Issue - meetings

RESOLVED that the Local Development Scheme attached as Appendix A of the circulated report to come into effect on 8 November 2019 be approved.

The Portfolio Holder for Planning presented the report to update the Local Development Scheme to take account of the new Greater Exeter Strategic Plan (GESP) timetable agreement. The GESP did not increase the number of houses to be built in the district, there were set by Central Government using the ‘standard method’. The GESP enabled a longer term strategic view on where would be the most sustainable places to build houses and to act collectively to help to bring forward major infrastructure projects. The GESP also fulfilled an important requirement under the ‘duty to cooperate’ with neighbouring authorities in the preparation and inspection of Local Plans. 

Non-Executive Members raised concerns regarding the proposed timetable in relation to the 2023 district elections; 40% of the district being in Dartmoor National Park and the implications this had for the housing numbers and their allocation and government guidance stated that an alternative approach could be used in such circumstances; and the need for a risk assessment should there be a delay in the plan and the impact this could have on the Councils Local Plan.

The Business Manager - Spatial Planning commented that the council was not the planning authority for Dartmoor National Park and that they had their own local plan. The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was clear on the standard methodology used for housing numbers. If the council prepared its plan using the alternative approached referred to it would almost certainly be asked by the Inspector to prepare its local plan again. GESP recommendations had to be agreed by all the individual councils.

The Leader commented that he has written to two Prime Ministers to challenge the housing numbers for the district.

During discussion Members recognised the importance of cross boundary cooperation to ensure infrastructure provision, sustainability and to protect the environment. 

The Portfolio Holder for Planning proposed the recommendation, this was seconded by the Portfolio Holder for Sport, Culture & Tourism.

RESOLVED that the Local Development Scheme attached as Appendix A of the circulated report to come into effect on 8 November 2019 be approved.