Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR - REGULATORY

RESOLVED:

(1) That the report on strategic planning matters be noted;

(2) That the correspondence and information in Appendices A to E are noted and endorsed by the Cabinet.

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

Audio Recording – 36:21

Councillor Ruth Brown presented the report entitled Strategic Planning Matters and highlighted the following points:

·         Paragraph 8.6 – The Strategic Sites Project Board has agreed some guidance on an approval process for master plans and a design review protocol and some sustainability principles;

·         The Knebworth Neighbourhood Plan has been approved through the referendum that took place in May 2022. It now formally forms part of the plan in decision-making around planning applications;

·         Paragraph 8.14 – There have been some amendments to the building regulations that the government has introduced; quite a substantial change. From June 2023 the Council will need to be implementing these;

·         Paragraph 8.21 – The Luton Airport proposal to increase from 18 to 19 million passengers was called in by the Secretary of State; the Council has sent written representations along with other Districts and Boroughs that are affected by these proposals;

·         Paragraph 8.24 – The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan – was supposed to go to consultation over the summer. The Council has decided that this won’t encourage the widest possible participation so it is being delayed until the 5^th of September;

·         Working with the County Council to identify more opportunities for people that don’t have garages and off-street parking to charge their electric cars;

·         Have identified one carpark in each of the major towns where new and updated electrical charging points will be implemented.

In response to a question from Councillor Steve Jarvis, the Service Director – Regulatory advised that the changes to Building Regulations that came in on the 15^th June only relate to the fabric & heating and the use of the building; it doesn’t cover the construction aspect that Councillor Jarvis referred to.

In response to questions from Councillor Ian Albert, Councillor Ruth Brown advised that:

·         Have changed the consultation period to make sure that it can come to Area Committees;

·         Central Growth and Transport Plan – Officers are finalising a report at the moment which will be presented to officers and Members at some stage; around the Dunstable to Baldock corridor;

·         Master Planning is something Councillors should be informed on so could be included in a Member’s Information Note going forward.

RESOLVED:

(1) That the report on strategic planning matters be noted;

(2) That the correspondence and information in Appendices A to E are noted and endorsed by the Cabinet.

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