Members are invited to ask a question of a member of the Executive (maximum of 30 minutes duration).
Minutes:
Cllr Hamilton then proposed that the Council return to public session which was seconded by Cllr Lintill and agreed by a show of hands.
The following questions to the Executive were asked:
Cllr Moss asked if Cllr Taylor could provide clarification on the implications of planning applications going to Planning Committee over the next few weeks with the Local Plan going forward to Regulation 19. He also asked if there were any other consequences going forwards. Cllr Taylor explained that the position was complex with the council seeking external legal advice. She added that meetings with Highways England and WSCC would be taking place. An update will be published on the website in due course. Mr Frost confirmed that during the transition stage of the Local Plan over the next 18 months the website would be updated with further information as appropriate. Cllr Moss raised concerns relating to people arranging to attend Planning Committee. Mr Bennett reminded members not to drift into individual cases.
Cllr Plowman asked whether in light of the loss of the Levelling up fund and the 3G pitch for the Oaklands Park it was time to think about reallocation of the Section 106 monies for pitches on Havenstoke Park. Cllr Briscoe explained that the 3G pitch at Oaklands Park Chichester is progressing even though the council was not successful with the Levelling Up Fund application. The Oaklands park 3G pitch project has been tendered and a lead contractor selected. The application to the Football Foundation was submitted on Monday 16 January 2023 and a decision is due within three months. Subject to the Football Foundation funding being agreed, the project is planned to commence on site in May/June to correspond with the end of the football season. Cllr Taylor added that the two sports pitches at Havenstoke Park form part of a larger strategic mixed-use development at Graylingwell which was granted outline planning permission in 2018. The sports pitches were secured to ensure that the new community have access to outdoor sports provision, contributing to the sustainability of the new development and bringing health and community benefits for residents. There is no requirement for the developer to make a financial contribution for sports provision, rather the developer is required via a Section 106 Legal Agreement to provide the sports pitches at Havenstoke Park. The developer was required to submit details and specifications of the playing pitches, and Officers have recently considered, and agreed, the proposed specifications for adult and junior grass playing pitches. The additional grass pitch provision at Havenstoke Park is required to meet the needs of the increased population as a result of the Graylingwell development, and this is supported by the findings of the 2018 Playing Pitch Strategy and existing local demand for mini and junior sports pitches. The grass pitch provision will ensure that the new community have access to outdoor sports facilities whilst maintaining the open green space, and the potential impacts upon wildlife will be appropriately managed via the requirements of the planning conditions on the planning permission for the development.
Cllr Plowman responded requesting that the council consider the sport provision in order to provide green open space within 15 minutes of travel. Cllr Taylor noted the request.
Cllr Oakley asked the council’s approach to assessing what the biodiversity of a site is if a landowner undertakes clearance works (including repeated clearances post 30 Jan 2020) prior to a planning application being submitted and with that application only submits information on the biodiversity of the application site after any clearance works have been undertaken, e.g. by what means would the pre-clearance biodiversity value of a site be determined for the purposes of this new legislation? Cllr Taylor explained that biodiversity net gain is an emerging issue that the council’s Planning and Environmental Strategy Unit are preparing for. The relevant regulations have not yet been finalised, however it is expected that applicants will be required to self-certify that the baseline submitted has, to the best of their knowledge, taken into account any degradation to the habitats since 30 January 2020 and adjusted for that degradation. As such, any pre-emptive clearance should be discounted and the applicant would be expected to use a baseline as existing in Jan 2020 or at the time of the application (whichever is higher) and deliver 10% gain over that baseline. When assessing submissions officers will carefully consider the information submitted. The type and area of habitat can be determined to an extent from aerial photos and habitat GIS layers on the Natural England Magic Map. However, the condition of the habitat will be much more arguable, more so as we get further way from the Jan 2020 date. As such, it is possible that where there is evidence of active degradation (rather than neglect or lack of management) the Council could require applicants to assume all habitat was in good condition. This would be a penalty to them, and until such time that the Government publish the regulations and guidance it is not possible to determine whether this will be a reasonable approach. Members will be updated when further details are published.
Cllr Sharp asked the impact on the council’s Wellbeing Services if residents are required to pay for appointments with GPs or Accident and Emergency. She asked if the Wellbeing Team could be asked to provide feedback if the costs were to increase. Cllr Briscoe explained that it was not for the council to respond as the matter was not under the council’s authority.
Cllr Hobbs raised concerns that the amount of business on the agenda had shortened the time available for public questions and what impression this would give to residents. Cllr Lintill explained that the procedure is in the council’s Constitution and any proposed changes should be made via Corporate Governance and Audit Committee to Full Council. Cllr Hobbs asked if Cllr Lintill supported the view to be as open as possible. Cllr Lintill confirmed that she did.
Cllr Bowden asked for further information on the publicising of new election voter ID in order to give residents enough time to obtain photo ID if required. Cllr Lintill referred Cllr Bowden to Mrs Shepherd. Mrs Shepherd explained that Voter ID would be a new procedure for the upcoming district elections. A campaign has begun via the Electoral Commission. Further information will be available to members via the Members Bulletin shortly and via leaflets that will be available for canvassing. Following further requests for clarification Mrs Shepherd explained that if a resident does not have photo ID they could apply for a Voter Authentication Certificate or apply for a postal vote. She added that the upcoming All Parish meeting would also be including a presentation on the matter.
Cllr Apel asked whether there would be a New Homes Bonus for 2025/26. Mr Ward confirmed that it had been agreed for the next year.