Agenda item

The Panel gave consideration to 12 chapters of the Draft District Plan, which contained a series of policies with supporting text organised by topic, such as housing, natural environment and heritage.  The Panel noted that these topic-based policy chapters effectively made up the second half of the District Plan, and would be those most commonly used by Development Management in the determination of planning applications.  The report sought endorsement of these policies for their inclusion within the Draft East Herts District Plan for consultation purposes.

The Panel considered each chapter in turn and a number of comments and questions were raised by Members.

Housing

Officers confirmed that the purpose of the District Plan was to provide a framework through which robust policies could be outlined, whilst retaining a degree of flexibility in responding to different challenges.  Further detail would need to be developed in supplementary policy documents, guidance notes, etc, to enable the Authority to encourage developers to meet local needs.

Members referred to demand for Lifetime Homes, bungalows and 2/3 bedroom houses and the need to ensure an appropriate housing mix.  Officers advised that developing the policies as now detailed, would provide a more robust position for the Authority to respond to specific challenges.

The Panel noted an error in paragraph 11.9.3, in that the reference to Field Farm, Levens Green should state planning permission for an additional 2 pitches.

Retail and Town Centres

Members questioned whether this chapter was sufficient for providing the flexibility needed for the period of the Plan.  Officers responded by stating the need to protect existing town centres and for further work with town centre partners.  Officers also clarified the rationale of the proposed thresholds for impact assessments as set out in RTC1.

Design

In response to Members’ comments on some of the language used in this chapter, Officers explained that the proposed policies set out the Authority’s aspirations.

In response to a question from Councillor L Haysey on what was exactly covered by the section on Advertisements and Signs, the Head of Planning and Building Control Services undertook to provide a written response.

Transport

It was noted that whilst national and local policies sought to reduce car usage, it was necessary to recognise the level of car dependency in more rural areas in order to access key services.  In respect of encouraging minimum parking spaces, Officers confirmed that developing supplementary planning guidance would be needed.

Community Facilities, Leisure and Recreation

In response to Members’ comments on the lack of football pitches, Officers referred to the role of community use agreements and the need to look at specific settlements.

Councillor L Haysey referred to regular strategic meetings she attended with health partners and confirmed their awareness of changing demographics.

The Panel supported the recommendations as now detailed.

RECOMMENDED – that (A) the topic-based policies be agreed for inclusion in the Draft East Herts District Plan for consultation purposes; and

(B)      the Head of Planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Executive Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, be authorised to make non-material, and typographical corrections to the topic based policies, prior to inclusion in the District Plan for consultation purposes.