Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meetings held on 22 November and 29 November 2022.

The Minutes of the meetings of the Committees held on 22 November and 29 November 2022 were agreed as correct records and signed by the Chairman.

To receive communications from the Chairman.

There were no Chairman’s announcements.

There were no items of urgent business.

** Due to the size of the documents, to assist with access and downloading, the appendices to the report are published as supplements to the main agenda **

Report of Assistant Director – Planning and Development.

Purpose of report

To present the draft Cherwell Local Plan 2040 for scrutiny ahead of its consideration by Executive on 19 January 2023.

Recommendations

The meeting is recommended:

1.1       To review the draft Cherwell Local Plan 2040 and identify any comments for consideration by the Executive at its meeting on 19 January 2023.    

1.2       To note that the Assistant Director for Planning and Development, will retain delegated authority, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning and Development, to make minor amendments to the draft document, including correcting any typos or formatting errors, up to the start of the consultation. 

Resolved

(1)           That having given due consideration to the draft Local Plan 2040, the following comments be made to Executive for consideration:

·       The balance of affordable housing included in the plan is not ambitious enough or adequate.

·       Clarity and assurance there is no change from the partial review of the Local Plan regarding Frieze Farm in Kidlington and its provision as an alternative Golf Course location.

·       It is important that all infrastructure keeps pace with development as well as ensuring satisfactory integration between new developments and established communities.

·       The importance of farming in the district has been recognised in the draft, but it should be given more prominence.

·       Noting the reference to Bicester Strategic Corridors, consideration should be given to creating a formal Green Belt around Bicester.

·       More should be done to maintain the Green Ring around Kidlington.

·       Rural allocation of housing should be equitable.

·       Executive to assure itself that the wording of policies included in the plan is strong enough, particularly those in relation to Climate Action and viability.

·       That Members be given more opportunities to engage, provide feedback and comments during the Regulation 18 consultation.

(2)           That it be noted that the Assistant Director – Planning and Development will retain delegated authority, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Planning, to make minor amendments to the draft document, including correcting of typos or formatting errors, up to the start of the consultation.

The Assistant Director for Planning and Development submitted a report to which presented the draft Cherwell Local Plan 2040 for scrutiny ahead of its consideration by the Executive on 19 January 2023.

The Planning Policy, Conservation and Design Manager introduced the Draft Local Plan 2040 (Regulation 18) Consultation and advised that the Plan had been drafted using a wide range of information including evidence, work with stakeholders and responses from previous consultations.

The Planning Policy, Conservation and Design Manager emphasised that the Regulation 18 consultation was the first opportunity for interested parties to make a meaningful contribution and comment on the detail of the draft plan. Engagement would continue over the course of the Local Plan process and further documents to support the Local Plan would be published as part of the public consultation. The responses received during the consultation would be considered by officers and inform any changes prior to the Regulation 19 stage consultation.

The Planning Policy, Conservation and Design Manager advised that changes could be made to the draft Regulation 18 Plan, with a Regulation 18 consultation running again if required, however the council cannot make any significant changes at the Publication (Regulation 19) stage.

In response to Members’ comments on the 30% affordable housing quota for new developments, the Planning Policy, Conservation and Design Manager advised that at this stage the document was under consultation so changes could be made. Evidence that had been produced for the Plan, had indicated 30% as a viable figure.

Following comments from Members regarding the numbers stated in documents for the housing need requirements, the Planning Policy, Conservation and Design Manager confirmed the housing need was made up of several components that included the Cherwell need, Oxford’s unmet housing need and a proposed contingency and that figures were given for four different housing need scenarios.

In response to a Members’ concern that the site of Frieze Farm at Kidlington was not referred to within the draft Plan, the Assistant Director – Planning and Development confirmed that there were no proposals to change anything in relation to Frieze Farm. This was an editorial error and it should be as set out in the Local Plan Partial Review. This would be corrected in the consultation version.

In response to Members’ questions regarding how the new proposed developments would be integrated with existing developments and settlements, the Principal Planning Policy Officer explained that as part of the evidence base for the Plan, transport assessments and work on infrastructure and local services/facilities were considered when sites were chosen.

In regard to a question from the Committee regarding if discussions had taken place with neighbouring authorities to consider if Cherwell’s unmet need could be met in other districts, the Planning Policy, Conservation and Design Manager advised that Councils were expected to accommodate their own housing need unless they are unable to do so. Cherwell could meet the unmet figure identified so there would be no justification to ask a neighbouring authority to help with the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 55.