Agenda and minutes

To receive apologies for absence (If any)

  Apologies for absence were received from Councillor A Carter and Councillor J Procter

To declare any personal / prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81(3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 13 of the Members’ Code of Conduct.

  The following Members declared personal/prejudicial interests for the purpose of Section 81 (3) of the Local Government Act 2000 and paragraphs 8 to 13 of the Members Code of Conduct

  Councillor Cleasby – declared a personal interest in item 7 – ‘Leeds Local Development Framework – Core Strategy’, through being a member of the Airport Consultative Committee; Leeds Bradford Airport being referred to in the discussions relating to the transport element of the submitted report (minute 10 refers)

To consider the minutes of the previous meeting held on 31^st May 2006

  RESOLVED – That the minutes of the Development Plan Panel meeting held on 31^st May 2006 be approved as a correct record

To consider a report by the Director of Development setting out the Local Development Framework “Towards a Key Issues and Options” Paper, as a basis to undertake initial informal (Regulation 25) consultation

  Members considered a report by the Director of Development which set out a basis for the preparation of a Core Strategy, and which would be the subject of public consultation in due course

  Plans supporting the core principles of the Environment, Regeneration, Development and Managed Growth, A Well Connected City and Planning for Mixed Communities, together with plans showing population density, major constraints, ie built up areas, flood zones and high pressure gas consultation zones, and a context diagram of the Leeds City region, showing settlements, development patterns and transport links were displayed at the meeting, with copies being tabled for Members’ information

  The Head of Planning and Economic Policy presented the report and explained that the Core Strategy was an overarching component of the Local Development Framework and that the paper provided the opportunity for  Members to comment on the overall scope and content of the document at an early stage

  Members discussed the report and commented on the following:

·  the importance of climate change, whether this should be a

core principle as opposed to a theme or whether a form of words could be found which placed it at the centre of all strategies

·  the need to strengthen the possible options relating to

microgeneration

·  how to manage change in a city which was continually

developing and expanding

·  that the document was based on continual growth and the

impact of any economic stagnation/decline, particularly on the levels of  residential building in the city

·  the statement that 4/5ths of new household formation was

forecast to be single person households in Leeds, and the impact this could have on the services the Authority provides for children and for adult social services

·  the impact of the lack of social housing and high house prices

on the numbers of people being able to live and raise children in Leeds and the need to encourage families to the city

·  the importance of ensuring there are mixed communities, both in

terms of ethnicity and age and that the facilities provided for residents reflected the diversity being sought

·  the importance of Leeds Bradford Airport to the region

·  concerns at the traffic being directed by satellite navigation

systems though inappropriate routes to reach the airport, and the impact of this on local communities

·  the need for flexibility to be at the heart of the work being

undertaken as well as the need to be alert to changes and new opportunities

·  the need for a broad ownership of the document and the

suggestion that a workshop and further presentation be held for Panel Members

  Officers responded and provided the following information:

·  in relation to climate change it was important to address issues

on a local level as far as possible, ie managing flood risk, microgeneration and the importance of ensuring developments were sustainable, set against the wider context of global warming etc

·  the challenge of dealing with change in Leeds and the fact there

was never a fixed point to start from, although through the UDP Review Process  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To consider a report by the Director of Development seeking agreement in principle to establish an advisory group made up of a member of the Development Plans Panel (as Chair), selected stakeholders and officers. It is considered that such a group would assist in adding value to the new planning system

  Members received a report by the Director of Development seeking approval to establish a LDF Consulation Advisory Group 

  This group would assist in monitoring the effectiveness of the Statement of Community Involvement, improving consultation and evaluation methods and would provide opportunities to share ideas and contribute to the LDF Annual Monitoring Report

  Members were advised that representatives from community groups and organisations would form the group along with officers from Development Department (Planning and Economic Services) and a representative from Planning Aid.  If establishing the group was agreed, it was intended that the Chair would be a Member from the Development Plan Panel and officers asked that nominations be made from the Panel for this position

  RESOLVED –

(i)  That a Local Development Framework Consultation Advisory

Group be established, as set out in the submitted report

(ii)  To note the nomination now made and to refer this to the Chair

of the Development Plan Panel for consideration