Agenda item

Councillor Matt McCabe, Cabinet Member for Built Environment, Housing and Sustainable Development, introduced the report.

It was noted that points made by members of the Panel at this meeting would be fed into the consultation process. The Cabinet Member explained that responses are considered by officers and points made feed directly into policy making.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Leach stated that it was good to see greater focus on affordable housing at national level and stressed the importance of housing being affordable for essential workers. He stated the need to have an ambitious plan and asked if the plan for 1,000 affordable houses properly acknowledges the need. The Cabinet Member acknowledged the point and explained that it is a market driven system. He stated that there are 6,000 on the waiting list and currently 10 affordable housing units per year.

Councillor Box stated that there are some easy wins in the context of climate. Net Zero could be expanded regarding water; flooding techniques incorporated; partnerships with landowners in terms of biodiversity and more teeth regarding enforcement of tree felling. The Cabinet Member stated that planning policy has to be followed but we can push. He asked that evidence be fed into the process.

Councillor Box stated that many housing estates built in the 1980’s and 90’s did not prioritise walking. She asked if this could now be prioritised. The Cabinet Member agreed and explained that the Council does not legislate. The officer stated that plans will maximise the need for active travel along with flood risk and biodiversity considerations. Developers also need to make those connections as well.

Councillor Malloy asked if there were any examples of engagement with seldom heard groups. The Cabinet Member explained that there is a Housing Assembly with Curo (we have not had that groups data feedback yet). He stated that there had been contact with ‘Aging Well in BANES’ regarding accessible housing and that he had spoken to the ‘Student Community Partnership’. There have been roadshows across the district which have included schools and university campuses along with engagement with young professionals and parents. The Cabinet Member added that BANES is low in the South West in terms of people setting up businesses.

Councillor Wait stated that the Government increased housing numbers in BANES but the Local Plan sets out plans for 21,000 housing in North East Somerset and 7,000 in Bath yet employment opportunities are greater in Bath. He stated that this goes against Climate Emergency considerations in terms of commuting/congestion. The Cabinet Member stated that he had raised the point with the minister. Bath is unique in terms of being a UNESCO World Heritage Site which means there is a ring around Bath so a different approach is needed. He explained that he has spoken to the Chair of Heritage England. The Government advise speaking to the planning inspector. The Cabinet Member agreed that the weighting is unfair but the Government see us as one authority area.

Councillor Wait stated that there was a stricter set of planning rules for Bath and another set for North East Somerset and that it seems unfair for North East Somerset to bear the brunt of housing that it does not really need. The officer stated that the rules apply equally but the conditions are different. Councillor Wait suggested this sounded like weasel words.

Councillor Heijltjes stated that there are ongoing issues with local transport and asked how the Local Plan is justified in encouraging car use and what steps can we take. The Cabinet Member stated that the Department of Transport have a connectivity calculator. If an area has a low score and housing is put in – WECA (West of England Combined Authority) may then run buses there. WECA view the Somer Valley as an area for growth. There will need to be infrastructure improvements first which unlocks housing. An example is in Wrightington – with an extra 2,000 houses it will need to be accessible by bus. There has to be an ‘infrastructure first’ approach.

Councillor Leach asked how the Local Plan addresses the 5 year land supply issue. The officer explained that work is ongoing, we are looking at sites and looking at delivery. The rules state that land has to be available, suitable and deliverable.

Councillor Walker explained that she had asked for the item to be deferred to allow local people to have their say. The Cabinet Member asked that views are fed into the consultation. Councillor Wait explained that this item is on the workplan for a future meeting where the Panel can look at representations. Councillor Walker stated she is happy with the approach.

The Cabinet Member asked Panel members to encourage their residents to feed in local knowledge.

Councillor Wait thanked the Cabinet Member and officers and noted that the item would come back to the Panel in January 2026.