Issue - meetings

The report papers for this item can be found on pages 25-29 of the Cabinet agenda from 2 March 2021 and its associated appendices.

The Cabinet recommendation to Council is as follows:

That the revised Local Development Scheme be approved.

Cllr Taylor introduced the report. Cllr Taylor then moved the recommendation which was seconded by Cllr Lintill.

Cllr Taylor clarified that the Local Development Scheme is essentially a timetable for the production of local development documents and should be treated as such.

Cllr Moss proposed an amendment of an addition to the recommendation as follows:

That the revised Local Development Scheme be approved and that the Council report on the “Local Plan, Strategic Infrastructure and Way Forward” is considered by the July Council meeting.

This was seconded by Cllr Bowden.

Cllr Lintill explained that the intention is that a report will be taken to July Full Council and if that is not possible a Special Full Council will be called.

Cllr Bowden then asked members to support acknowledging what had happened with the delay in the Local Plan Review and to apologise to residents. He proposed the following amendment:

Chichester District Council acknowledges and welcomes the widespread public concern over the Local Plan Revision, and deeply regrets all further delay. The Council asks its residents to understand that the delay is due to: an impossible timetable imposed by Central Government on Plan Preparation; together with the tardiness and equivocation of its statutory consultees, including Sothern Water, the Environment Agency, Natural England and Highways England. The Council is well aware that the resulting delay puts in jeopardy the unique environment of the District and the Chichester Harbour AONB, and in the longer term the health of us all, the residents. The Council believes that, given the constraints, the Revised Local Development Scheme is the best response we can make to a situation from which Central Government has removed local control.

This was seconded by Cllr Moss.

Mr Ward confirmed that the amendment could be taken as a minor amendment.

Cllr Taylor thanked Cllr Bowden for his amendment. She then explained that many of the issues regarding the delay to progress on the Local Plan had come from delays in response from some of the statutory agencies.

Cllr Evans explained his concern in the delay and the impact in the resulting speculative development in Loxwood and Kirdford. He explained that the current infrastructure did not support the level of development.

Cllr Barrett shared concerns regarding a timeline to share with residents.

Cllr Purnell asked members to support the Local Development Scheme but also acknowledged concerns regarding difficulties associated with a Stockbridge link road. Cllr Taylor responded by explaining that a solid evidence base is required before a decision can be taken on that issue.

Mr Frost reminded members that the council has an adopted Local Plan. He also explained that due to the time required to complete the Local Plan  review, the weight of some policies concerning housing delivery is currently reduced.  He confirmed that the July Full Council meeting would be the place to discuss the Stockbridge Link Road further. He asked members to consider the use of emotive language in Cllr Bowden’s proposed amendment.

Cllr Briscoe explained that  ...  view the full minutes text for item 110

The report papers for this item can be found on pages 25-29 of the Cabinet agenda from 2 March 2021 and its associated appendices.

The proposed Cabinet recommendation to Council is as follows:

That the revised Local Development Scheme be approved.

This item was deferred.

The Cabinet is requested to consider the report and its appendices and make the following recommendation to Full Council:

That the revised Local Development Scheme be approved.

*RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

That the revised Local Development Scheme be approved.

Cllr Taylor introduced the item.

Cllr Dignum requested clarification on what stage mitigation will be required in relation to the Stockbridge Link Road. Mr Frost explained that the Transport Modelling Study would guide officers. Mr Ayling anticipated the output of the Modelling to be available in the summer. Cllr Taylor added that a feasibility study is also required in parallel. Mr Frost emphasised the importance for officers to gather evidence to put before members on these matters.

Cllr Sutton asked whether if proposed housing numbers were found to be undeliverable the housing numbers required could reduce. Cllr Taylor confirmed that would be a possibility. Cllr Sutton then requested clarification on the role of the Development Plan and Infrastructure Panel in the Local Plan. Cllr Taylor confirmed the Panel is politically balanced and all of  the evidence on the range of local plan studies is put before the Panel. The Panel are then provided with the opportunity to consult officers and make recommendations to Cabinet and Full Council. Mr Frost added that the Panel normally meets once a month.

In a vote the following recommendation was made:

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

That the revised Local Development Scheme be approved.