Agenda item

To consider the report of the Chief Planning Officer presenting the Authority Monitoring Report – which monitors the Leeds Local Development Framework (LDF). The Localism Act 2011 sets out the requirements for an Authority Monitoring Report (AMR). The purpose of Authority Monitoring Reports (AMRs) is to report on both the performance of specific planning policies and to summarise progress against milestones set out for the preparation of Local Development Documents identified as part of the Local Development Scheme (LDS). The AMR provides an opportunity for local authorities to review delivery progress of the planning policies adopted through the Local Plan process and update, delete or revise Local Development Documents as necessary.

(Report attached)

The report of the Director of City Development outlined the performance of specific planning policies and summarised progress against milestones set out for the preparation of Local Development Documents, identified as part of the Local Development Scheme (LDS).

The Principal Planning Policy Officer introduced the report and presented the highlights of the 2016/17 period to Members of the Board, including:

·  The majority of development  in the city centre over the course of the year had taken place north of the river, but Officers expected more development on the South Bank to be presented in the 2017/18 AMR.

·  Housing delivery has increased but is still below the Core Strategy target.

·  85% of housing (new and conversions) was on brown field land.

·  The 2016/17 period saw a significant increase in retail development, likely to be mainly due to the opening of Victoria Gate.

·  Transport developments included the opening of Kirkstall Forge Train Station and Elland Road Park and Ride.

An update sheet was circulated.  The Panel noted a correction to Indicator 7 which should read “Identified sites” (not windfall) in respect of New Build and Conversions.

Members were informed of intentions to upload the final AMR to the Leeds City Council website. Members felt that more could be done ensure the AMR is accessible to all, and also requested measures reflecting expected progress along with an executive summary of the AMR be included. Officers confirmed that an executive summary would be produced and circulated to Members for comments.

Members sought clarity regarding the increase in retail development, and were given confirmation that the figures did not reflect net gain as the Council does not monitor high street retail vacancies or losses. However, Officers recognised that all indicators reflect the point in time in which they were created five years ago, and need to be regularly reassessed to ensure that they are useful.

Members had heard of issues with the District Heating Scheme. Officers confirmed that any issues with the District Heating Scheme would be reported in the 2017/18 AMR. The Legal Officer confirmed that comments had been passed on to relevant Officers regarding disengagement.

Members sought to understand if the use of Housing Delivery figures could be simplified for non-expert readers to illustrate slower building rates, however, Officers confirmed that measures were defined by National Government. Members were keen that the AMR included the number of extant planning permissions not built out and information regarding the speed of build as this can be slow. A concern was also expressed about the resources available to undertake the monitoring work, particularly in relation to Indicator 4 (Housing Market Characteristic Areas).

Members requested more information on specific projects including Air Pollution. Officers confirmed that there is ongoing work focused around Air Quality, but this is not just a planning process. Officers noted the progress towards Clean Air Zones which is a significant piece of work and is expected to have great impact. Members were also informed of current projects to encourage walking and cycling, particularly in Wards with high air pollution which are closer to the city centre, such as Burmantofts and Richmond Hill.

Additionally, the Panel supported a suggestion to include an Executive Summary in order to better communicate the good news stories within the document; provide a narrative reflecting on the expected outcomes and comparable data with other core cities.

RESOLVED –

a)  To note the contents of the report and the comments made during discussion.

b)  To note the intention to include the suggested updates and amendments within the AMR prior to publication.

c)  That the sessions requested by Members, be arranged.