Agenda item

The Leader, Councillor L Haysey, submitted a report from the Executive, and made the following comments on behalf of the Executive.

She welcomed members of the public present.  She commented on the earlier presentation given by Citizens Advice East Herts, as this charity carried out excellent work in the District, and it was important that Members were aware of its services.  In addition to the congratulations given by the Chairman to officers of the Housing and Health team, she drew to Members’ attention the fact that Su Tarran, the Head of Revenues and Benefits Shared Service, had completed 35 years at this Council.  She asked that the Council’s congratulations be recorded for the extraordinary service Su Tarran had given, and continued to give, to the District’s residents. 

Councillor Haysey welcomed Richard Cassidy to his first Council meeting as the Chief Executive. 

Councillor Haysey summarised main points of the report and explained the reasons for the recommendations in the report of the Executive’s meeting of 4 June 2019, regarding the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Guidance Infrastructure Delivery Plan Strategic Viability Assessment and “How To” Guide.

It was moved by Councillor L Haysey and seconded by Councillor G Williamson that the recommendations, as detailed, be approved. 

Councillor C Wilson asked a question regarding the proportion of affordable housing tenure mix, described at page 257 of the document pack, and regarding a reference at page 33 of improved ability of the sites to bear developer contributions arising from reduced levels of affordable housing.  He said it was disappointing that the levels were so low, and expressed his concern that not enough emphasis was being given the aim to help the areas North of Gilston to have sustainable travel.  The plan would impose an additional drain on the London-Stansted corridor.  Furthermore, it seemed there was no mention of sustainable transport to the Hospital, but only to the motorway. 

Councillor J Dumont said as a new Member he had been made aware of the facts of the National Planning Policy Framework and Local Plan, but it was nevertheless important that Members be aware of the concerns of residents in relation to the Gilston plans. 

Councillor Haysey responded that paragraph 10.53 on page 333 of the report related to viability of developments, which tended to be flexible, so that a balance was achieved across different areas.  In respect of proportions of affordable dwellings, the policies tended to change rapidly, and would be kept under review.  Regarding sustainable transport to the Hospital, this aspect was being considered as a whole.  The first bridge into Harlow would become a sustainable travel bridge.  Currently discussions were taking place to site the Hospital on the new M11 7A junction, but it was not yet known where it would ultimately be sited.  She recognised concerns of residents, but as Councillor Wilson had acknowledged, the development was in the Local Plan.  She encouraged Members to talk to their Ward residents where they had concerns. 

After being put to the meeting and a vote taken, the motion was declared CARRIED.

RESOLVED – that (A) the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town Infrastructure Delivery Plan, Strategic Viability Assessment and “How To” Guide for Planning Obligations, Land Value Capture and Development Viability be agreed as material considerations for Development Management purposes; and

(B) the Leader be delegated authority to make minor consequential changes necessitated by the publication of the National Planning Guidance.