Issue - meetings

This report updates the Panel on the progress of the West of England Joint Planning Strategy.

The Group Manager for Policy & Environment introduced this item to the Panel. He informed them that the Duty to Co-operate in the Localism Act 2012 places a legal duty on local planning authorities and public bodies to engage constructively, actively and on an ongoing basis to maximise the effectiveness of Local Plan preparation in the context of strategic cross boundary matters.

He added that Bristol were undertaking a Strategic Housing Assessment.

He explained that a Memorandum of Understanding had been drawn up that showed the broad remit of work required and quoted a paragraph from it.

The West of England joint planning strategy will identify: the overall quantum of housing and jobs within the West of England and their distribution across the sub-region; the overall spatial strategy; strategic priorities; and strategic infrastructure necessary to deliver the spatial strategy for the West of England. Joint studies will be procured to support this process such as spatial options.

Councillor Lisa Brett asked if the Council were prepared to defend its case should pressure relating to housing come from Bristol.

The Group Manager for Policy & Environment replied that a working group had been set up to monitor this area.

The Chair asked if a more detailed timetable for the strategy was available.

The Group Manager for Policy & Environment replied that there was one and that he would send it to the Democratic Services Officer for circulation.

Councillor David Martin asked how this work would affect a review of the Core Strategy.

The Group Manager for Policy & Environment replied that a partial review will take place as agreed with the Inspector.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the proposals for the preparation of the West of England Joint Strategic Planning Strategy.