Issue - meetings

** Due to the size of the document, the appendix to this report will be published as a supplement to the main agenda **

Report of Head of Development Management

Purpose of report

To seek Member endorsement to consult the public for four weeks on the Cherwell Design Guide, Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), Masterplanning and architectural guidance for residential development  (Design Guide)

The Cherwell Design Guide SPD forms part of the Council’s Local Development Framework and its content will be subject to one formal consultation.

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended:

1.1         To approve the Draft Cherwell Design Guide SPD (Design Guide), for a four week public consultation.

1.2         To authorise the Head of Development Management to make any necessary minor and presentational changes to the Design Guide before formal consultation commences.

Resolved

(1)          That the Draft Cherwell Design Guide SPD (Design Guide) be approved for a four week public consultation.

(2)          That the Head of Development Management be authorised to make any necessary minor and presentational changes to the Design Guide before formal consultation commences.

The Head of Development Management submitted a report to seek Member endorsement to consult the public for four weeks on the Cherwell Design Guide, Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), Masterplanning and architectural guidance for residential development (Design Guide)

The Cherwell Design Guide SPD formed part of the Council’s Local Development Framework and its content would be subject to one formal consultation.

The Executive extended their thanks and commended the Conservation team for its on-going hard work on the Design Guide.

Resolved

(1)          That the Draft Cherwell Design Guide SPD (Design Guide) be approved for a four week public consultation.

(2)          That the Head of Development Management be authorised to make any necessary minor and presentational changes to the Design Guide before formal consultation commences.

Reasons

The Design Guide seeks to provide clear guidance on the design of the built environment to ensure that the detailed policies for high quality design set out in the Cherwell Local Plan are delivered. The document is a comprehensive guide covering an extensive list of design issues that should be considered in residential design / development.

The document proposed for consultation has been prepared having regard to national policy guidance and through informal engagement with key stakeholders. It is considered by Officers that the document presents guidance that provides an appropriate balance between high quality development and the viability of future development proposals.

Proceeding to consultation will provide a further opportunity for stakeholders and members of the public to address matters formally and inform the preparation of the document.

The Design Guide seeks to provide clear guidance on the design of the built environment to ensure that the detailed policies for high quality design set out in the Cherwell Local Plan are delivered. The document is a comprehensive guide covering an extensive list of design issues that should be considered in residential design / development.

The document proposed for consultation has been prepared having regard to national policy guidance and through informal engagement with key stakeholders. It is considered by Officers that the document presents guidance that provides an appropriate balance between high quality development and the viability of future development proposals.

Proceeding to consultation will provide a further opportunity for stakeholders and members of the public to address matters formally and inform the preparation of the document.

Alternative options

Option 1: Not consulting on the proposed documents

Officers consider that without proceeding with this consultation the Council will not be able to provide clear guidance to developers on the design standards of residential development expected by the council.  Consultation will help ensure a robust and transparent process.