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 on strategic planning matters.

(2)   Endorsed the documents at Appendices A – D.

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATIONS: To keep Cabinet informed of recent developments on strategic planning matters.

Audio recording – 43 minutes 0 seconds

Councillor Daniel Allen, as the Interim Executive Member for Planning and Transport, presented the report entitled ‘Strategic Planning Matters’ and advised that:

·       This report identified the latest position on key planning and transport issues.

·       Cabinet was last updated in September 2024.

·       Government issued a new version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) in December 2024.

·       The Council could no longer demonstrate a five-year land supply under the new rules and would have to consider all relevant planning applications.

·       The new government definition of ‘grey belt’ (land in the Green Belt meeting certain criteria) could affect more land the North Herts District Council than original thought.

·       A decision on Luton Airport had been delayed to April 2025.

·       Neighbouring authorities were consulting on updating their Local Plans and details could be found in the Appendix.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Amy Allen

·       Councillor Ian Albert

In response to questions, the Service Director – Regulatory, advised that:

·       Detailed works for the Town Centre Strategies was presented to the Project Board before Christmas.

·       It was now planned to complete the strategies on all the Town Centres at the same time as opposed to the original timetable of stepped approach, unfortunately this had slowed down progress.

·       Public consultations would be carried out and discussions would be held with the relevant Area Forums.

In response to questions, the Principal Strategic Planning Officer advised that:

·       Reg 18 referred to public consultation issues and options that Luton were considering as detailed in paragraph 8.18 of the report.

·       Reg 19 was a more formal consultation and would be a final submission document. 

Councillor Daniel Allen advised that what Luton considered did not affect the Local Plan.

Councillor Daniel Allen proposed and Councillor Amy Allen seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

(1)   Noted the report on strategic planning matters.

(2)   Endorsed the documents at Appendices A – D.

REASON FOR RECOMMENDATIONS: To keep Cabinet informed of recent developments on strategic planning matters.