Issue - meetings

Minute 287 refers

Various Members spoke against the recommendations.  Councillor H Drake expressed concern on the basis of sufficient infrastructure to support the proposed housing developments in Bishop’s Stortford.  She referred to existing gridlock in the town and believed that additional development without adequate transport, health, leisure and education facilities would have a detrimental impact on the quality of life for local residents.  She expressed support for the Plan overall and hoped her comments would be forwarded to the Inspector.

Councillor J Wyllie supported Councillor H Drake’s comments.  He believed that the Draft Plan was an excellent document apart from the element relating to Bishop’s Stortford and in particular, the inclusion of the Bishop’s Stortford South site on the basis of unsustainable traffic impact.  He also questioned the potential schools provision on the flight paths out of Stansted Airport and urged all Members to vote against these particular recommendations

Councillor Mrs D Hollebon supported the comments of Councillors H Drake and J Wyllie and commented that this was a time to stand up and be counted.

The Leader responded to these comments by referring to the Infrastructure Delivery Plan which set out clearly what was required for strategic sites.  She stated that whilst more work with other stakeholders was needed, the Council was committed to achieving the necessary improvements.  She reminded Members of the task and finish group on Sustainable Transport that had been set up.  The Leader also referred to the need for developers of new strategic sites to look at green travel plans.  Finally, she referred to the work commissioned on traffic flows in Bishop’s Stortford that had been outlined by the Executive Member for Environment and the Public Space earlier.

A request from five Members for a recorded vote on these recommendations was made, the voting being as follows:

FOR:

Councillors M Allen, D Andrews, P Ballam, R Brunton, E Buckmaster, S Bull, Mrs R Cheswright, B Deering, I Devonshire, M Freeman, J Goodeve, B Harris-Quinney, L Haysey, J Jones, J Kaye, P Kenealy, G McAndrew, M McMullen, D Oldridge, M Pope, S Reed, P Ruffles, S Rutland-Barsby, C Snowden, R Standley and G Williamson.

AGAINST:

Councillors M Casey, G Cutting, H Drake, Mrs D Hollebon, G Jones, T Page, S Stainsby, N Symonds, J Taylor, K Warnell, J Wyllie.

ABSTAIN:

Councillors P Boylan, M Stevenson.

For: 26

Against: 11

Abstain: 2

Council approved the recommendations as now detailed.

RESOLVED – that(A) the Bishop’s Stortford Settlement Appraisal as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed; and

(B)      the draft revised Chapter 5 (Bishop’s Stortford), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, be agreed as a basis for inclusion in the Pre-Submission District Plan.

(see also Minute 353)

Minute 51 refers

The Executive considered and supported the recommendations of the District Planning Executive Panel meeting held on 15 September 2016, on Bishop’s Stortford – Settlement Appraisal and New Draft Chapter 5.

The Executive Member for Economic Development reiterated that he could not support this recommendation for the reasons detailed in the Panel Minutes.

RECOMMENDED – that(A) the Bishop’s Stortford Settlement Appraisal as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed; and

(B)      the draft revised Chapter 5 (Bishop’s Stortford), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, be agreed as a basis for inclusion in the Pre-Submission District Plan.

(see also Minute 302)

The Panel considered a report on a Settlement Appraisal for Bishop’s Stortford, together with a draft revised chapter, for subsequent incorporation into the Pre-Submission District Plan.

Councillor T Page sought and was provided with clarification on housing targets for Uttlesford District and East Herts Councils and how these were determined. 

Councillor Mrs D Hollebon expressed her concern at developments proposed for Bishop’s Stortford South.  The Chairman acknowledged her concerns and stated that  further work would be required over the coming months in order to address more detailed issues. Her concerns were echoed by Councillor J Wyllie.  Councillor N Symonds stated that one primary school in the District was teaching children in the corridor.

Councillor G Jones raised a number of concerns about development in Bishop’s Stortford based on the inadequacy of a supporting infrastructure, including education, health and transport.  He also referred to limited sports provision.  Officers responded to the points raised.

Councillor G Jones asked that his opposition to this Chapter of the District Plan (on the grounds of sufficient supporting infrastructure) be formally recorded.

The Panel supported the recommendations as now detailed.

RECOMMENDED – that(A) the Bishop’s Stortford Settlement Appraisal as detailed at Essential Reference Paper ‘B’ to the report submitted, be agreed; and

(B)  the draft revised Chapter 5 (Bishop’s Stortford), as detailed in Essential Reference Paper ‘C’ to the report submitted, be agreed as a basis for inclusion in the Pre-Submission District Plan.