Agenda and draft minutes

RESOLVED:   The notes of the meeting held on 14 May 2024 were agreed as a correct record.

None

Please indicate if there are any interests which should be declared.  A declaration of an 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 Members 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.

None

To consider any business which, by reason of special circumstances, the Chairman proposes to accept as urgent under Section 100(b)(4)(b) of the Local Government Act, 1972.

None

Members wishing to speak pursuant to Standing Order 34 should inform the Chairman of their intention to do so and on 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.

Councillors Morley (zoom) and Ring attended under standing order 34.

None

Background material:

o   Consultation documents, track changes version of the NPPF, and outcome of the proposed revised method:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/proposed-reforms-to-the-national-planning-policy-framework-and-other-changes-to-the-planning-system

o   Written Ministerial Statement - Building the homes we need:

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-statements/detail/2024-07-30/hcws48?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery

Click here to view the recording of this item on You Tube

The Task Group received a presentation (copy attached with the minutes) on the current Government consultation: Proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and other changes to the planning system. These would reverse most national policy changes introduced in the December 2023 version of the NPPF; e.g.  Key changes:

·      Removal of references to “beauty”

·      Removal of 5 year housing land supply protections for recently adopted Local Plans

·      Change in direction for affordable housing; e.g. new focus on social renting, removal of 25% First Homes requirement.

It was explained that the proposals which were out to consultation included mandatory housing targets which would double the Council’s current local housing need (LHN) target from 554 to 1042.  In looking at the overall increases proposed for the country in addition to the borough, the urban uplift had been dropped, London’s need had been lowered and there were substantial increases in the midlands and north of the country. The LHN methodology continued to use 2014 household projections.

The Local Plan Manager had engaged with MHCLG via  a recent Planning Advisory Service (PAS) event and made it clear that housing delivery was a challenge locally.  It was clear that without action taken by the Borough Council the housing delivery figures would be much lower.

It was stressed that it was important to get the authority’s emerging Local Plan in place as soon as possible.  As the authority should be benchmarked against this once adopted and then should start to prepare a new local plan as soon as possible in the new plan making process, once Government had introduced this.

Councillor Sandell asked whether those Neighbourhood Plans (NP) adopted would be challenged with the new allocations.  The Local Plan Manager explained that at this stage not much had been said about NPs via Government announcements, but as many had their own policies it was unclear if it would still be possible to do that, but they shouldn’t be used as a tool to prevent sustainable development.  He reminded Members that NPs didn’t remain the same forever, they should be in conformity with  the Local Plan, should be reviewed, and any further increase in numbers would likely have to be shared in the borough through a future Local Plan, and any neighbourhood plans. However, this would be considered as part of a future Local Plan.

Councillor Parish commented that because the consultation document had been published it didn’t mean the authority had to agree with its content.  He referred to the ask of the increased numbers, and asked where all the people for the housing would come from.  He drew attention to problems with water supplies for developments in Cambridge.

Councillor Parish further commented that he considered the Government’s proposals appalling, he referred the numbers of properties being able to be built out, with the numbers of builders and materials available.  He considered that any further increases should be more gradual, and should  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

Click here to view the recording of this item on You Tube

The Task Group received a report from the Local Plan Manager which set out the progress to date of the emerging Local Plan, and the expected time frames for the expected adoption of the Local Plan before the conclusion of this financial year (March 2025).

It was noted that once the Inspectors had approved the Main Modifications these (Main Modifications schedules and supporting documents) were published for consultation. This consultation was taking place over 8 weeks (closing date, 2 October 2024). To be “duly made” (valid), consultation responses needed to relate to specific Main Modifications. Other issues related to the Local Plan would not be considered.

The consultation was ongoing.  As of 30 August 2024, several representations had been received regarding the following:

·       MM5 –Spatial strategy (approach to development on brownfield land)

·       MM115 and MM116 –West Winch Growth Area infrastructure triggers; e.g. West Winch Housing Access Road, new primary school provision.

Local Plan policies regarding Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople were being dealt with separately to the remainder of the Local Plan. These had been subject to two previous consultations, firstly regarding potential site allocations and draft policies (January –March 2024), followed by proposed site allocations and policies (10 May –21 June 2024). Representations from the latter consultation were submitted to the Planning Inspectors and were the subject of examination hearings (3 and 4 September 2024).

The Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Showpeople examination hearings were undertaken with reference to a series of Matters, Issues and Questions, for which the Borough Council had previously prepared written responses (K31 -Matter 6: BCKLWN Response to MIQs (MIQ416 -MIQ462)). The Inspectors considered these, alongside representations received as part of the recent “Gypsy and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople proposed site allocations and policies” consultation (10 May –21 June 2024).

Following the September 2024 examination hearings, a further Main Modifications (Part 2) consultation would take place, regarding Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople (October –November 2024). Following this, any representations received would be submitted to the Inspectors who would consider these, together with previous evidence considered since submission of the Local Plan. This would inform their final report, which it was expected would be delivered in early 2025. This timetable would allow adoption of the Plan by March 2025 by Council.

Click here to view the recording of this item on You Tube

The detail of the position statement on the Gypsies Travellers and Showpeople element was referred to in the previous report.

An update on the 3 September hearing was given and thanks were given to those involved in them.  A Main Modification schedule would be provided and subject to consultation for 6 weeks in the autumn.   The Inspectors would then assess the results of the consultation which would feed into the Local Plan.

The Chair reported that the hearing had been rigorous.

Click here to view the recording of this item on You Tube

The report re-iterated the information regarding the Examination through to April 2024, and the Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople Policy.

A significant number of Main Modifications to the Plan (376) were proposed and were the subject of consultation.  Most changes were detailed, to ensure the Plan was robust, effective and consistent with current national policy (National Planning Policy Framework).

Members attention was drawn to the following proposed Main Modifications:

·      MM4-MM5 – Replacement of section 4.1 of the submission Plan with a new Spatial Strategy and Settlement Hierarchy Policy, which included updated housing figures and a small number of changes to the status of individual settlements within the hierarchy

·      MM6 – New Policy – Residential development on windfall sites – Necessary, to ensure local housing need (554 dwellings per year) could be achieved; incorporating retained parts of policies LP02, LP04, LP31 and LP41 from submission Plan

·      MM7 – New Policy – Neighbourhood Plans – Necessary, to define housing requirements for designated Neighbourhood Areas, as required by national policy

·      MM11-MM15 – Removal of duplicate elements of Policy LP06 and supporting text (Climate Change)

·      MM29-MM34 – Significant changes to transport policies LP11 and LP13, to ensure consistency with national policy and reflect the updated Norfolk Local Transport Plan (2021-2036) and King’s Lynn Transport Strategy

·      MM45-MM60 – Significant changes to Environmental policies (re Green Infrastructure, the Historic Environment and Habitats Regulations Assessment – LP19-LP27), to reflect national policy and legislation changes (e.g. Nutrient Neutrality, 2021 Environment Act requirement for 10% Biodiversity Net Gain)

·      MM68-MM69 – New Policy – Custom and Self-Build Housing policy – To support delivery of Custom and Self Build Housing and ensure consistency with legislation and national policy

·      MM115-MM122 – Policy E2.1 West Winch Growth Area Strategic Policy – Additional policy criteria, including infrastructure trigger points and requirements; to ensure sustainable development

·      MM139-MM140 – New Policy – Downham Market, Bexwell Business Park (BEX) – 20ha employment land allocation.

Members noted the proposed Main Modifications, in particular the most significant and substantive changes specified in the report.  It was emphasised that the Main Modifications were proposed with the agreement of the Planning Inspectors, as being necessary to make the Plan “sound” (i.e. fit for purpose) and allow the Plan to be passed and adopted.

Members identified a range of concerns, including possible increases to housing requirements and the implications of typical build-out rates on overall delivery; removal of protections and implications of the new Windfall policy for neighbourhood planning.

Councillor Parish commented that some parishes appeared to be having difficulty logging into the modifications page on the website.  Councillor Parish raised concern about MM6 the windfall change, meaning a large number of houses could be built outside the boundary.  He referred to the fact that NPs often had a point of no development outside boundaries, and the modification would supersede it.  He considered that key rural service centres should only be affected by this.  He considered all parishes should have  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

Click here to view the recording of this item on You Tube

The Task Group received an update on the Neighbour Plan Referenda undertaken to date, with North Wootton Neighbourhood Plan 2022-2036 (autumn 2024); and Ringstead Neighbourhood Plan 2021-2036 (spring 2025).

The following further Neighbourhood Plans may be submitted for examination during 2024-25 and for Referendum in 2025-26:

·         Marshland St James;

·         Pentney;

·         Syderstone;

·         The Walpoles

·         Walpole Cross Keys (review).

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

The next meeting of the Task Group will take place on Wednesday 16 November 2016 at 10 am in the Miles Room, Town Hall, Saturday Market Place, King’s Lynn.

The Chair explained that it wouldn’t be possible to meet before information was back from the Inspectors.  It was hoped to be in early January.

Councillor de Whalley commented that there may be National Development Policy consultation which may need a further consultation response.  It was noted that if it was launched the task group could be consulted and a meeting could be called.