DECISION

1.    To approve the draft “Our Borough, Our Plan: A New Local Plan First Steps” (contained in appendix 1) and the supporting documents (contained in appendix 2 – 3) for public consultation.

2.    To authorise the Corporate Director for Development and Renewal, on behalf of the Mayor, to make any necessary and appropriate minor amendments to the draft of “Our Borough, Our Plan: A New Local Plan First Steps” (appendix 1) prior to public consultation (anticipated to commence on 14^th December 2015).

Action by:

CORPORATE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT AND RENEWAL (A. DALVI)

(Strategic Planning Manager (A. Maher)

Councillor Rachel Blake, Cabinet Member for Strategic Development, introduced the report. She guided Members through the different areas of the report highlighting the reasons for having a local plan, the process involved and consultation elements and finally the status of the document once agreed.

Particular issues that it was hoped could be targeted by the plan included:

·         Sustainability and Waste

·         Air pollution – particularly near schools

·         Design and the quality of places/areas

Looking at the Pre-Scrutiny Questions she reported that the effective consultation period was 11 weeks and that plans to promote the consultation were set out. She agreed that planning standards for play areas were important and she would work with the Cabinet Member for Education and Children’s Services on that issue. This needed to look at all play spaces and not just in schools.

Councillor Andrew Wood spoke on behalf of the Conservative Group and noted concerns about ensuring the publicity around the consultation process was sufficient.

The Mayor thanked all Members for their contributions and agreed the recommendations as set out.

RESOLVED

1.    To approve the draft “Our Borough, Our Plan: A New Local Plan First Steps” (contained in appendix 1) and the supporting documents (contained in appendix 2 – 3) for public consultation.

2.    To authorise the Corporate Director for Development and Renewal, on behalf of the Mayor, to make any necessary and appropriate minor amendments to the draft of “Our Borough, Our Plan: A New Local Plan First Steps” (appendix 1) prior to public consultation (anticipated to commence on 14^th December 2015).