Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – REGULATORY

This report identifies the latest position on key planning and transport issues affecting the District.

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

(1)  Noted the report.

(2)  Noted and endorsed the Officer responses attached as Appendices A to C.

REASON FOR DECISIONS:

(1)  To keep Cabinet informed of recent developments on strategic planning matters.

Audio recording – 9 minutes 21 seconds

Councillor Ruth Brown presented the report entitled ‘Strategic Planning Matters’ and advised of the following:

·         The Sustainability SPD was expected in March, the Biodiversity SPD expected June/July and the Design Code SPD in Autumn.

·         Master Planning processes were well underway, with a webpage to look at applications in the Master Planning stage.

·         Strategic Sites and Master Planning Board remit was being widened to include the Executive Member for Environment and Leisure and the Officer for Climate Change.

·         There were lots of planning reforms proposed in the Levelling up and Regeneration Bill.

·         The Hertfordshire Infrastructure Partners Planning and Partnership Board had a discussion around this, with a joint response being submitted across Hertfordshire and local authorities submitting individual responses.

·         Article 4 Directions for Town Centres had been previously adopted.

·         LCWIP adoption had been delayed due to significant comments from residents, and County Council had not had the time to respond.

·         It was important the comments from residents were taken into consideration.

·         Herts County Council had confirmed this will not risk the accessibility of funds.

·         The tender for the EV charging points in North Hertfordshire car parks had closed and was under evaluation.

The following Members asked questions:

·         Councillor Amy Allen

In response to the questions Councillor Brown advised:

·         The current decision was not to have the Executive Member for Recycling and Waste on the Strategic Sites and Master Planning Board.

Nigel Smith, Strategic Planning Manager, advised:

·         Other Executive Members could attend the Strategic Sites and Master Planning Board by invitation.

·         Ward members could also attend with certain Strategic Sites are being discussed.

The Chair commented that it was important that the Executive Member for Recycling and Waste was included in discussions when relevant to the portfolio.

Councillor Brown proposed and Councillor Dennis-Harburg seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

(1)  Noted the report.

(2)  Noted and endorsed the Officer responses attached as Appendices A to C.

REASON FOR DECISIONS:

(1)  To keep Cabinet informed of recent developments on strategic planning matters.