Issue - meetings

This report outlines the way forward for the Core Strategy following receipt of the examination Inspector's preliminary conclusions

Alan Langton (Trustee, Bath Preservation Trust) in a statement [a copy of which is attached to the Minutes as Appendix 26 and on the Council's website] warned that it might become necessary to accept that the anticipated housing numbers could not in fact be delivered but he emphasised that the Trust recognised the need for housing development in Bath and would be happy to act as a ‘critical friend’ on preparatory work on housing numbers before and during the consultation phase.

Councillor Geoff Ward in an ad hoc statement observed that there was an urgent need to make progress on the Core Strategy.  He felt that given the urgency of the work in hand, the Planning Department was understaffed.

Councillor Vic Pritchard in an ad hoc statement asked how the Council would deal with the situation that, having no Core Strategy in place after March 2013, it would be unable to defend planning appeals.

Councillor Tim Ball in proposing the item thanked the Bath Preservation Trust for always providing helpful, constructive comments.  In response to Councillor Geoff Ward, he observed that the urgency was caused by the fact that the Cabinet had inherited the situation.  He therefore confirmed that the Planning Department would be working only on the Core Strategy and the Gypsy/Travellers Sites, so as to ensure that those critical policies were delivered.

Councillor Paul Crossley seconded the proposal.  He agreed that, to avoid the problems described by Councillor Vic Pritchard, it was essential to adopt a Core Strategy.  He observed that it had been unhelpful of government to announce an extra 20% burden on Councils half-way through the process.  He was determined that this time, the Council would be able to answer all the Inspector’s concerns.

Councillor David Bellotti supported the paper.

On a motion from Councillor Tim Ball, seconded by Councillor David Bellotti, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To NOTE the brief for the review of the Core Strategy; and

(2) To AGREE the revised Local Development Scheme.