Agenda item

Alison Bowen, Team Leader, Planning Policy and Design gave a presentation on the Local Development Framework.  Alison explained that the Local Development Framework (LDF) Local Plan would set out Specific Site Allocations and Planning Management Policies.

1)    Specific Site Allocations included sites for:

·         Housing – to meet the housing needs of the City.

·         Employment  - to meet the employment needs of the City

·         Mixed use development – for some sites in regeneration areas.

2)    Planning management Policies included:

·         Designation and protection of green space

·         Identification of hierarchy of biodiversity sites

·         Safeguarding higher quality employment land

·         Car parking standards

·         Mitigation of flood risk

·         Residential amenity

Alison explained that a ‘call for sites’ had been made in November 2010 and over 70 suggestions for sites had been submitted, including sites for green space in Aylestone. Currently site assessments were in progress and all the sites that had been put forward would be assessed.

A consultation document setting out information on all the sites that had been proposed for development, would be published during the Winter of 2011/12. There would be a public consultation along with presentations at Community Meetings, information in the local press and discussions with interested organisations or individuals. This would be followed by an independent examination and finally adoption during the Winter 2013.

Alison explained that people could get involved in the process through Community Meetings, exhibitions that would held around the City, by accessing the Council website or by requesting individual notification.

The following questions / comments were raised:

·         Leicester was one of the top 10 areas at risk of flooding – was it  appropriate to have more housing development, as this would increase the risk of flooding?

The Chair explained that the Council were looking at the issue of flooding.  Alison also confirmed that flood risks were taken into account and the Council were also consulting with the Environment Agency.

·         When was the Grand Union Canal last dredged?

Alison stated that she was not sure but a member of the community commented that he thought the canal was last dredged about 10 years ago.  The meeting heard that the canal was full of weeds, which increased the risk of flooding. If the canal was dredged, the water holding capacity would increase.  A member of the public added that in addition, the River Soar was also choked up with weeds.

Members of the public were then given an update on the proposed new Doctors’ Surgery on the site of the Rutland Inn Public House.

Mike Turner, MBE addressed the meeting and explained that he was Chairman of the Patients’ Participation Group for the surgery. Mr Turner made the following points:

·         Drawings of the proposal had been viewed and amendments made.

·         Further drawings had been viewed last week.

·         A model had been made of the proposed building and this would be on display for members of the public to view.

·         The new medical centre would be a substantial building comprising of 3 storeys.

·         The ground floor would have a pedestrian entrance from Aylestone Road and there would be five consulting rooms.

·         There would be a dentist on the second floor and access would be by a lift as well as stairs.

·         There would be some residential accommodation on the third storey.

·         It was intended that there would be some community usage at the new centre and Mike would be talking to the Police about the possibility of them having a permanent base located there.

·         Discussions would also take place with the Aylestone Local Action Group and a free standing site in the car park had been offered for a public notice board.

The impact of any additional traffic was raised and Alison stated that the Planning Officers would take this into account and that there would be a transport assessment.

A member of the public expressed a hope that the new building on the Rutland Inn site should not be out of character with the local area. Mr Turner acknowledged this concern and responded that he had spoken to Councillor Clarke about this and they both acknowledged that the Rutland Inn was a landmark in the Aylestone area.