Issue - meetings

Minute 30 refers

The Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Transport submitted a report which provided an update on progress with the Delivery Study.  He also set out delays with critical pieces of evidence, particularly relating to transport planning, and the implications of this for the overall timeline for the District Plan.  He also explained that the delays with the District Plan were part of a wider picture of plan-making across England.

In respect of transport planning delays, Officers explained the difficulties that Essex County Council were experiencing with validating the data used in the modelling.  This would be critical also for the planned consultation on the M11 junction 7a proposal.

In response to Members’ questions, Officers clarified the Duty to Co-operate and the impact on East Herts of neighbouring Local Authorities’ plans being deemed unsound.  Officers also reminded Members of the transparency of meetings held with site promoters, as minutes of these were available on the Council’s website.

Officers also outlined the ongoing work with education and health providers and the need to maximise section 106 funding for infrastructure requirements.  The Panel Chairman referred to the national picture and the impact of government funding reductions on the District Council’s plan making.

Finally, the Panel discussed the level of congestion in town centres and on the M11 and the lack of definition of “severe disruption” within the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

The Panel supported the recommendation now detailed.

RECOMMENDED – that the Update Report, including the slow progress with Local Plans across England, and the risks of proceeding without sufficient evidence to meet the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework and Planning Practice Guidance, be noted.