Agenda item

To consider the attached motion from Cllrs Philip Whitehead and Simon Jacobs.

On invitation of the Chairman, Cllr Philip Whitehead proposed the motion as set out in the Summons, which was seconded by Cllr Simon Jacobs.

Cllr Whitehead highlighted concerns about the level of protection that Wiltshire Council offered to viable rural business sites threatened with being sold for property development. He reported that he had raised his concerns in 2014, which had led to the inclusion a paragraph in the 2015 Local Plan. However, a recent case saw a commercial site in Urchfont being recommended for replacement by five residential dwellings.

Cllr Matthew Dean raised a point of order, questioning whether the issue needed to be considered through the Local Plan making framework rather than as a separate motion.

The Chairman explained that the matter had been referred to the Director of Planning, Economy, and Regeneration, who was satisfied that the motion would not affect any decisions being made in accordance with the Local Plan. The Monitoring Officer added that he was content that the motion could be bought before Council.

Cllr Nick Botterill, Cabinet Member for Finance, Development Management and Strategic Planning, responded to the motion and expressed support

The Chairman then moved that Council debate the motion, which was seconded and then approved for discussion.

Group leaders then had the opportunity to comment on the motion. Cllr Richard Clewer, Leader of the Council, agreed that the wording in the 2015 Core Strategy needed to be more robust and reported that he had worked with Cllr Botterill to ensure that there was greater protection in the draft Local Plan that was currently before an inspector.

Cllr Ian Thorn, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, spoke about the importance of employment in rural areas and supported the motion. Cllr Jon Hubbard, speaking on behalf of the Independent Group, stated that he supported the motion, although was mindful that there might be unintended consequences given that the motion was bought as a result of a specific case. Cllr Ricky Rogers, Leader of the Labour Group, also spoke in support of the motion. He noted that rural employment was already mentioned in the Local Plan, but was happy for it be reinforced.

The Chairman then opened the debate for general discussion.

Comments made in support of the motion were that it would protect employment and deter landlords from selling the premises of viable rural businesses. The value that small businesses had gave to rural communities was emphasised by the Members that spoke. It was also highlighted that one of the proposed measures in the draft Local Transport Plan focussed on enabling access to services, jobs and other destinations within close reach.

Cllr Botterill, as the relevant Cabinet Member, then had the opportunity to respond to the points raised during the debate.

Cllr Whitehead, as mover of the motion, thanked Members for their support. He stated that he had far greater confidence in Core Policy 65 in the draft Local Plan that was currently being considered by the inspector to protect rural business sites.

At the conclusion of the debate, it was then,

Resolved:

That Wiltshire Council hereby wishes to express its strong support for the retention of viable and sustainable businesses in rural settlements, recognising the vital contribution that these businesses make to residents’ lives and to the Wiltshire economy, as required by Policy 65 (Existing Employment Land) of the emerging Wiltshire Local Plan, which has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for examination this year, and existing National Planning Policy Framework paragraphs 88 and 98.

In accordance with the constitution there was a recorded vote.

Votes for the motion (66)

Votes against the motion (0)

Votes in abstention (0)

Details of the recorded vote are attached to these minutes.