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.
Minutes:
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 he agreed with the principle of Cllr Bowden’s amendment but also agreed with Mr Frost about reconsidering some of the wording.
Cllr Plowman and Cllr Donna Johnson then added their support to the amendment. Cllr O’Kelly also added her support to the amendment and explained that she felt it important that follow up meetings are chased with key MP’s and that there is effective and constructive challenge to the delays that have occurred.
Cllr Duncton added that she would like more emphasis on the north of the district in the Local Plan.
Cllr Lintill responded to Cllr O’Kelly and explained that she had been in regular contact with MP Gillian Keegan to put forward the council’s case. She added that Mr Frost had also helped draft a letter to Robert Jenrick MP too. Cllr Lintill then reminded members that the Development Plan and Infrastructure Panel sees all evidence for the Local Plan and is a politically balanced Panel.
Cllr Oakley acknowledged the widespread frustration with the delay to the Local Plan review. He asked officers whether there is a Plan B regarding the Stockbridge Link Road. Mr Frost explained that officers are working on a Plan B. With regard to the Stockbridge Link Road the findings of the Feasibility Study are required. Mr Frost added that members are required to have a Local Development Scheme timetable.
Cllr Purnell and Cllr Potter then shared their disappointment at the comments made by some members and emphasised that there is still a Local Plan in place.
Cllr Sutton similarly outlined his frustrations with some of the comments made and wished to clarify that MP Gillian Keegan is prevented from speaking on these matters in the House of Commons due to her ministerial duties.
Cllr Apel then sought confirmation from Cllr Bowden as to whether he wished to continue with his amendment motion. Cllr Bowden confirmed that he did. Cllr Bowden provided Mr Bennett with a copy of his motion which was read out before members took a virtual vote. The virtual vote was carried.
RESOLVED
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.
Members then voted virtually on the substantive recommendation which was carried.
RESOLVED
That the revised Local Development Scheme be approved.