Agenda item

To consider the report from the Director of City Development which is submitted to the Scrutiny Board (Infrastructure, Investment and Inclusive Growth) for consideration in accordance with the Budget and Policy Framework. This report provides an overview regarding the preparation of the Core Strategy Select Review.

The report of the Director of City Development provided an overview regarding the preparation of the Core Strategy Select Review.

The following were in attendance for this item:

·  Councillor P Gruen – Deputy Executive Member and Development Plans Panel Chair

·  David Feeney – Head of Strategic Planning

·  Martin Elliott – Group Manager (Policy and Plans)

·  Robin Coghlan – Team Leader, Strategic Planning

Councillor Gruen introduced the report.  Members were reminded that the Council as Planning Authority had a requirement to set out a core strategy and what was planned to do across a range of planning issues.  The current core strategy was approved in 2014.  This review had been a culmination of consultation and work by Members and Officer, particularly the Development Plans Panel.  The Board was also made aware of the recommendations made by Development Plan Panel earlier in the day.  Further reference was made to projected house growth required in the city.

Members’ attention was brought to the key decisions and stages of preparation for the review.  Issues highlighted included the following:

·  Changes to population projections had prompted the review.

·  This was a selective review that focussed on housing numbers, housing quality, greenspace and environmental performance of new housing.

·  Obligations on house builders including provision of affordable housing and greenspace on site as well as quality of housing.

·  The consultation process.

·  The need to ensure that policies were viable and deliverable.

·  Issues including infrastructure and transport would be considered at future reviews.

·  Reference was made to considerations given to the review through the Development Plans Panel and consultation.

·  Officer commitment to providing specific guidance which will better assist members of the public.

Key areas of discussion included the following:

·  Getting a fair share of development across the city – the Strategic Housing Market Assessment had not shown any evidence to change how this was being done.  There remained a focus on regeneration and investment in the main urban areas and major settlements and promote growth.

·  There was a general intent to achieve more greenspace through new development and to provide affordable housing on site.

·  Concern that affordable housing was not affordable to those on low pay and the need to try and get developers to provide housing at the most affordable rates for those on low incomes.

·  Housing mix – Current policy sought to promote the building of varying properties within developments.

·  Concern that private landlords will be purchasing new properties and these won’t be affordable or available for long term tenancies.  It was reported that there would be a mix of new housing including owner occupies, private rented, affordable housing (including social rented) and homes for older people. 

·  The inclusion of minimum space standards.

·  Clarity was sought regarding the projected numbers for new housing against the Government target. 

·  Concern was expressed regarding gaps with relation to environmental and sustainability issues as a result of development. 

·  The Board would receive tracking updates on the delivery of affordable housing following the previous inquiry into Housing Mix.

·  An implementation guide on greenspace would address issues contained in other plans and strategies including child friendly provision.

RESOLVED –

The Scrutiny Board:

i)  Considered the proposals as outlined in the report and in the Development Plan Panel report at Appendix 1  and

ii)  Would submit their observations and conclusions on the proposals to Executive Board for their meeting on 27 June 2018.