Agenda and minutes

To receive any apologies for absence.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor D Tyler and Mrs E Watson.

To agree the notes of the previous meeting held on 6 April 2016.

The notes of the meeting held on 6 April 2016 were agreed as a correct record.

To consider any matters arising.

Statement of Community Involvement

The LDF Manager explained that the Statement of Community Involvement had been presented to Cabinet.  The results of the consultation would be presented to Cabinet and Council once the consultation deadline had passed.

Phased Approach for Financial Contributions

At the previous meeting the Chairman had undertook to discuss a phased approach for financial contributions at his next Portfolio Briefing.  The Chairman, Councillor Blunt agreed to circulate a note to the Task Group on this issue.

Commuted Sums – Section 106 Agreements

At the previous meeting the Chairman had undertook to discuss this issue and feedback to the Task Group.  The Chairman agreed to circulate and update to the Task Group.

Flitcham

The Task Group was informed that the allocation for Flitcham had been removed because it was unacceptable on highways grounds.

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of interest should indicate the nature of the interest (if not already declared on the Register of Interests) and the agenda item to which it relates.  If a disclosable pecuniary interest is declared, the Member should withdraw from the room whilst the matter is discussed.

These declarations apply to all members present, whether the Member is part of the meeting, attending to speak as a local Member on an item or simply observing the meeting.

There were no declarations of interest.

Members wishing to speak pursuant to Standing Order 34 should inform the Chairman of their intention to do so and what items they wish to be heard before the meeting commences.  Any Member attending the meeting under Standing Order 34 will only be permitted to speak on those items which have been previously notified to the Chairman.

There was none.

Report attached.

The LDF Manager provided an update of the Council’s current position and the process required to take the plan through to adoption, as set out in his report which had been included in the Agenda.

He explained that currently the Local Plan was in two parts; the Core Strategy and the Site Allocations and Development Management Plan Policies Plan.  Once the SADMP had been adopted both plans would be reviewed and combined to form the overall Local Plan.

The LDF Manager outlined the process to be followed and the role of the Task Group in reviewing the documents to ensure that they remained fit for purpose. 

The LDF Manager referred to Appendix 1 of his report which outlined the steps and subjects requiring consideration by the Task Group.

The LDF Manager referred to Appendix 2 of the report, which provided extracts from the Core Strategy.  He explained that the Task Group would need to review the content to ensure that it was still relevant.  The Task Group made the following comments on the content of the Core Strategy extracts provided in the agenda:

·         The Vision required amending and more detail to be provided.

·         The approach to sustainability was over ambitious and required amendment.

·         There was a still reliance on the car and this should be acknowledged and accepted.

·         The provision of broadband and communication infrastructure should be included.

·         Reflect on tourism.

·         Employment and working from home and the work/life balance.

·         Changing demographics and changes to society

·         Carbon emissions and the encouragement of passive housing.

·         The approach to Downham Market should be amended.

·         The approach to Key Rural Service Centres and how they could be supported.

·         The approach to flood risk and working with the Environment Agency.

The LDF Manager explained that the next step would be for the Task Group to steer the updates to the Local Plan documents.  He explained that revised wording would be presented to the next meeting of the Task Group for consideration.  The Portfolio Holder would also ensure that the Cabinet were informed of the process.

The LDF Manager explained that the Local Plan would be examined by the Inspectorate and a public consultation process would be required, however, it was hoped that the process could be streamlined.

The LDF Manager explained that the Main Modifications consultation period had closed and 317 representations had been received from 170 different people or organisations.  The Task Group were provided with an overview of what the majority of the representations related to.  The representations would be forwarded to the Inspector, who would take a view as to if the representations were considered significant.

The Task Group was informed that the closing date for the consultation period on the Major Modifications was 22^nd June and four representations had been received to date.

The LDF Manager explained that it was hoped that the Inspectors report would be forthcoming by the end of July.  The Inspectors recommendations would then require Cabinet and Council approval.

The Task Group was informed that there were currently four consultations ongoing for Neighbourhood Plans, as follows:

·         Snettisham

·         Tilney All Saints

·         West Dereham

·         Sedgeford

To note that the next scheduled meeting of the LDF Task Group will be held on Wednesday 13 July 2016 at 10.00 am in the Miles Room, Town Hall.

The next meeting of the Local Development Framework Task Group was scheduled to take place on Wednesday 13 July at 10.00am in the Miles Room, Town Hall, Saturday Market Place, King’s Lynn.