Decision details

Matter for Decision

Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire Local Plans were currently being examined by independent Planning Inspectors. The Inspectors asked the Councils to review the monitoring framework and requirements set out in their respective Local Plans to ensure that the monitoring indicators were SMART (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound).

 

The Councils have worked together to review their monitoring requirements and indicators, and where appropriate have made their requirements and indicators consistent. Modifications were proposed in order to make the plan sound.

 

The Officer’s report addressed the proposed modifications to Appendix M: Monitoring & Implementation of the emerging Cambridge Local Plan, which, if approved by the Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport, would be submitted to the Planning Inspectors for consideration.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport

Agreed:

       i.          Proposed modifications to Appendix M: Monitoring & Implementation of the emerging Local Plan (Appendix A & B) for submission to the Inspectors examining the Local Plan as set out in the Officer’s report and minutes below;

     ii.          That delegated authority be given to the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development to make any subsequent minor amendments and editing changes to Appendix M, in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport, Chair and Spokes of Development Plan Scrutiny Sub Committee.

 

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

 

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

 

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Planning Policy Officer.

 

The Committee made the following comments in response to the report:

       i.          Discussed the appropriateness of triggers and targets.

     ii.          Discussed amendments, which were noted by the Planning Policy Officer who agreed to incorporate the changes:

·       Setting out more explicit commentary in the Annual Monitoring Report about whether targets were being met or not.

·       P189 Appendix A: Amended Appendix M: Monitoring and Implementation (Clean) – the target could be amended to differentiate if 1 large or several small developments did not meet the criteria.

·       (Text changes shown in bold/strikethrough) P193 Appendix A: Amended Appendix M: Monitoring and Implementation (Clean) - Trigger: No loss The loss of a/any local heritage assets.

 

The Planning Policy Officer said the following in response to Members’ questions:

       i.          P165 Appendix A: Amended Appendix M: Monitoring and Implementation (Clean) – the target did not include developments legally allowed on the greenbelt.

     ii.          P166 Appendix A: Amended Appendix M: Monitoring and Implementation (Clean) – Policy 2 did not include triggers as the City Council were not responsible for the Local Transport Plan.

   iii.          P289 set out an audit trail for each proposed modification to Appendix M.

   iv.          All indicators were annually monitored for the Local Plan.

    v.          The methodology for assessing progress against the housing target was based on national guidance, as set by the Planning Inspector when commenting on the Local Plan

 

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendations, subject to agreement of amendment wording by Chair and Spokesperson in consultation with the Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations, subject to agreement of amendment wording by Chair and Spokesperson.

 

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.