Councillor E Buckmaster presented a report on the Planning Obligations for Open Space, Sport and Recreation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). He thanked the Leader and the Executive Member for Planning and Growth for the opportunity to do so.
Councillor Buckmaster proceeded to introduce the report. He said that never more than now had open spaces been so important to people’s wellbeing, and were now literally vital in helping them to stay safe and well.
Councillor Buckmaster outlined the amendments made to the SPD as a result of the consultation. He said the SPD added detail to the policies of the Local Plan. Originally, the SPD would have been considered at the Executive meeting on 21 April 2020, which had been cancelled, due to the Coronavirus crisis. It was now brought to this meeting of Council for Members’ approval. He proposed a motion to support the recommendations.
Councillor Stowe seconded the motion.
Councillor Brady said some of the background papers were dated 2011, and the actions appeared not to have been followed up. She went on to make a number of points, and questioned why East Herts spending appeared to be less on sports and leisure than the average for other local authorities in this region. She asked what the impact of the Coronavirus situation would be on planning and provision for open spaces and sports provision.
Councillor Buckmaster said he could not respond on the historic recommendations, but could provide information on investment, as this was clear from the Council’s investments made during the last few months. Through masterplanning, provision of more opportunities for provision of sport and leisure would be explored fully. The Council did want to encourage walking and cycling, and was assessing how to enable extra cycling routes to be provided, in compliance with social distancing measures. Information on funding was clearly set out, for Members to read in detail.
The motion being put to the meeting, and a vote taken, it was declared CARRIED.
RESOLVED – that (A) the responses of the consultation be noted and the officer responses and proposed changes to the Open Space, Sport and Recreation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) be supported;
(B) the Open Space Sport and Recreation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), as detailed at Appendix A to this report, be approved for adoption;
(C) in accordance with the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004 it has been determined that a Strategic Environmental Assessment of the emerging Open Space, Sport and Recreation Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) is not required as it is unlikely to have significant environmental effects; and
(D) the Head of planning and Building Control, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Growth, be authorized to make any further minor changes to the document which may be necessary.