Agenda item

The Panel is invited to comment on the Draft Settlement Hierarchy Methodology 2023 report.

By means of a report by the Chief Planning Officer (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book) the Draft Settlement Hierarchy Methodology 2023 Report was presented to the Panel.

The Panel heard in response to a question from Councillor Gardener, that travel times shown were during peak time however travel times to GP Surgeries were during non-peak times as this is when most residents would access that service. In response to a further question, the Panel heard that the frequency of bus services had been considered rather than individual operators and that the TING service had not been included at this point as it is unknown whether this service will still be available at the time of the Local Plan’s final publication.

It was observed by Councillors Gray and Pickering that significant portions of the data for St Neots appeared to be out of date, with references being made to named businesses which had been out of business for many years, it was felt that this quality of data called into question the validity of the report. It was confirmed that the data collection occurred some time ago and that the data would be updated prior to Cabinet in relation to St Neots and restaurants. The Panel heard that the team had used more in depth data to build a more comprehensive and relevant settlement assessment however, they were aware that more data quality checks were needed, it was hoped that town and parish councils would be able to assist in this task over the Summer.

Councillor Pickering observed that whilst it was useful to know how many residents could be served by a GP Surgery, it would be helpful to understand how many residents they are currently serving and therefore how sustainable this would be in the face of further development.

Following a further question from Councillor Pickering, the Panel heard that the Methodology needed to be tailored to Huntingdonshire in order to develop a robust plan which could then be scrutinised by the independent planning inspector, however all feedback received would be considered and adjustments made as the progress continues.

Following an observation from Councillor Corney on the 6 week consultation period causing issues to those parishes with bi or tri monthly meeting cycles, the Panel heard that although timescales were not statutory at this point, this would be the statutory timescale later on in the process, therefore by using this timescale the method would be more familiar in the final stages. It was agreed that following the meeting, town and parish councils would be contacted and advised of the forthcoming consultation with the option to speak to the Planning team if the 6 week period would cause them significant issues.

The Panel heard, following a question from Councillor Gray that any entirely new settlements would be considered separately to this document and would go through the usual Planning processes.

Councillor Gardener observed that parishes which border the A14 may be able to advise on alternative and more realistic routes used by residents to safely access the road and that he was currently working with National Highways on improvements in this area.

The Panel heard, following a question from Councillor Pickering, that there is limited interaction between this report and the Call for Sites report at present, there will be more interaction as the process develops.

Councillor Harvey enquired whether further education colleges were included within the secondary school information detailed, the Panel were advised that this would be checked and reported back. Following a further question the Panel heard that Dentists were not included due to the mainly private and chargeable nature of the service.

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.