Agenda item

The Chairman, Councillor Blunt commented that the following documents were difficult and complex to follow and invited comments on how to present the information in an easier format.  Members of the Task Group commented that a Powerpoint presentation focussing on the key issues would be helpful.

The Planner reminded the Task Group of the discussions held at the previous meeting and advising that consideration was required as to the housing number flexibility of the Local Plan 2016 – 2036.

The Planner explained that the paper aimed to explore the flexibility of housing numbers, where we currently are, how we got there, what is the requirement, what sources of flexibility exist and are available and to propose a potential approach going forward.

The potential sources of flexibility and areas for consideration which could be incorporated with the Local Plan Review (2016 – 2036) are set out below:

·         Windfall

·         Development Boundaries.

·         Infill Policy.

·         Strategic Growth Option.

·         Neighbourhood Plans.

·         Allocate a Percentage above the FOAN.

·         At least x Number of Dwellings.

·         Site Density and Capacity Approach.

Members were informed that all of the options considered in the paper were almost entirely interlinked and altering one element would impact upon another.  All the options discussed had advantages and disadvantages.

In response to comments and questions regarding windfall sites, the Planner explained that a windfall site was any residential development that was granted consent on land not specifically allocated for residential development in a Local Plan.  This source of housing had made a significant contribution to the overall number of completions within the Borough over the plan period and it was anticipated that it would continue to do so.

The Planner responded to questions regarding sites being included/not included within development boundaries.  Members were advised that development boundaries would be looked at in individual settlements.

The Chairman, Councillor Blunt commented that the infill policy be amended to read “extended infill policy.”

In response to comments and questions relating to an infill policy, the Planner explained that not all sites would not come forward.  It was acknowledged that some sites would be within and some would not be within the development boundary.  Each site that came forward would be considered on its own merits.  The Chairman, Councillor Blunt commented that consideration should be given to a clause being inserted to allow less than 10 units.

Following questions on strategic growth and how communities in West Norfolk reacted to development during the period when the Council did not have a 5 year land supply, the Planner explained that applications for more desirable locations came in from developers and gave an example of Gayton where applications were received for 150 dwellings.  Comments were made that when the Council did not have a 5 year land supply sites came through which had not been identified during the LDF process, but, where appropriate and the application was acceptable, the Planning Committee had no option but to grant planning permission.

The Planner responded to questions on the impact of Neighbourhood Plans on the Local Plan.  Members were advised that Neighbourhood Plans had the same legal status as the Local Plan.  Currently there were two Neighbourhood Plans in force – South Wootton and Brancaster.

Reference was made to the White Paper and penalties being incurred if Councils did not reach targets set. A general discussion took place on setting achievable and realistic targets to deliver the housing required in West Norfolk.

The Planner responded to comments and questions on “at least” not being defined and reminded Members that at the last Inquiry, the Inspector had determined that “at least” should be quoted in the documents and that had been the reason for “at least” to be included within the schedule of main modifications to the Local Plan.

Following further questions, the Planner explained that the Local Plan Team liaised closely with the Council’s Housing Services team to look at housing need within the Borough.  It was explained that all types of housing would be included within the custom build initiative.

AGREED:  1) The Task Group agreed with the approached outlined in 12.3 of the paper  (as set out below),which it was considered would be consistent with national policy, the Borough Council’s existing Local Plan and would assist in both the Local Plan being ‘Sound’ and the ability to demonstrate a positive land supply:

·         Seek to allocate 10% above the FOAN.

·         Retain the ‘at least’ approach for the SADMP sites which would continue into the Local Plan review.

·         For consistency the ‘at least’ approach applied to the new Local Plan review allocations.

·         Reinstate Development Boundaries for Smaller Villages and Hamlets.

·         Criteria based Infill Policy for areas outside of development boundaries for settlements listed in the hierarchy.

·         Contain a windfall allowance within the Local Plan review.

·         The Borough Council would support local communities through their Neighbourhood Plans to make their own allocations and decisions on which sites should be allocated for the growth need in their area.

2) A Powerpoint presentation to be scheduled for all Councillors.