Agenda item

This report updates the Scrutiny Panel on Local Development Framework Issues on; (1) The Joint Spatial Plan for the West of England and the review of the B&NES Core Strategy, (2) The Placemaking Plan examination, (3) The implications of the Housing & Planning Act 2016, (4) Preparation and review of Supplementary Planning Documents and (5) Housebuilding rates in B&NES.

Councillor Rob Appleyard resumed the role of Chairman at the beginning of this item.

The Divisional Director for Development introduced this item to the Panel. She explained that following the publication of the Joint Spatial Plan Issues and Options consultation document at the end of last year, work has been progressing on the preparation of options for the draft Plan. This has entailed amongst other things an assessment of the infrastructure required to support new development, especially transport (The Infrastructure Delivery Plan or IDP). She added that this work has included transport modelling as part of the preparation of the Joint Transport Strategy (JTS) which is being prepared in tandem with the JSP in light of the need to ensure that new development is properly aligned with new infrastructure, in order to assist in comparing alternative locations.

She stated that the next key step is the formulation of the most appropriate spatial strategy which enables the delivery of the housing and economic development needed and which is supported by the necessary new infrastructure. She said that this is scheduled to be produced by the middle of July for consideration and for public consultation in the autumn of 2016. She added that the JSP is still in the formative stages of preparation and so there is still the scope to consider different options as the first formal draft of the Plan is due to be prepared by the spring of 2017.

She informed the Panel that the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) have confirmed that Claire Sherratt has been appointed as the Examination Inspector regarding the Placemaking Plan and that the Council has appointed Chris Banks as the Examination Programme Officer. She said that his role will be to help organise and programme the Examination and will act as the liaison point between the Council, the Inspector and representors.

She explained that the Examination is into the soundness of the Plan i.e. whether it has been positively prepared and is justified; effective; and in line with national policy. She stated that the programme for and issues to be considered through the Examination will be determined by the Inspector and that the Examination will therefore be structured around the issues that the Inspector identifies as of critical importance for the soundness of the Plan and is not driven by the representations.

She said that the Inspector has started the process of reviewing the Plan; supporting evidence; and representations received during public consultation. She added that it was anticipated that the Inspector would outline the main matters and issues for consideration at the hearings by the end of June, although these have not been received yet.

Councillor Barry Macrae asked for the Panel to be informed if no information had been received by the end of the week.

On the matter of student accommodation the Divisional Director for Development said that the Adopted Core Strategy and the Draft Placemaking Plan sets out the proposed policy approach. She explained that at the time of preparing the Core Strategy it was considered that the student accommodation requirements resulting from the growth aspirations of both Universities up to 2020/2021 could be accommodated. She added that since that time the Universities’ growth aspirations have increased and the Draft Placemaking Plan seeks to balance the impacts of these increased growth requirements against accommodating other requirements in the city e.g. for general housing and employment space.

She informed the Panel that the Housing & Planning Bill received Royal Assent on 12 May 2016 and is now enacted. She said that it is primarily focused on speeding up the planning system with the aim of delivering more housing.

She explained that the Act introduces a range of changes to the planning system and include introducing 'permission in principle' and the creation of ‘Starter Homes’ for first time buyers. She said there are also provisions which allow the Secretary of State to intervene in local plan preparation and measures to boost self-build and custom-build housing.

She said that ‘permission in principle’ is an automatic consent for building on sites identified in local and neighbourhood plans and on a local planning authority’s register of brownfield land. She added that it is intended to provide developers with greater certainty of consent at an earlier stage in the development cycle than at present. She stated that the provision will not commence until 13 July 2016.

She informed the Panel that starter homes are now categorised as “affordable housing” on new build developments and will count towards Councils’ affordable housing targets. She said that starter homes will be available for first time buyers aged over 23 and below 40 at a 20% discount to market value.

She explained that changes arising from the Housing & Planning Act will have implications for the Core Strategy review in terms of the affordable housing requirement and policy approach and potentially the Placemaking Plan as it goes through the Examination process.

She stated that a number of Supplementary Planning Documents are also scheduled for review or preparation. These are; a) Houses in Multiple Occupation, b) List of Locally Important Buildings, c) Building Heights and d) Bath Design Guide.

Councillor Lisa O’Brien asked if alongside their change in growth aspirations had the Universities attitude to providing an accommodation solution changed.

The Divisional Director for Development replied that over the last 10 – 15 years there had been an increase in the number of purpose built developments. She added that discussions with the Universities were ongoing and that the work on the Houses in Multiple Occupation SPD would provide more information.

Councillor Colin Blackburn commented that it should not be forgotten that the development of North / South Quays will also provide employment opportunities.

The Divisional Director for Development replied that a strategic approach was being taken regarding transport, housing and employment within the area.

The Panel RESOLVED to note the progress on the preparation of Plans within B&NES.