Decision details

To seek endorsement and a recommendation to Council to approve the Welborne Plan for “Publication” for representations and subsequent submission to the Secretary of State for independent Examination.

The Welborne Plan is the third of three documents that comprise the Fareham Local Plan.  It sets out the Council’s approach to the development of a new community at Welborne. It builds upon the policy contained in the Core Strategy and will guide delivery of the new community.

The Plan comprises a Strategic Framework setting out the key parameters for the development of Welborne, including the provision of approximately 6,000 homes, employment, retail, and community facilities, substantial open space and key infrastructure.  The framework has been developed in the light of a substantial evidence base, including the development of a concept masterplan and other associated documents and information including the sustainability appraisal, habitat regulations assessment, public consultation comments from July 2012 and June 2013 and the Welborne Standing Conference. The Government’s planning policy context for the Plan is provided by the National Planning Policy Framework.

Once adopted, the policies and proposals will form part of Fareham’s statutory development plan.  It will be a key document in the future planning of the area, and in the determination of planning applications.

RESOLVED that the following be endorsed and recommended to Council for approval:

(a)     that the Local Plan Part 3: Welborne Plan - Publication Plan, as set out in Appendix A, be published for a six-week representation period commencing at 1700hrs on Friday 28 February until 1700hrs on Friday 11 April 2014, together with supporting documents including the Sustainability Appraisal and Habitats Regulation Assessment;

(b)     that the Director of Planning and Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Development, be authorised to make any necessary minor amendments to the Plan, prior to publication, provided that these do not change the overall direction, shape or emphasis of the document, and do not raise any significant new issues;

(c)     that the Director of Planning and Environment, in consultation with the Executive Member for Planning and Development, be authorised, following the completion of the representation period, to submit the Plan to the Secretary of State (together with any necessary minor modifications that are required to ensure legal compliance and/or “soundness”); and

(d)     that the Local Plan Part 3: Welborne Plan - Publication Plan, be endorsed as interim guidance to be afforded due weight in the determination of planning applications.