Issue - meetings

** Please note that Appendix 1 will be circulated under separate cover to the main agenda pack as it will be in colour **

Report of Strategic Planning and the Economy

Summary

To seek the approval of Executive of the Draft Conservation and Urban Design Strategy for Cherwell for public consultation purposes.

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended:

(1)               To consider the content of the Draft Conservation and Urban Design Strategy.

(2)               To approve the Draft Conservation and Urban Design Strategy for public consultation purposes.

Recommendations approved, subject to the following amendment to recommendation 2:

(2)       That the Draft Conservation and Urban Design Strategy be approved for public consultation purposes and that authority be delegated to the Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy, in consultation with the Lead Member for Planning, to make any minor amendments to the Strategy prior to consultation.

The Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy submitted a report which sought the approval of the Draft Conservation and Urban Design Strategy for Cherwell for public consultation purposes.

In introducing the report, the Lead Member for Planning advised Members that an addendum to the report had been circulated as since publication of the Executive agenda the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) had been published, which replaced existing Planning Policy Guidance and Statements. Additionally, the Budget Statement had removed the provision of zero rating for VAT purposes of new works to listed building from 1 October 2012.

The Lead Member for Planning explained that if approved for consultation purposes, the Draft Conservation and Urban Design Strategy would be updated to reflect the changes arising from the NPPF and the budget statement.

Member agreed that the Draft Conservation and Urban Design Strategy was important for the district as it supported the protection of local heritage and the promotion of local design.

The Lead Member for Planning reported that Linda Rand, Senior Conservation Officer, would be retiring at the end of the week. The Executive thanked Linda for her hard work for the authority expressing their appreciation for her services to planning and wished her all the best for her retirement.

Resolved

(1)               That the content of the Draft Conservation and Urban Design Strategy be considered.

(2)       That the Draft Conservation and Urban Design Strategy be approved for public consultation purposes and that authority be delegated to the Head of Strategic Planning and the Economy, in consultation with the Lead Member for Planning, to make any minor amendments to the Strategy prior to consultation.

Reasons

This draft strategy sets out the Council’s remit in the areas of conservation and urban design, illustrates what has been achieved and what we will strive to achieve in the future.  The document covers a three year period from April 2012 to March 2015.

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