Agenda item

The four West of England authorities are preparing a Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) for the sub-region. The four UAs have published an Issues and Options document for public consultation. The consultation period lasts until 29th January 2016 and the Panel are asked to provide their comments on the published options.

The Group Manager for Policy & Environment introduced this item to the Panel. He explained that the Joint Spatial Plan (JSP) is being prepared by the officers of the four UAs and that the costs of which are being managed within existing budgets. However, additional funding has been required to procure specialist expertise and for the public consultation process.  It is proposed that this will be funded during 2015/16 from reserves.

He stated that the Joint Transport Study (JTS) is being undertaken by Atkins on behalf of the West of England Councils. The need for additional resource input from Atkins is presently being reviewed, to support the initial transport assessment of JSP options. This is likely to entail a small additional funding requirement from B&NES and the other UAs, the source for which will be identified and approval sought through usual process prior to any further commitment.

He said that chapter 3 of the document sets out the evidence on the quantum of development that needs to be accommodated. In summary, the Wider Bristol Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) identifies that around 85,000 dwellings are needed between 2016 and 2036. Around 56,000 are already identified in existing plans leaving around 30,000 still to find.  The affordable housing needed between 2016 and 2036 is around 30,000 of which around 20,000 still need to be identified.

He added that the JTS is being undertaken alongside the JSP with complementary milestones. The first stage of the JTS has assessed the performance of the current transport network, study objectives and outline concepts for investment in improving the transport network. In addition, the Issues and Options document includes a commentary on transport issues and a transport-focused spatial scenario.

He informed the Panel that the consultation period closes on January 29^th 2016 and that a draft Plan could be expected towards the middle of this year.

Councillor Paul Crossley asked if the ‘vision’ within the Plan had been adopted by any of the four UAs. He stated that he did not agree with it in its entirety.

The Group Manager for Policy & Environment replied that this vision had taken key points from existing versions across the four UAs based upon the agreed Strategic Economic Plan, but that no overall agreement for it had yet been received.

Councillor Paul Crossley commented that the housing shortfall in his opinion was through Bristol’s inability and their lacking of a High Buildings Strategy.

The Group Manager for Policy & Environment replied that the three other authorities encouraged Bristol to complete work relating to urban intensification and that they have acknowledged there is a need for a “step change” in their approach.

Councillor Lisa O’Brien commented that she felt it was a rose tinted vision that was over ambitious and not a solid blueprint. She asked if any consideration had been given to discussing development outside of the four UAs, Monmouthshire for example.

The Group Manager for Policy & Environment replied that discussions have only been in relation to the prescribed areas of the SHMA.

Councillor Lisa O’Brien said that she was aware of a number of people that are choosing to live in lower cost homes in Wales and then commute into the area for work. She added that she didn’t feel that this element should be ruled out.

The Divisional Director for Development replied that there was a strict process to this work and that the needs of the identified areas must be met first. She added that there were 2 to 3 phases to the process and that discussions were ongoing between the UAs.

Councillor Paul Crossley commented that action should be taken on sites that have planning permission, but have not been developed. He said that it was also too easy to convert employment sites into housing.

The Divisional Director for Development replied that they have highlighted the issue of change of use to the Government as a problem locally.

Councillor Barry Macrae said that he would like to see a timeline of events published for these documents. He added that the needs of our residents must be protected with the correct infrastructure in place.

Councillor Fiona Darey asked if Bristol were truly aware of their need to change.

The Group Manager for Policy & Environment replied that they were and that we were awaiting their Urban Intensification document. He said that this was expected in January / February and could be shared with the Panel.

Councillor Lisa O’Brien said that in her opinion the area of North West Bristol / Severnside was the ideal area for development of housing and employment sites. She added that she wished to applaud the Joint Transport work that had been carried out

The Chairman asked if there was a hierarchy to the documents involved in this work area.

The Group Manager for Policy & Environment replied that the recently adopted Local Plan takes precedent and that the JSP would guide further Core Strategy work.

The Panel RESOLVED to ask that their comments on the West of England Joint Spatial Plan Issues and Options Document and the Joint Transport Study be taken into consideration as part of the consultation process.