Agenda item

to consider business (if any) brought forward by the Chairman;

46/15             

(a)    Our Plan: South Hams Local Plan Arrangements

As previously highlighted (minute 43/15 above refers), an urgent report was considered that sought in principle agreement to the establishment of a joint Local Plan within the Housing Market Area.

In discussion, reference was made to:-

(i)      the Council still retaining its own Local Plan.  Since the proposals were for an overarching Joint Local Plan, assurances were given that the Council would still retain its own Local Plan;

(ii)     making progress.  The need to make swift progress in this regard was recognised by Members.  In terms of approving the Collaboration Agreement, it was hoped that this would be agreed by each of the four partner authorities within the next month or so;

(iii)   the ability to share costs and resources.  In the event of the recommendation being approved, it was recognised that this would result in costs and resources being shared across the four partner authorities.  In addition, the end result would be only requiring one Examination in Public by one Inspector.  In response, a Member stated that she did not support the proposals and made reference to officer time increasing through having to draft the Collaboration Agreement.  As a consequence, the Member felt that the Council should continue with its existing working arrangements;

(iv)   the composition of the Strategic Planning Working Group.  In reply to concerns expressed, the Leader confirmed that, in the upcoming months, some alternative governance proposals would come forward.  With regard to the previously established Plymouth Urban Fringe Working Group, it was noted that Plymouth City Council had disbanded this Group, as it wished to focus on its own boundaries rather than the hinterlands;

(v)    the Local Development Scheme (LDS).  It was noted that officers had continued to liaise with the Planning Inspectorate in respect of how the Council was intending to bring forward the LDS.  If the proposed direction of travel was supported by each of the partner authorities, then officers would inform the Planning Inspectorate of how it was intended to align the LDS.

It was then:

RESOLVED

1.       That the principle of a Joint Local Plan within the Housing Market Area be agreed subject to appropriate arrangements being put in place with neighbouring planning authorities;

2.       That a detailed Collaboration Agreement establishing the operation of the Joint Local Plan be developed with neighbouring planning authorities (and any other relevant organisations); and

3.       That the Collaboration Agreement include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following matters:-

-      Strategic Context;

-      Objectives and Priorities;

-      Joint Spatial Framework;

-      Governance and working arrangements;

-      Local Development Scheme and timescales;

-      Evidence;

-      Infrastructure;

-      Policies;

-      Allocations;

-      Engagement and Consultation;

-      Resources and Staffing;

-      Examination;

-      Assessments; and

-      Monitoring and Review;

4.          That a further report be submitted to Council setting out the detailed policy and allocation proposals that are to be subject to consultation, consideration and submission within the Joint Local Plan element of Our Plan: South Hams; and

5.          That those contents which are to be agreed under recommendations 1, 2 and 3 be delegated to the Lead Specialist – Place and Strategy, in consultation with the Chairman of the Strategic Planning Working Group.