| Item | Description | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| PART 1 - PUBLIC | ||
| MATTERS FOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE CABINET | ||
| PE 11/004 |
The Localism Bill - Planning Aspects |
Members were advised that the Localism Bill proposed far reaching changes for local communities, the organisations that served them and for local government functions and services. The report of the Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure highlighted some of the key and fundamental changes proposed to the town and country planning system that would be likely to affect the ways services were delivered. Particular reference was made to concerns regarding neighbourhood planning, specifically proposals to adopt Neighbourhood Development Plans and Neighbourhood Development Orders. Members noted the significant lack of clarity as to how the process would be practically implemented and the uncertainty about the resource requirement that might arise for Local Planning Authorities and Parish Councils or Neighbourhood Forums. Additionally, concern was expressed that the proposed reforms to planning enforcement did not sufficiently address the main frustrations that local authorities experienced in cases of unauthorised development. Members had reservations that the criteria for qualifying bodies in respect of Neighbourhood Development Plans was potentially confusing and cautioned Parish Councils and Neighbourhood Forums to wait until guidance was much clearer before progressing any plans. The current understanding was that such plans would be required to reflect levels of development beyond that contained in the Local Development Framework or Local Plan. It was noted that the issues raised regarding neighbourhood planning gave rise to uncertainty both in terms of the level of expectation of local communities and the potential resource requirements on the Borough Council. RECOMMENDED: That: - (1) the planning content of the Localism Bill be noted; (2) the Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure be requested to forward copies of this report to the local Members of Parliament; (3) the Director of Planning, Transport and Leisure be requested to forward the report together with specific concerns in respect of Neighbourhood Planning and Enforcement aspects of the Bill, as covered in the report, to the Clerk to the Localism Public Bill Committee. *Referred to Cabinet |