Agenda item

O&S(E) 32     

The Committee was presented with a report that recommended the adoption and publication of the West Devon Our Plan for the 2016/17 Financial Year.

In introducing the item, the Leader advised that the Plan would evolve and proceeded to emphasise the importance of the following statement in the draft Plan:

‘Our Plan itself will need to flex and may require subsequent review – not least as the Local Plan progresses and reaches a stage when it is adopted and establishes the plan led basis to housing and employment development.’

In the ensuing discussion, reference was made to:-

(a)    the reliance on external factors which could be detrimental to the local economy.  Whilst it was recognised that commercial decisions were often made that were outside the control of the local authority, there was still a general acceptance of the need for the Council to try and stimulate the local economy;

(b)    the last round of consultation responses.  It was confirmed that, following the most recent consultation exercise, 164 responses had been received that had generated a total of over 1,000 separate comments.  These comments were now available on the Council website and were currently being evaluated by officers.  The Panel noted that it was then intended that these would be referred to in the next version of the Local Plan presented to Members;

(c)    the draft Collaboration Agreement.  The Leader informed that the draft Agreement (to establish the operation of the Joint Local Plan) was currently being reviewed and it was hoped that it would be signed by all partner authorities within the next few weeks;

(d)    the importance of qualitative measures.  Members recognised the importance of both qualitative and quantitative measures being included in the Action Plan;

(e)    the establishment of the proposed WD/SH Economic Development Member Working Group.  If ultimately approved by Council, it was envisaged that the Group would also be best placed to agree the key measures for the Delivery Plan;

(f)     neighbourhood planning groups.  Officers recognised the difficulties and pressures facing these groups, particularly until the Joint Local Plan had progressed to the next stages.

It was then:

RECOMMENDED

That the Hub Committee RECOMMEND to the Council that:

1.      the progress on the 2015/16 Our Plan: Annual Activity Programme (appendix 1 of the presented agenda report refers) be noted;

2.      the West Devon Our Plan (as outlined at appendix 2 of the presented agenda report) be adopted and published for the 2016/17 Financial Year as a document that:-

-         recognises West Devon Our Plan as the single comprehensive Council Plan;

-         restates the Council’s Corporate Vision and Objectives;

-         establishes the common basis for the Council’s Financial Plan, Asset Management Plan, Local Plan and all other Plans and Strategies;

-         establishes priorities for delivery, including a delivery plan commencing in 2016/17 (appendix 4 of the presented agenda report refers);

-         establishes mechanisms for delivery;

-         establishes engagement, monitoring and review procedures;

-         provides context for subsequent incorporation of the Local Plan element currently subject to separate preparation.

Subject to any amendments, which are to be delegated to the Lead Specialist – Place and Strategy, in consultation with the Leader of Council and the Hub Committee Lead Member for Strategic Planning.

3.      a joint WD/SH Member Working Group be established to agree the scope and details of the economic development work; and

4.      further work be undertaken to identify Key Measures for the 8 Our Plan themes that are clear expressions of the Councils intentions and which can be measured and readily promoted.  Agreement of these to be delegated to the Lead Specialist – Place and Strategy, in consultation with the Leader of Council and the Hub Committee lead Member for Strategic Planning.