Agenda item

The report of the Policy and Plans Group Manager provides the Inner West Community Committee with a brief synopsis of the Local Plan Update public consultation, for general promotion and to gather input from Elected Members and residents on any further engagement we can do in communities, to raise awareness and encourage participation in the consultation.

The report of the Policy and Plans Group Manager provided the Community Committee with a brief synopsis of the Local Plan Update Public Consultation, for general promotion and to gather input from the Elected Members and residents on any further engagement in the communities, to raise awareness and encourage participation in the consultation.

The officers attending the meeting were grateful that the young people from the Youth Forum and Youth Board had stayed for this item, as they wished to know their views on the consultation process and encourage them to be involved in the process.

It was acknowledged that the language in the Local Plan was ‘dry’. However, the Council needs to determine what happens in the city and acts on policies of the city and the Government. It was the view that these policies were not strong enough and there was a need for this consultation on a wide range of issues. People were being asked to either support the ambitious changes for the city or object to the proposals.

There are a number of ways to engage in the process which included online, mobiles and Youtube video explaining what the Council is trying to change and achieve. It was also noted there was a separate survey aimed at younger people looking for input on important issues for them such as climate change and development. It was noted that there were 5 £10 shopping vouchers for younger people who complete the survey.

The Committee were advised that from consultation so far it showed that young people were concerned on climate change and housing. It was recognised that policies which had been adopted addressed issues such as zero carbon, housing, flood risk, and highlighted the need for blue and green infrastructure on new developments. The Council was also working on place making which looked for better designs, proximity to amenities and local facilities within walking distance to developments.

The public consultation aim was to involve areas and find out what the priorities are for the area. It was noted that the consultation period would finish on 19^th December 2022. The officers said that they would be happy to arrange a workshop in relation to climate change. There was still opportunity to make changes and suggest different things or object to certain parts of the plan.

Member’s discussions included:

·  The Local Plan is important to the city, and there is also a need for smaller plans to link to it, such as neighbourhood plans. It was noted that neighbourhood plans looked at houses, streets and footpaths. It was acknowledged that most neighbourhood plans only went up to the ward boundary. It was suggested that links should be made with other neighbouring wards and linked into the Local Plan.

·  Members were of the view that should be safe access to green spaces, and this differed across the city.

·  Members who had tried to access the consultation thought it was a lengthy process requiring at least 10 clicks to get onto the survey. They did not think it was user friendly and suggested that in future QR codes could be used. It was recognised that the survey could be completed in 4 clicks if the responses agreed with the proposals. However, Members were of the view that this did not allow for people to share their views on the proposals.

·  Officers recognised there was a need for events, for young people and where residents could attend if they wished to. The Advanced Youth Work Practitioner who had accompanied the young people to the meeting offered to assist with any event for young people. Members were advised that the Voice and Influence Team had been consulted on the wording used for the Local Plan.

·  Members noted that 740 people had taken part in the previous consultation and this was considered to be a good for planning issues.

·  Officers took advice from the young people in attendance that schools, posters, social media were a good way to engage with young people on these types of issues.

RESOLVED – To note the content of the report and presentation and to provide assistance to promote the consultation in the Inner West Community Committee area.