James Millard, Assistant Spatial Plans Officer, will give an update on the results of the recent consultation on the Local Development Framework.
Minutes:
Councillor Groom introduced Georgina Clampitt-Dix, Head of Spatial Planning.
The Head of Spatial Planning gave an overview of the results of the recent Local Development Framework consultation.
Points made included:
• The vision demonstrated sound underlying principles, however it was felt that it should be more locally distinct rather than just delivering central government objectives
• The plan should be firm and clear, ensuring that development is brought forward in the most sustainable way.
• Although some concern over the level of growth, set regionally, was highlighted overall, in north Wiltshire there is generally support for the need for further balanced development
• Infrastructure delivery was seen as a key concern, especially in terms of its timely delivery at the point of development rather than later on in the plan period
• There was broad acceptance and support for the objectives of Wiltshire 2026
• Recognition of the dormitory role of Wootton Bassett with divided opinion as to how this can be addressed
• Agreement on the need to deliver affordable housing but some reluctance to see the growth that would provide such housing
• Concern regarding the impact of the closure of RAF Lyneham and questions about its potential suitability for housing in the future
• Too much emphasis and focus on Wootton Bassett for housing and employment was at the expense of planning for smaller towns (especially Cricklade) and rural areas
• The proposed expansion at the west of Swindon and its impact on the Community Area, particularly in terms of flooding and impact on local roads in Wiltshire.
• Congestion / Capacity of Junction 16 M4
• Detailed work was needed to inform the Core Strategy. This includes:
• Further planning for the proposed strategic development within the Community Area to ensure sustainable patterns of development was achieved
• Continued engagement with the military through the ‘Military Civilian Integration programme in order to plan for the closure of RAF Lyneham
• Continued joint working with Swindon Borough Council to consider the impact and need for development proposals at the west of Swindon and congestion issues at J16 M4
• Identify the key infrastructure requirements and plan for the appropriate delivery of services and facilities to support development
• Further assessment of the role of smaller towns (including Cricklade) and villages can make to delivery of sustainable growth in the community area.
The new Government had committed to abolishing the Regional Spatial Strategy; however, as yet, no details had been released about when this will formally take place and the transitional arrangements that will be put in place.
The Head of Spatial Planning welcomed the opportunity to meet with Cricklade Town Council to discuss the issues relating to Cricklade. She also welcomed the opportunity to discuss the RAF Lyneham and its possible future uses as they arise.
Details of Wiltshire 2026 – Planning for Wiltshire’s Future were available at the address below:
http://consult.wiltshire.gov.uk
The following points were raised:
The Core Strategy Document recognised the need to respect rural buffer zones and it was being considered further.
The planning team acknowledged that if RAF Lyneham was used for new housing development, the existing road infrastructure was inadequate.
Detailed project planning was underway which would last until the end of the year. The spatial planning team would be in a better position to meet with the town and parish councils in the late summer/early autumn 2011.
Concerns around the Junction16 traffic were acknowledged.
Councillor Groom presented her statement on the issues of development at Ridgway Farm and presented the following resolution:
The Wootton Bassett & Cricklade Area Board:
Decision
The Area Board members voted unanimously to support the resolution and to form a Task and Finish Group to monitor the impact of any proposed development, to participate in the discussions regarding such development and to contribute to the Local Development Framework policies that replace the Local Plan 2011.
The task group was to be led by Councillors Jacqui Lay and Mollie Groom and include Mike Bell (Purton Parish Council), Gina Chapman (Cricklade Town Council) and Peter Willis (Lydiard Tregoze Parish Council).
This group will report back at future meetings.