Issue - meetings

To consider and recommend to Council changes to the Core Strategy in response to the examination inspector's preliminary conclusions

David Redgewell in an ad hoc statement emphasised to Cabinet that doing nothing was not an option.  He felt that the authority must accept that it needed to increase its housing and that the Core Strategy must reflect this.

Peter Duppa-Miller (Secretary to the Town and Parish Councils Association) in an ad hoc statement said that the association was eager to work with planning officers to adopt and implement the core Strategy.  They felt that small amounts of new housing should be allowed in the washed-over green belt settlements.

Councillor Geoff Ward in an ad hoc statement agreed with Peter Duppa-Miller.  He was concerned that rural areas appeared to be ruled out from even small housing growth simply by virtue of the public transport argument, when in fact most rural dwellers would use their cars to travel around.

Councillor David Laming in an ad hoc statement was delighted that attention was being paid to the river corridor.  He reminded the Cabinet that new homes could be floating or mobile.  The real need was for affordable housing.

Councillor Tim Ball introduced the item by thanking David Redgewell and Peter Duppa-Miller for their contributions to the debate.  He thanked officers for working so hard to get the strategy back on course.  He announced that many of the questions being raised would be answered when the issue was considered at the Full Council in March.  He said that the strategy would revisit the housing numbers and the delivery mechanism.

Councillor Ball moved the recommendations.

Councillor Paul Crossley seconded the proposal.  He reminded Cabinet that this was a key document which would enable the Council to plan and control development in the area.  It had been regrettable that consensus could not be reached last autumn, but he was confident of agreement when it was brought back to Council.

Councillor Roger Symonds said that the strategy must be a balance between those who have cars and those who relied on public transport.

Councillor David Dixon said that the key to sustainable development was putting work near to homes.  It was also about the provision of local shops.  His priority was to deliver homes for people and families.

Councillor Cherry Beath said that the strategy would deliver healthy communities.  She had been delighted to hear that Councillor Eleanor Jackson would welcome more homes in Radstock.

Councillor Tim Ball in summing up agreed that housing must be in the right place, to minimise travel.

On a motion from Councillor Tim Ball, seconded by Councillor Paul Crossley, it was

RESOLVED (unanimously)

(1) To NOTE the progress on the work required on the Core Strategy to address examination Inspector’s concerns.