Agenda item

Purpose: to provide evidence to enable the Council to make a decision on whether the Compton Neighbourhood Development Plan progresses to referendum.

Council considered a report (Agenda Item 19) setting out how the Compton Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) had been subject to Independent Examination and, subject to some minor modifications, had been recommended for referendum. However, the independent Inspectors decision is not binding and only West Berkshire Council can decide if the NDP progresses to referendum. The report therefore provided the evidence for Council to make that decision.

Councillor Richard Somner proposed a minor amendment to the Motion as set out in the Summons to include a third recommendation, and this was agreed by the seconder Councillor Carolyne Culver. The amendment was additionally approved by Members present. 

AMENDED MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Richard Somner and seconded by Councillor Carolyne Culver:

“That the Council:

(a)       Endorses the Decision Statement on the Compton NDP which concludes that the Compton NDP, with the inclusion of some modifications, meets the Basic Conditions.

(b)       Agrees, because the plan meets the Basic Conditions, that:

              i.          The plan should proceed to referendum; and

            ii.          That the Compton NDP, upon a successful ‘yes’ vote at referendum, is adopted immediately after the votes have been counted so that it becomes part of the development plan for West Berkshire.”

(c)       That the authority to make minor alterations and corrections to the Compton NDP, prior to its proceeding to referendum, be delegated to the Service Director, Development and Regulation, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Transport.

Councillor Richard Somner recommended approval of the Motion since it was a matter for this Council to determine whether the NDP should go forward to referendum in line with the recommendation of the Independent Examiner. Councillor Somner noted that work had begun on the NDP by Compton Parish Council in 2017, and that it was a formal planning document allowing a local community to shape the place in which they live.

Councillor Hilary Cole expressed her delight at seeing the NDP come forward and noted the commitment of the local residents to it. It was the second community to create an NDP and Councillor Cole commended Councillor Culver for her contribution to it.

Councillor Tony Vickers indicated his support of the Motion and referred to the forthcoming planning reforms and his hope that government gives its support to NDPs and the move towards localism.

Councillor Carolyne Culver stated that she was proud of all the groups that had been involved in creating the NDP and shared the expressions of thanks from the Chairman of Compton Parish Council. The exercise had been truly democratic, with the Independent Examiner having praised the report. Councillor Culver referred to the forthcoming applications for development in the area and set out how the NDP would be considered as part of the planning process. The NDP would also attract more Community Infrastructure Levy payments for the Parish Council, sets out the Parish Council’s approach to affordable housing, and looks at carbon footprint improvements. Councillor Culver understood that a provisional date had been set for the referendum of 10 February 2022.

An indicative vote of all Members present in the Chamber and those attending remotely suggested that the passing of the Amended Motion would be supported. 

The Amended Motion was put to the vote of the Members present in the Chamber and duly RESOLVED.