Issue - meetings

Note – Essential Reference Paper ‘G’ will follow.

The Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Economic Development stated that work had been ongoing for 2 years on this vision and design charter for Harlow and Gilston Garden Town in collaboration with Epping Forrest, Harlow Council and Essex and Hertfordshire County Councils.

Members were advised that approximately £2 million had already been secured from the government to support the delivery of the garden town.  The Deputy Leader explained that this report represented an important part of that delivery process.  The vision document set out how new growth would be adaptable, healthy, sustainable and innovative whilst adopting the garden town principles which were at the heart of good place making.

Members were advised that the design guide was intended to help those involved in the delivery of the garden town.  The guide provided a framework for Members, Officers and developers for the delivery of the principles contained in the Harlow and Gilston Garden town vision and design charter.

The Deputy Leader concluded that both documents had been created in collaboration with partners and the vision had been subjected to extensive public consultation.  The documents had also been examined by the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town quality review panel.  The Panel was comprised of highly respected practitioners who had provided impartial and objective advice to the garden town.

The Council’s own Gilston Steering Group had also submitted extensive comments on the vision and these comments had been fully considered when the final document had been crafted.  Councillor R Brunton, as the local ward Member, had also made extensive comments.  Council considered the recommendations of the Executive in respect of the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Vision and Design Charter.

Councillor G Jones moved, and Councillor M Allen seconded, a motion that the recommendations now detailed, be approved.  After being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

Council approved the proposals now detailed.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Vision, as set out in Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to this report, and its supporting Design Guide, as set out in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’, to this report, be agreed as material planning considerations for the preparation of masterplans, the preparation of the Gilston Area Charter, pre-application advice, assessing planning applications and any other development management purposes;

(B)   the Head of Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Leader of the Council, be authorised to agree any minor amendments following consideration of the Vision and Design Guide documents by the Garden Town local planning authorities; and

(C)   the final Vision and Design Guide documents be taken to the Garden Town Member Board on the 4 February 2019 for endorsement.

(see also Minute 318)