The Environment and Sustainability Committee of Spelthorne Council convened on 18 June 2024 to discuss several key issues, including the approval of a funding bid for Tiny Forests, the appraisal of conservation areas, and the Housing Delivery Test Action Plan.

Tiny Forest Bid

The Committee considered a request to submit a funding bid for the creation of one or more Tiny Forests within the borough. The bid, to be submitted in partnership with Runnymede Borough Council, identified at least two suitable sites in Staines and Ashford. The cost of establishing each site would be approximately £32,960, covered by the Local Authority Treescape Fund, with additional support from Earthwatch. The Committee expressed support for the proposal but raised concerns about the exclusion of a large portion of the population from the proposed sites. It was confirmed that council-owned sites with community use were being explored for future funding opportunities. The Committee resolved to authorise Spelthorne Officers to submit the funding bid and delegate authority to the Head of Corporate Governance to enter a contract with Earthwatch to deliver the Tiny Forest project.

Conservation Areas

Councillor Lisa Brennan left the room for this item due to a declared interest. The Committee reviewed a report on the draft Conservation Area Appraisals for areas in Laleham, Lower Halliford, Lower Sunbury, Manygate Lane, Shepperton, Stanwell, and Upper Halliford. The reviews, conducted by Purcell UK, recommended revisions to the conservation areas. The Council will undertake a six-week public consultation on the recommended revisions, with final appraisals to be presented to the Committee in the future. The Committee resolved to agree on the draft Conservation Area Appraisals, undertake the public consultation, and refer the appraisals back to the Committee for final agreement.

Housing Delivery Test Action Plan

The Committee reviewed the Housing Delivery Test Action Plan 2023 from the Planning Development Manager. As only 68% of the borough’s housing needs have been delivered over the last three years, the Council is required to produce an Action Plan to address underdelivery. The Committee noted various reasons for underdelivery, such as increased construction costs, and queried if any actions would substantially encourage development. The Planning Development Manager explained that the plan demonstrated the Council's efforts to solve the issue. The Committee resolved to agree on the Housing Delivery Test Action Plan 2023 and publish it on the Council’s website.

Consultation on Major Applications

The Committee considered updates to the ‘Consultation on Emerging Planning Proposals’ document from the Planning Development Manager. The protocol, adopted in 2022, is reviewed every two years to highlight updates and impacts. The Committee raised concerns about a recent planning application where the document was not adhered to. The Planning Development Manager explained that the applicant had not met with the Council before submitting their application. The Committee resolved to agree on the revised document.

Update to Design Code Task Group

The Committee reviewed updates to the Design Code Task Group terms of reference. To avoid project delays, it was recommended that authority be delegated for ‘gateway’ decisions and terms of reference be updated to accommodate membership changes. The Committee resolved to delegate authority for ‘gateway’ decisions to the Group Head for Place, Protection and Prosperity in consultation with the Chair of the Environment and Sustainability Committee, and agree on the amended terms of reference.

Updates from Task and Finish and/or Working Groups

The Committee received updates on the work of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Task Groups, the Climate Change Working Group, and the Design Code Task Group. The Committee requested that minutes of the meetings for the Climate Change Working Group and the Design Code Task Group be made available to all members, which was agreed.

Forward Plan

The Committee requested the inclusion of the item on the Committee’s ‘Strategic Priorities 2024/25’ in the next meeting’s agenda and the possibility of producing further conservation area appraisals for the borough. The Committee resolved to note the forward plan, subject to these inclusions.

For more details, you can refer to the printed minutes of the meeting.