Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision

The Officer’s report covered the draft Planning Policy and Transport Portfolio Plan 2015-16, which sets out the strategic objectives for the portfolio for the year ahead, describes the context in which the portfolio is being delivered and details the activities required to deliver the outcomes and the vision. Performance measures and risks are also shown for each strategic objective.

Decision of the Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport

Approved the draft Planning Policy and Transport Portfolio Plan 2015-16.

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 Head of Planning; introduced by the Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport.

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

       i.          Welcomed progress on City Deal negotiations.

     ii.          Liberal Democrat Councillors regretted that planning applications had moved from Area Committees to the Planning Committee.

In response to Members’ questions the Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport said the following:

       i.          The City Council Local Plan was at a key stage of examination. Housing allocations have been well tested, but room for 2,000 more homes may have to be found within the city limits.

     ii.          South Cambridgeshire District Council was experiencing higher demands for housing. They are a key delivery partner.

   iii.          The City Council was confident it could meet Local Plan requirements and that its planning policies were robust.

   iv.          There was a memorandum of understanding between authorities and duty to co-operate across the county. If one partner could not deliver, other organisations would have to cover the shortfall in housing delivery.

    v.          The City Council Local Plan included performance targets to meet for major, minor and other planning applications. These were being met. Councils who did not meet targets were penalised.

The Head of Planning Services undertook to send Committee Members performance information on the speed of processing planning applications.

   vi.          The Executive Councillor would pass on Councillors’ requests for the City Deal Assembly to have alternate members as well as substantive ones.

The Committee unanimously resolved to endorse the recommendation.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

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

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.