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Consideration was given to
recommendation HP 23/11 of the Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select
Committee of 7 June 2023.
 
Members attention
was drawn to the further detail on the assumptions around the Local
Development Scheme (LDS) timetable, the evidence base studies and
costs set out in the supplementary report of the Director of
Planning, Housing and Environmental Health.  Particular reference was made to revised proposals
in respect of the Green Belt Study which recommended that more
detailed work be undertaken and that options for a ‘strategic
gap’ be explored.  It was
anticipated that this further work could cost in the region of an
additional £15,000.  However, it
was noted that all cost assumptions set out in Annex 3 were
informed estimates at this stage.
 
On the grounds that
the Green Belt Study was a crucial piece of evidence which
influenced other key policy decisions relating to the Local Plan,
 Councillor Taylor proposed, seconded by
Councillor Boughton  that the study be
commissioned as soon as possible to realistically meet the
timeframes set out in the LDS and that the recommendations of the
Housing and Planning Scrutiny Select Committee be amended.
 

RESOLVED:  That
 
(1)            
the commissioning the extended scope of local plan Green Belt
evidence and associated costs that were not anticipated at the time
of the HPSSC recommendation be approved;
 
(2)            
the new Local Development Scheme  be
approved and the implications on timing of the above decision and
the uncertainties regarding the outcome of the government’s
planning reforms be noted; and
 
(3)            
the additional budget requirements of the local plan and the need
for further financial provision in future budget setting process be
noted.