Decision details

To agree the policies that will be identified as Strategic Policies in respect of Neighbourhood Planning.

Matter for Decision

The report sought approval for the schedule of strategic polices of the adopted Cambridge Local Plan 2018 for the purposes of neighbourhood planning.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Planning Policy & Transport

       i.          Agreed the schedule attached at Appendix 1 of the Officer’s report, containing the policies that are considered strategic for the purposes of neighbourhood planning, taking into account the broad guidance provided by the National Planning Policy Framework (2018) and the planning practice guidance.

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 Manager.  The report referred to Neighbourhood Plans (NP) which were introduced by the Localism Act (2011) to provide a planning tool for local people to use to guide future development, regeneration and conservation of an area.  Government policy and practice guidance for neighbourhood planning had set out in the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and in associated planning practice guidance. NP were prepared by local communities, and in Cambridge by Neighbourhood Forums. 

In response to comments from the Committee, the Director for Planning and Economic Director and Planning Policy Manager said the following:

       i.          The table in Appendix 1, of the Officer’s report (p440) of the agenda pack outlined the policies from the adopted Cambridge Plan 2018 that are recommended to be strategic policies in line with Central Government guidance.

     ii.          Regarding non-strategic policies it was possible for a local community to take a different view in a NP to that of the Local Plan (LP). The Local Plan and Neighbourhood Plans together provide a context for considering planning applications.

       i.          A NP had to demonstrate general conformity with the strategic policies of the Local Plan.

The Committee:

 The Committee resolved unanimously to endorse the recommendations as amended.

The Executive Councillor for Planning Policy & Transport approved the recommendations.