Agenda item

RECOMMENDED:  That the contents of the report be noted and the West Winch Growth Area Framework Masterplan SPD (Appendix 3 to the report) be adopted and used as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications;

Reason for Decision

Adoption of the West WinchGrowth Area Framework Masterplan SPD will provide guidance to assist in the determination of planning applications that fall within the West Winch Growth Area. The adoption of the SPD will ensure general conformity with the policies contained in the Council’s Core Strategy (2011), the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies (2016) which are being carried forward into the Local Plan Review.

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Cabinet considered The West Winch Growth Area Framework Masterplan Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) which built upon and provided more detailed advice and guidance on policies in the adopted Core Strategy (2011), the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies (2016) relating to the West Winch Growth Area which were being carried forward into the Local Plan Review and the North Runcton & West Winch Neighbourhood Plan (2018).

The SPD set out the expectations on design, house mix, sustainability and green credentials, as well as the need to consider the impact on heritage assets and biodiversity. The SPD set out at a very high level, the location of the new housing access road, where development was considered suitable, ensuring that there was a degree of separation from the development and the village of North Runcton, while integrating with existing development and facilities in West Winch.

The SPD had been subject to a statutory consultation and responses had been considered and subsequent amendments made to the SPD. It was now for the Council to consider adopting the SPD to be used as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications in the West Winch Growth Area.

Under standing order 34 Councillor de Whalley addressed the Cabinet and requested that as he considered as the Local Plan Examination was suspended and he had concerns about and considered there was uncertainty around the traffic and transport elements,  that this document should not now be considered until the Examination was completed.

Under standing order 34 Councillor Joyce addressed Cabinet drew attention to the suspension of the Local Plan Examination and commented that a Local Transport Infrastructure Plan for West Norfolk should have been prepared by the County Council and that he considered there should be a railway station at South Lynn.

Under standing order 34  who was not able to be present at the meeting Councillor Blunt commented that whilst interested to hear the comments made then drew attention to the fact that the Local Plan Examination was totally separate to this matter as it was a current allocation.

Cabinet debated the item and drew attention to the fact that the recommendation was to approve the Masterplan which included the issues raised at the meeting such as infrastructure and schools. Reassurance was given that continued engagement would continue with the parish councils.

It was noted that the Regeneration and Environment Panel had considered the item and supported the recommendations.

RECOMMENDED:     That the contents of the report be noted and the West Winch Growth Area Framework Masterplan SPD (Appendix 3 to the report) be adopted and used as a material consideration in the determination of planning applications;

Reason for Decision

Adoption of the West WinchGrowth Area Framework Masterplan SPD will provide guidance to assist in the determination of planning applications that fall within the West Winch Growth Area. The adoption of the SPD will ensure general conformity with the policies contained in the Council’s Core Strategy (2011), the Site Allocations and Development Management Policies (2016) which are being carried forward into the Local Plan Review.