Issue - meetings

That (A) the draft Gilston Area Charter Supplementary Planning Document, as set out in Appendix A, be agreed and published for a minimum four-week period of public consultation;

(B) delegated authority is given to the Head of Planning after consultation with the Leader of the Council to make minor modifications to the draft Charter prior to publication for consultation;

(c) in accordance with the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 to determine that a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the emerging Gilston Area Charter Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is not required as it is unlikely to have significant environmental effects.

The Executive considered a report submitted by the Leader seeking agreement to publish for consultation the draft Gilston Area Charter Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). 

Councillor Haysey said this SPD was one of a range of documents addressing the Gilston area, with focus on the standards for garden towns.  This document would set out relevant planning considerations for the area. 

Councillor Buckmaster spoke in support of the publication of the draft SPD.  He said he had attended meetings of the Gilston Steering Group and it was accepted by the site promoters that a framework should exist to provide quality in a consistent way. 

Councillor Page said this document was positive in many respects, but that he had reservations as to the collaboration of partner authorities.  He had hoped a year ago that the collaboration would have been closer than had occurred.  Clarification was needed as to whether the council would be working closely with its partner authorities and with Steering Groups.

Councillor Haysey said the council had entered into a memorandum of understanding with Epping Forest District Council and Harlow Council, and with the County Councils, which was binding.  Governance had been considered at the previous night’s meeting of the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Board, which would put this memorandum on a formal footing. 

Councillor Haysey went on to say that in respect of the paper before the Executive, as Gilston was in the planning authority area of East Hertfordshire, the SPD was based on East Herts’ planning policies.  The council’s partners could comment on the SPD but it was this council’s responsibility to ensure that the homes were of the highest standard. 

Councillor Buckmaster said another element which was important for the Gilston areas was that there were two site promoters, but the council aimed to make the process seamless in terms of engagement. 

Councillor Page thanked Members for their responses, and said he still had concerns regarding the sustainable transport document.  He asked that any further relevant information be shared with Members, as it was important there should be high quality public transport to support a modal shift away from using cars. 

Councillor Haysey proposed a motion supporting the recommendation in the report.  Councillor Goodeve seconded the motion.  On being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED. 

RESOLVED - that (A) the draft Gilston Area Charter Supplementary Planning Document, as set out in Appendix A, be agreed and published for a minimum four-week period of public consultation;

(B) delegated authority is given to the Head of Planning after consultation with the Leader of the Council to make minor modifications to the draft Charter prior to publication for consultation;

(C) in accordance with the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, to determine that a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the emerging Gilston Area Charter Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is not required as it is unlikely to have significant environmental effects.