Issue - meetings

Cabinet, at its meeting on 7 April 2016, will consider a report to make the Henley and Harpsden Neighbourhood Plan part of the Development Plan for South Oxfordshire.

The report of the head of planning, which Cabinet will consider on 7 April 2016, is attached.

The recommendation of Cabinet will be circulated to councillors on Monday 11 April 2016.

Council considered Cabinet’s recommendation, made at its meeting on 7 April 2016, to make the Henley and Harpsden Neighbourhood Plan part of the Development Plan for South Oxfordshire. 

In response to a question Mr Cotton, Leader and Cabinet member, confirmed that he would liaise with the planning department regarding officer resources to support the progression of neighbourhood plans and stated that additional funds would be available for town and parish councils from the new grant scheme which replaced the council tax reduction scheme grant.   

RESOLVED: to make the Henley and Harpsden Neighbourhood Plan, attached at appendix 1 to the head of planning’s report to Cabinet on 7 April 2016, part of the Development Plan for South Oxfordshire. 

To consider the head of planning’s report. 

Cabinet considered the head of planning’s report, which recommended that the Henley and Harpsden Neighbourhood Plan was made part of the development plan for South Oxfordshire. 

The Cabinet member for strategic policy (including the local plan) reported that Henley-on-Thames Town Council and Harpsden Parish Council had worked together with their local communities to prepare a joint neighbourhood plan.  The plan was then subject to public consultation and an examination in public.  The examiner concluded that, subject to modifications, the plan met the basic conditions set out in legislation and could therefore be submitted for referendum.  Modifications were then duly made to the plan.  At the referendum on 10 March 2016, 81 per cent of those who voted were in favour of the plan.  The officers had confirmed that, as the plan did not breach any European Union obligation or any of the Convention rights within the meaning of the Human Rights Act 1998, the council had a duty to make the plan part of the development plan for South Oxfordshire.  Cabinet supported the neighbourhood plan and congratulated the working groups on their work. 

RECOMMENDED: to Council to make the Henley and Harpsden Neighbourhood Plan, as set out at appendix 1 to the head of planning’s report, part of the development plan for South Oxfordshire.