Agenda item

To consider the report of the Chief Planning Officer with an update on the Site Allocations Plan.

(Report attached)

(Appendices 1 & 2 to follow)

Further to minute 48 of the meeting held 18th December 2018, the report of the Chief Planning Officer provided the Panel with an update on the Site Allocations Plan’ position.

The Group Manager, Policy and Plans, introduced the report and summarised the overall scope of the SAP Inspectors’ schedule of recommended potential Main Modifications, which would be subject to a 6 week consultation period.

Members noted the SAP would be considered by Executive Board on 14^th January 2019 with a Recommendation to agree public consultation on the Main Modifications. Prior to the meeting, the Panel received supplementary information due to be considered at Executive Board on 14^th January 2019, which included:

·  Executive Board Report

·  Appendix 1 - Further post hearing note from the Inspector;

·  Appendix 2 - Inspectors’ recommended potential Main Modifications;

·  Appendix 3 - Sustainability Appraisal document;

·  An updated version of ‘Table 1’, as detailed within Appendix 2 to the submitted report

Members discussed the following:

-  The proposed review of the SAP which will be commenced with the intention of submission to the Inspector by 31^st December 2021 following the adoption of the Core Strategy Selective Review.

-  Noted the removal of phasing allowed focus on the suitability of sites, avoiding any delays to meeting Leeds’ housing requirements and sought to reduce the overall release of Green Belt for development.

Members were informed that the Inspector requested Officers to review the Gypsy and Traveller policy, requiring the Council to allocate provision of private sites, to be reviewed before 2024, to plan for the need of Gypsies and Travellers.  A Member requested that the Council and its Members’ welcome further provision around Gypsy and Travellers’ accommodation of private sites.  Additionally, it was agreed to monitor the deliverability of sites and report back to DPP with an update, including a response from Leeds Gate.

In response to Members concerns, the Legal Adviser clarified that the Council facilitate the public consultation on behalf of the Inspector; representations will be dealt with directly by the Inspector.  Representations with no relevance to the scope of Main Modifications are likely to be deemed not duly made. 

Additionally, Members were informed that the Main Modifications relate solely to the soundness and legal compliance of the plan.  In addition a schedule of additional modifications, which are consequential changes for clarity purposes, will be made available by the Council on its website.  These are not subject to consultation but provide clarity. 

The Chair reiterated the importance of convening Ward Member briefings, specifically upon completion of the SAP process.  Panel Members expressed their gratitude to Officers and the Legal team for their hard work during the SAP process, highlighting the achievement that significant weight can be afforded to the provisions of the SAP when determining planning applications.

RESOLVED-

A.  To note the contents of the report and the supplementary documents and the comments made during the discussions on the progression of the SAP and;

B.  To recommend Executive Board approve that the Inspectors schedule of Main Modifications are subject to a 6 week public consultation period