of presentation of the report, Councillor D Tysoe declared a non-statutory disclosable interest having recently submitted a planning application.

By way of a report by the Head of Development (a copy of which is appended in the Minute Book) the Cabinet received a progress update on preparation of the Huntingdonshire Local Plan to 2036 (HLP2036), its supporting evidence base and the risks arising from delays to the Strategic Transport Study and the Strategic Flood Risk Assessment (SFRA).  The report also provided an update in relation to the highways and transport infrastructure projects necessary for delivery of the HLP2036.

Within the previous update report the Cabinet had been informed of the continued delays in the availability of the revalidated Cambridge Sub-Regional Model (CSRM) and the resultant impact on the Strategic Transport Study.  It was explained to the Cabinet that revalidation of the CSRM was scheduled to be completed at the end of September.  Preparatory work for District Council development scenarios had commenced and a member of Mott MacDonald was working at the Atkins’ office one day a week to expedite liaison on the Council’s Study.

Discussions between the Council, JBA and the Environment Agency had resolved the problems on modelling climate change allowances previously reported to the Cabinet. The Environment Agency had agreed to fund JBA to undertake the work for the whole Lower Great Ouse. JBA had commenced 16 models with some feeding into others which was expected to be completed in December with analysis to follow.

Regarding the Gypsy and Traveller Needs Assessment the Cabinet were informed that the final Assessment was expected to be received imminently by all participating Planning Authorities.

The Local Plan must demonstrate that development was supported by sufficient infrastructure, and that its vision, allocations and policies would enable viable development. To achieve this, the Council had sought to commission a Growth and Infrastructure Investment and Delivery Plan and a separate but linked Growth Viability Assessment.  The Council had only received one response regarding the Growth and Infrastructure Investment and Delivery Plan, which was being considered and the Council had not received any responses regarding the Growth Viability Assessment.  The risk being that if no quotations were received it could impact on the timetable for delivery of the HLP2036.

In response to a question regarding the provision of affordable housing within the HLP2036, it was explained that the Council was aware of the amount of affordable housing that it needed to deliver and that there was sufficient flexibility within the HLP2036 should some of the major housing developments not be realised.

Referring to the update within the report on the highways and infrastructure projects, the Cabinet noted that there were many projects pending which would have an impact on the level of growth.  It was explained that within the updates there was a significant amount of positive progress.  However, the current Local Plan was not dependent on the highways and infrastructure projects and the Council would continue to influence the development of these projects.

In considering the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny (Economy and Growth) Panel, the Cabinet were informed that the Leader had expressed that the top priority for the Executive Councillor for Planning Policy, Housing and Infrastructure was the delivery of the HLP2036, whereupon the Cabinet

RESOLVED

to note progress on preparation of the Huntingdonshire Local Plan to 2036, its supporting evidence base and the highways and transport infrastructure projects necessary for its delivery.