Issue - meetings

Purpose: To present the main changes to the LPR and supporting documents following the Regulation 18 consultation, and to seek approval to undertake a further public consultation on these documents in accordance with the West Berkshire Statement of Community Involvement and Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

The Council considered a report (Agenda Item 18) which presented the main changes to the Local Plan Review and supporting documents following the Regulation 18 consultation, and sought approval to undertake a further public consultation on these documents in accordance with the West Berkshire Statement of Community Involvement and Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

MOTION: Proposed by Councillor Richard Somner and seconded by Councillor Howard Woollaston:

“That Council grant delegated authority to the Executive Director Place to:

i)        Agree any minor typographical and nonmaterial changes to the Proposed Submission Local Plan Review 2022-2039 and supporting documents, (including the approval, prior to publication, of the final:

a.     Air Quality Study;

b.     Whole Plan Viability Report;

c.     Employment Land Review Update;

d.     Housing Employment Land Availability Assessment;

e.     Landscape Sensitivity and Capacity Assessments for Individual Sites;

f.      Settlement Boundary Review; and

g.     Equality Impact Assessment).

ii)      Publish the Proposed Submission Local Plan Review 2022-2039, and supporting documents for a six week consultation period in accordance with the West Berkshire Statement of Community Involvement and Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.

iii)     Following public consultation, consider and summarise the responses received, and submit the Proposed Submission Local Plan Review 2022-2039 and supporting documents to the Secretary of State for independent examination in line with Regulation 22 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012”.

Councillor Somner introduced the report and explained how the draft Plan had been shaped following extensive evidence gathering, consultation with the public, neighbouring authorities and land owners in the district, and regular cross party meetings with Councillors. He thanked those who had collaboratively engaged with the process, and in particular the officers who had worked tirelessly to deliver the draft for consultation. Councillor Somner acknowledged the comprehensiveness of the Local Plan documentation included in the agenda pack and thanked the members of the Planning Advisory Group (PAG) who had regularly reviewed the content. He believed it important to emphasise the level of discussion that had taken place between the three political groups at PAG, and also to recognise the many changes to the draft Plan worked through as a result.

Councillor Somner referred to the recognition of the importance of the environment within the draft Plan, along with the impact of climate change and the setting of ambitious standards for suitability and environmental impact. He highlighted some proposals within it which included: the building of new zero carbon homes; infrastructure to support new development and provide additional services for existing communities; encouraging new businesses and job opportunities in the district; the protection of valued assets included in the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and important green spaces as well as local fauna, and; a new (but smaller than previously proposed) strategic development site in North East Thatcham providing around 600 affordable housing units. The draft Plan also addressed and resolved major themes identified following significant communication with local stakeholders during  ...  view the full minutes text for item 74