Agenda and minutes

No apologies of absence were received from the Panel.

To confirm as a correct record the Minutes of the Planning and Development Scrutiny Panel meeting held on the 19 July 2023.

RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Planning and Development Scrutiny Panel meeting held on the 19 July 2023 be confirmed and signed as a correct record.

No announcements were made by the Chairman.

To receive any declarations of interest from Members in accordance with the Standing Orders and the Council’s Code of Conduct and disclosures of advice or directions received from Group Leaders or Political Groups, in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

There were no declarations of interest made at this meeting.

To receive any deputations of which notice has been lodged.

No deputations were received at this meeting.

To receive a report from  the Director of Planning and Regeneration on the Councils annual Authority Monitoring Report 2022/23.

The Panel received a report from the Director of Planning and Development on the Council’s Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) 2022/23. Officers explained that this is the first AMR which reflects the newly adopted Local Plan.

Members asked several questions for clarification on various topics within the AMR. The information regarding flood zones was of particular interest to the Panel with concern raised about the permissions granted within flood zones. Officers reassured Members that no houses are built on flood zones, but developments sites may include flood zones which would be designated as open spaces or park land etc. Officers also clarified that the Environment Agency (EA) are responsible for defining the flood zones and they are also consulted on all developments within the Borough. Permissions would not be granted against EA advice. The Director of Planning and Regeneration suggested that, with the Panels agreement, officers look to increase the level of detail within the AMR to clarify the rationale behind permissions being granted within flood zones.

RESOLVED that the Panel note the contents of the Authority Monitoring Report at Appendix A.

To consider an update from the Director of Planning and Regeneration on prevailing planning strategy matters.

The Panel received a presentation from the Director of Planning and Development providing a Planning Strategy Update. The presentation included an update on the Supplementary Planning Documents and Environmental Mitigation Projects. A copy of the presentation is appended to these Minutes.

The Interim Planning Strategy Lead provided information on the expected content within the Regeneration and Levelling Up Act 2023. The final version of the act is yet to be published but officers were able to provide Members with an overview of what is likely to change and how this may impact the Planning system. A key area of focus for both Members of the Panel and officers was the potential changes to the Local Plan process. With a great deal of detail still to be finalised it remains unclear how this will impact the Council.

RESOLVED that the Panel note the contents of the presentation.

To consider any items of business dealt with by the Executive since the last meeting of the Panel, that falls under the remit of Planning and Development Portfolio. This will include any decisions taken by individual Members during the same time period.

Members of the Panel were asked to note the Executive decision made since the last meeting of the Panel in July, which falls under the remit of the Planning and Development Portfolio.  

No comments were received.

To provide an opportunity for Members to consider the scrutiny priorities for the Planning and Development Panel.

The Panel considered the priorities for the Planning and Development Scrutiny Panel.

The Director of Planning and Development addressed the Panel to advise that an item providing an update on the Welborne Delivery would be brought to the next meeting of the Panel.

RESOLVED that the Panel considered the Scrutiny Priorities.