Agenda item

To consider the report of the Director of Development asking Development Plan Panel to consider the attached Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document (NRWDPD) Issues and Alternative Options paper, as a basis for a 6 week period of public consultation (Regulation 25).

Members considered the report of the Director of City Development presenting the Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document (NRWDPD) Issues and Alternative Options Paper.

Officers introduced the report.

The Panel received a presentation by Andrew Walters, Technical Director of Jacobs. The presentation included the following information:-

-  Natural Resources are identified as a issue to be taken forward as a Development Plan Document in the Local Development Framework.

-  To facilitate the effective management of all Leeds’ natural resources, the scope of the Development Plan Document has been broadened to enable an integrated and inclusive approach to planning for natural resources.

-  A Natural Resource Flow Analysis is being undertaken. This will be key to informing preparation of the NRWDPD.

-  The Natural Resources Flow Analysis will inform an ecological footprint of Leeds, to be used as a  reporting and monitoring mechanism.

-  The sustainability appraisal will consider the effect the DPD may have on environmental, economic and social  issues within Leeds.

-  The key themes which have been identified are: waste; minerals and aggregates; energy and climate change; land use; water resources and air quality.

-  the intention for 6 weeks of public consultation on issues and alternative options to be held in early 2008.

The Chair thanked Mr Walters for the presentation.  Members discussed the following issues in relation to the presentation:-

-  The methods of consultation that could be used to maximise public engagement with the consultation

-  The waste hierarchy and integrated waste strategy for Leeds and their relationships to the NRWDPD

-  The opportunities to link the NRWDPD with other work such as that done with schools and young people and the importance of ensuring consultation material is tailored to the target audiences.

RESOLVED – That the preparatory work being undertaken in the earlier stage in the preparation of the Natural Resources and Waste Development Plan Document, including consultation with the  community and stakeholders and the next stages in the production of the Development Plan Document be noted.