Decision details

The Committee resolved to advise Mayor and Cabinet of the following:

·         The Committee recommends that Mayor and Cabinet ensures that all options be explored for the consultation on the new Local Plan. The Committee acknowledges that the plan has to be technically sound and legally robust. However, it asks that options be considered for the production of a simplified version of the plan for consultation with as broad a group of residents and stakeholders as possible. The Committee recognises that the Planning Department may need support from other Council teams to achieve this aim.

·         The Committee recommends that options be considered for the engagement of all councillors in the production of the new plan, the Committee believes that specific focus should be placed on the role of ward councillors in engaging local groups and in identifying local opportunities and challenges.

·         The Committee recommends that the new plan be used to promote the inclusion of renewable energy production in new developments.

·         The Committee believes that further consideration should be given to how best areas of public realm (that are delivered as part of new developments) can be maintained in the long term.

The Committee recommends that options should be considered for the retention and expansion of community spaces. It believes that this might best be achieved through the protection and development of the spaces categorised in the D1 planning class. The Committee would welcome the development of a new community space strategy.