Agenda item

The Panel is invited to comment on the Call for Sites report and Consultation Form.

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

The Panel heard, in response to a question from Councillor Gardener, that in relation to flood mitigation measures, the Council would take a steer from the owners of land on what they would like it to be considered for. Should the land owner put forward a site for a particular use it would be assessed for that use. The only instance when an alternative use may be considered on a site would be if, for instance, someone put forward a site for a particular commercial use and in consultation with Economic Development colleagues it is revealed that there would be a better market for an alternative commercial use.

Councillor Blackwell enquired how resources would be managed and ensure that accurate data is recorded, the Panel heard that the Call for Sites form asks the landowners or site promoters to submit a lot of the data themselves, which will be checked to ensure the consistency of sources, in some cases extra information regarding the source of the data may be requested so that it can be double checked. In terms of resources, site assessments will be done primarily within the team but it is hoped that the wider planning team could assist with some assessments, this will partly depend on the number of sites received.

Concern was expressed by Councillor Blackwell over the form itself, observing that it appeared difficult to navigate and uninviting, she expressed concern that small landowners would be put off. The Panel were assured that the online version of the form was a lot more user friendly and that guidance notes were provided to assist in its completion however a further check of the form would be undertaken prior to its publication. It was anticipated that many sites would be presented across the district, and advised that landowners have the options to seek professional support and guidance which in turn would help manage the teams resources.

Following questions from Councillors Gray and Pickering, the Panel were advised that this form could be used to submit all types of sites including green spaces and renewable energy. A plan was being developed with the Communications team to help maximise this message.

The Panel heard, following a question from Councillor Gardener, that policies in neighbourhood plans could not be used to assess the sites. This will be a planning policy ‘off’ assessment of sites, so the technical assessment of site will disregard both the Local Plan and any Neighbourhood Plan. The submitted sites will be consulted on later as part of a further issues and options consultation, giving the opportunity for communities to put representations in on the sites in their area, and whether they support or object or suggest alternative uses. This would include parishes with Neighbourhood Plans. This may also identify desirable sites to parishes which had been unavailable at the time of their neighbourhood plan’s creation and could then be included if they wished in a future update of their plan.

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.