Decision details

The Concept Statements are being prepared to set out the Council's broad planning principles to guide development on the Mod Sites at Warminster Road, Foxhill and Ensleigh in preparation for the forthcoming disposal by the MoD

(1) To APPROVE the draft Concepts Statements for the MoD sites at Ensleigh, Foxhill, and Warminster Road for public consultation;

(2) To DELEGATE authority to the Divisional Director of Planning & Transport, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Homes and Planning, to make minor textual amendments prior to publication of the draft Concepts Statements for public consultation;

(3) To APPROVE the public consultation strategy; and

(4) To CONSIDER the comments received and revise the concept statements before their endorsement and launch.

Preparation of Concept Statements will assist in setting out the Council’s development requirements and priorities clearly and at an early stage in the disposal of the MoD sites. This provides clarity for any prospective site purchasers and will assist in the redevelopment process.  There is insufficient time to prepare a formal Development Plan Document in the disposal process.

Adoption of a statutory Development Plan Document or Supplementary Document:

Whilst the Concept Statements represent the start of a statutory plan-making process, there is insufficient time available to complete the preparation of Statutory Planning Documents.

Preparation of a Masterplan/development brief:

This would entail a level of detail premature at this stage in the development process and commit the Council to unwarranted cost.

Do nothing:

This will result in lack of clear planning guidance and lack of clarity of corporate priorities.  This will be of detriment to the site disposal process, result in lack of clarity for developers and to guide the site disposal process and could inhibit the Council achieving its corporate objectives.