Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SERVICE DIRECTOR – REGULATORY

This report asks Cabinet to positively recommend the approval of the Strategic Masterplan Framework for land to the north of Letchworth Garden City to Full Council.

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: That the Strategic Masterplan Framework for Land to the North of the Grange (LG1), attached at Appendix A, is approved and adopted as a material planning consideration for relevant planning decisions relating to the site.

REASON FOR DECISION: To facilitate the delivery of a strategic site within the Council’s adopted Local Plan. To accord with policy requirements of the Local Plan.

Audio recording 23 minutes 59 seconds

The Leader of the Council presented the report entitled ‘Land to the North of the Grange (LG1) - Strategic Masterplan Framework’ and advised:

·       Cabinet were being asked to positively recommend approval of this Strategic Masterplan Framework to Full Council.

·       This site was allocated in the Local Plan for development as a strategic site for approximately 900 homes with supporting infrastructure. 

·       A Masterplan provided an appropriate future framework for development of the site.

·       Policies of the Local Plan required the preparation of a Masterplan.

·       This Masterplan had been produced following approved guidance and the draft Masterplan had been subject to public consultation.

The Leader of the Council advised that he had attended several of the public consultation meetings held by the Letchworth City Heritage Foundation regarding this site in his role as Ward Councillor but was not predetermined and he had made no comments on the plans.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Dave Winstanley

·       Councillor Mick Debenham

·       Councillor Daniel Allen

In response to questions, the Strategic Planning Manager, advised that:

·       There would be integration of this site with the existing Grange Estate.

·       A workstream was being run by the Council on the Grange to produce a design vision for the area to allow cohesion between the two sites.

·       There was provision in the Masterplan for a primary school to be built in the long term.

·       The provision in the Masterplan was that the vehicular access would be connected to the existing estate, but a further exit would be created from the site to the north on to Norton Road.  

Councillor Mick Debenham proposed and Councillor Dave Winstanley seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL: That the Strategic Masterplan Framework for Land to the North of the Grange (LG1), attached at Appendix A, is approved and adopted as a material planning consideration for relevant planning decisions relating to the site.

REASON FOR DECISION: To facilitate the delivery of a strategic site within the Council’s adopted Local Plan. To accord with policy requirements of the Local Plan.