Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – REGULATORY

To identify the latest position on key planning and transport issues affecting the District.

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the report on Strategic Planning Matters be noted

(2)       That the correspondence in Appendices A to C be noted and endorsed by Cabinet.

(3)       That the use of the reserve from the additional planning income in 2017/18 be extended to include the delivery of the Local Plan as per paragraph 10.4

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To keep Cabinet informed of recent developments on strategic planning matters and progress on the North Hertfordshire Local Plan.

Audio Recording – 24 Minutes 54 Seconds

The Executive Member for Planning, Councillor Paul Clark, presented the report entitled Strategic Planning Matters along with the following appendices:

·                Appendix A – NHDC response to Central Bedfordshire Main Modifications Consultation;

·                Appendix B – NHDC Response to Ashwell Neighbourhood Plan Consultation;

·                Appendix C – NHDC Response to Knebworth Neighbourhood Plan Consultation.

Strategic Planning Manager informed Cabinet that in relation to the third recommendation, the purpose was to broaden the use of the existing planning reserve to deal with the delivery of the Local Plan.

Councillor Sam Collins, Executive Member for Enterprise, the Arts and Transport, advised that there were concerns over the proposed developments in Central Beds as they had an impact on traffic levels in North Herts as well as causing problems for parking in the town centres. Councillor Collins also highlighted that Hitchin already had poor air quality owing to traffic levels.

Councillor Ian Mantle, Deputy Executive Member for Planning, raised that it was important that Central Beds were aware people used various forms of transport to get into North Herts from Central Beds and vehicles were not the only form of transport.

Councillor Ian Mantle also raised that it was important Hertfordshire County Council worked in conjunction with Central Bedfordshire in terms of bus provision as there were bus routes that passed through both Counties.

Upon being put to the vote, it was:

RESOLVED:

(1)       That the report on Strategic Planning Matters be noted

(2)       That the correspondence in Appendices A to C be noted and endorsed by Cabinet.

(3)       That the use of the reserve from the additional planning income in 2017/18 be extended to include the delivery of the Local Plan as per paragraph 10.4

REASON FOR DECISIONS: To keep Cabinet informed of recent developments on strategic planning matters and progress on the North Hertfordshire Local Plan.