Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision:  

The report provided an update on progress since the Cambridgeshire Authorities agreed the Joint Statement on the Development Strategy for Cambridgeshire in Autumn 2010. An updated Joint Statement has been prepared for agreement to cover the period before a new non-statutory spatial framework is agreed.

 

Decision of Executive Councillor for Planning and Sustainable Transport:

Approved the updated Joint Statement on the Development Strategy for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough as set out in Appendix A, subject to amendments to paragraph 4.4 bneing agreed with the Chair and Spokesperson. The previous statement is attached at Appendix B of the Officer’s report, for information.

 

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 regarding the Joint Statement on the Development Strategy for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. She confirmed that was a long history of joint working with South Cambs and the County Council and that this would continue. The Joint Statement was an interim measure whilst a new high-level strategic spatial framework was developed.

 

Members expressed concerns about paragraph 4.4 of the report. It was suggested that this endeavoured to capture a raft of ideas, was prescriptive and could be seen to be tilting new development towards fringe site. Concerns were raised that the wording of this paragraph could be viewed as pre determination. Members were also concerned that there should be some acknowledgement of the hard work of the previous partnerships and the need for sustainable development.

 

John Williamson, Manager of Cambridgeshire Joint Strategic Planning Unit,

joined the table and agreed to amend the working of paragraph 4.4 to reflect members concerns. However, there was a need to get the document agreed quickly and the partner authorities would also need to agree the changes. The Chair and Spokes would agree the amended wording.

 

Paragraph 4.2 was discussed. Members felt that this paragraph needed further explanation. A background note would be placed on file to give further information on this issue.

 

The Committee resolved by 4 votes to 0 to endorse the recommendations subject to the amendment to paragraph 4.4.

 

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

 

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

Not applicable.