Agenda item

A report from the Corporate Director is attached.

Councillor Toby Sturgis presented the report which sought: approval for the Draft Wiltshire Housing Site Allocations Plan; and delegated authority to make arrangements for its consultation and the next steps.

The Leader noted that the following people had submitted questions and statements that would be responded to in due course: Al Wright, Richard Greenwood, Nick Parker and Cllr Tony Jackson.

The following members of the public made representations to the public at the meeting: George Bunting, Cllr Roger Evans, Mr Hill, Bill Johnson, Cllr Bob Price, Janice Cadby, and Lance Allen.

Issues raised by members of the public included: concern that proposals would negatively impact on the rural character of communities outside towns; the desire to see brown field sites prioritised; frustration with the slow pace that developers progress existing sites with permission; the impact of new development on elderly residents; how developing neighbourhood planning documents would be taken into account; the impact of proposals on wildlife; the need for sufficient infrastructure that would be required to meet the needs of new residents; and whether a planned new town would meet the needs for new development.

A question was put by Cllr Francis Morland, regarding concerns about spatial planning process, the completions of dwellings and the shortfall in the housing market area, to which the Leader stated that a written answer would be given.

In response to the issues raised, Councillor Sturgis urged the public to participate fully in the consultation process and asked that any alternatives to the proposals be presented with evidence. The Leader, outlining the steps to be taken as part of the consultation period, also stated that the Council would consider additional consultation if it was required in specific areas.

Councillor Steve Oldrieve spoke to raise his concerns about the proposals particularly as he felt that it appeared that greenfield sites appeared to be prioritised.

Councillor Horace Prickett spoke and outlined how he felt proposals that affected his communities were in conflict with the existing Local Planning policies.

In response to a question from Councillor Jon Hubbard, Councillor Sturgis clarified that the plans could be subject to changes at the Cabinet and the Council meetings, but that any major changes would require further consultation and evidence before the were sent to the Inspector appointed by the Secretary of State.

Councillor Chuck Berry, as Cabinet Member for Housing, outlined the benefits derived from further development. He also stated that if people wanted to lobby government to express their frustration with regard to delayed developments, then they should contact their MP.

The Leader closed the debate by thanking those for attending the meeting, and urging people to contribute further to the consultation.

Resolved

1.    To approve the Draft Wiltshire Housing Site Allocations Plan, as set out in Appendix 1, for consultation, subject to amendment in (ii); and

2.    To authorise the Associate Director for Economic Development and Planning in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Planning and Strategic Asset Management to: make any necessary minor changes to the Draft Wiltshire Housing Site Allocations Plan in the interests of clarity and accuracy before it is published; make arrangements for, and undertake statutory consultation for a 10 week period starting during the week commencing 10 July 2017.

Reason for Decision:

To ensure that progress continues to be made on maintaining an up-to-date development plan for Wiltshire, in line with the Council’s Local Development Scheme and statutory requirements. In accordance with legislative requirements, following the consultation, Council will need to approve the submission of the Draft Wiltshire Housing Site Allocations Plan to the Secretary of State for examination.