Issue - meetings

An update on the Local Plan will be provided.

Members noted that following Local Plan was a central government initiative and that the following the initial consultation, 2 out of the 4 sites initially proposed (Homestone Gardens and Brent Knowle Gardens) would go back out to consultation at stage 2 of the consultation. Members further noted that the consultation meeting would take place in February 2023 with the Planning Department would be in attendance and that, concerns raised by local residents as part of the consultation process, would be taken into consideration.

In further discussions around the process, it was noted that the following the consultation period, the Planning Department would put forward proposals and that Full Council would make a decision based on the details from the consultation.

Members also noted that, Sunbury Green which was also out for consultation were active in voicing their opinions about the proposals and were eventually removed of the Local Plan.

As part of the discussions residents noted that:

·         Residents were concerned about the initial phase of consultation taking place during Covid restrictions and that the local residents were not made aware of the consultation

·         Residents suggested that they should be given the opportunity to consult again

·         locals were against the proposals which would result in the loss of green spaces across the ward.

·         That the proposed sites on the local plan for development would cause logistical issues and would put the school children at risk during development

·         Empty homes and derelict sites on the ward should be considered for housing

The Community Engagement Officer noted that the meeting would be held at Thurncourt Community Centre and that the date and time would be advertised to ensure that all local residents have been informed (ACTION: Ward Community Engagement Officer).