The Authority Monitoring Report was introduced
by Cabinet member for planning, Councillor Anne-Marie Simpson.
The purpose of the annually produced report is
to track progress on meeting the district’s development needs
and whether the adopted policies of the development plan are
implemented effectively. This report is for 2018-19 and was
published in December 2019. The adopted core strategy is the main
focus. When the new Local Plan 2035 is adopted, future AMRs will
reflect policies in that document.
This report contains a lot of useful data and
officers were present to help answer any questions.
The committee were asked to consider the
Authority Monitoring Report and provide feedback to the Cabinet
Member for Planning, noting that the report is already published
and cannot be changed for 2018-19.
Comments were made as follows:
- A view was fed back that transport
links to main employment and leisure hubs were not adequate in the
evenings. It was asked when the next survey for rural transport
would be. Item 1.17, page 3. Lucy Murfett to check.
- Committee asked about the spend for
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) – it was explained the
staffing resource was for collecting CIL. Two teams use this
administration income.
- 6.13 – affordable homes were
discussed – what is included in affordable? How do we get up
to the 40% level? The committee were informed that the figure is
the outcome of negotiations by officers. Sites for affordable
housing are assessed, and priorities are given to access to roads
and closeness to schools. We negotiate to get a balance of
affordable housing and the priorities needed for the site to go
ahead. Viability on a case by case basis. Viabilities for
developers are checked by an external independent body. We tell
developers that we make the document public.
- Committee asked about traveller
consultation and the process for this. It was confirmed that
interviews were carried out by specialists, it’s a thorough
piece of work, and has been done in conjunction with other
authorities. Includes housed travellers and travelling show people.
Ten pitches are now needed. Potential pitches undergo the same fair
assessment and there is no added pressure on other applications if
a previous application is refused.
- The committee discussed social rent.
Not all can afford shared ownership, and we want to deliver social
rent. Cabinet member for Planning replied that it is difficult to
achieve and we need to see what happens
going forward. Affordable vs social rent – what is the
definition, is there a difference? Planning clearly sets out
percentage affordable housing in planning applications going to
planning committee. Planning negotiates as best as it can under the
regulations. It was asked if there could be a running total of
secured affordable homes. There is currently a yearly data
collection, can quarterly be achieved for housing land supply?
Picture is distorted by the delay due to Covid-19.
- Loss of retail floor space –
worsened by Covid-19, conversion to accommodation is happening more
often and could be worse in future. Permitted development rights
have been given by Central Government. Issues to be addressed in
the new Local Plan. There is also a new use class and we have no
ability to stop that. Permitted development rights cannot be
stopped, maybe under Article four if there are strong reasons. We
have to wait and see the effect of Covid-19 on the retail market.
The AMR is an opportunity to learn lessons for the future.
Recommendation:
Cabinet member for Planning to discuss with
the Head of Planning to decide if we can bring forward more data on
the delivery of affordable housing.
The Head of Planning, Cabinet member and
planning officers were thanked for their work.
The meeting closed at 19:30pm