Issue - meetings

Report by the Corporate Director, Alistair Cunningham

Councillor Toby Sturgis presented the report which asked Cabinet: to consider the draft Strategic Housing Market Assessment and Functional Economic Market Area Assessment; and to agree to their publication as part of the evidence base to inform the review of the Wiltshire Core Strategy.

Prior to consideration of the item, and in a response to a representation from a member of the public, the council’s Monitoring Officer confirmed: that the paper had been made exempt from publication due to the documents being in draft form; that this was done in the public interest and in the interest of Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council; and that the full documentation should be published in October once it had been agreed with Swindon Borough Council.

Following a short debate, the meeting;

Resolved

i)          To approve the draft Swindon and Wiltshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment and Functional Economic Market Area Assessment for the purposes of evidence for the review of the Wiltshire Core Strategy.

ii)         To publish the Swindon and Wiltshire Strategic Housing Market Assessment and Functional Economic Area Assessment on an agreed date with Swindon Borough Council, with a clear explanation of their status in the plan making process and planning system.

iii)       To delegate authority to the Associate Director for Economic Development and Planning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Spatial Planning, Development Management and Property and Swindon Borough Council to determine the agreed date for publication.

Reason for Decision:

To ensure that the Council can make timely progress on the proposed review of the Wiltshire Core Strategy.