Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE INTERIM DIRECTOR – PLACE

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

RESOLVED:  That the report on strategic planning matters was noted.

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

Audio recording – 4 minutes 30 seconds

Councillor Donna Wright, as Executive Member for Place, presented the report entitled ‘Strategic Planning Matters’ and advised that:

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

·       The Baldock Masterplan had been approved by Council on 16 June 2025.

·       A summary of the current status of the six strategic masterplans was included on pages 13 and 14 of the report.

·       The review of North Herts Local Plan was ongoing and the timetable was outlined  on page 14 of the report.

·       A summary of other Local Plans from neighbouring authorities was highlighted in pages 15 and 16 of the report.

·       The Barkway and Nuthampstead Neighbourhood Plan was approved by a Delegated Decision.

·       The National Planning Policy Framework had been updated by the amendment of paragraph 155 which sets out the criteria for development in the Green Belt.

·       The expansion of Luton Airport approved in April 2025 would increase passenger numbers from 19 million to 32 million.

The following Members asked questions:

·       Councillor Mick Debenham

·       Councillor Ian Albert

In response to questions, the Director – Place advised:

·       No date had yet been set for when building would commence for the first Masterplan.

·       Following the Project Board in July, the North Herts Council Draft Town Centre Strategy would be submitted to Cabinet in September.

In response to a question from Councillor Ian Albert, Councillor Daniel Allen advised he would speak with Officers to see whether an interim Town Centre Strategy report could be submitted to Members before September.

The following Members took part in the debate:

·       Councillor Daniel Allen

·       Councillor Tamsin Thomas

·       Councillor Val Bryant

Points raised during the debate included:

·       It was necessary to ensure that the Town Centre Strategy was relevant for each town in the district.

·       Teams would need to work effectively together across departmental lines both internally and externally.

·       The importance of keeping residents informed with information being publicised on the website.

·       The disappointment of the abandonment of the Chilterns National Landscape proposed extension due to financial reasons.

Councillor Donna Wright proposed and Councillor Tamsin Thomas seconded and, following a vote, it was:

RESOLVED:  That the report on strategic planning matters was noted.

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