Agenda item

A representative from the Planning Service will be present, to discuss planning matters relevant to the Castle Ward, further to the issues raised at the last meeting.

Andrew L Smith, Service Director, Planning and Policy, was introduced to the meeting. Andrew explained that he was pleased to attend the meeting to lead a question and answer session relating to planning issues, as he had been aware that a considerable number of issues had been raised at the previous meeting.  Andrew invited Members of the public to raise their concerns or questions relating to Planning issues in the Clarendon Park area.  The following questions/points were raised:

• There was over development in the area; some houses had been split up into flats, and this appeared to be in conflict with the ethos of a conservation area. There was also an issue with absentee landlords. Did they have the same input into an area, as people who lived in the area?

Andrew explained that the Planning Department were aware of these problems, adding that these issues occurred in other areas, not just Clarendon Park. He added that the City Council Policy Planners, and officers who dealt with planning applications were currently looking into these concerns particularly in terms of developing new planning policies for the future.

• There appeared to be dozens of two bedroom flats being built on land just outside the conservation area. The dominance of these flats as opposed to anything else, which were designed for young professional couples, meant that there was nothing for older people. This did not lead to a balanced community.

Andrew replied that this issue reflected trends that had arisen during the past few years in the housing market, and was not specific to Clarendon Park. However the housing market was changing and there were now different attitudes to development, with more opportunities for developers to move into the affordable housing market. It was noted however that within Clarendon Park, there were not many sites where a range and choice of new housing provision was feasible.  However, meetings had taken place with the Housing Association and Social Landlords to discuss how developments could address peoples’ needs, though there were limits to what the Council could control.  Councils also were obliged to adhere to Government policies as well as their own when dealing with planning applications.

• Who leads the process? Is it the Developer or the Council?

Andrew explained that the Planning Authority managed the process of dealing with planning applications and developing their own policies,  which included policies on conservation areas. The Council’s policies were set out in their Local Plan, which was due to be replaced by the new Local Development Framework.

• Is there anything in the Plan relating to family housing?

It was explained that the Council were obliged to adhere to the national housing targets. These targets stipulated that 35,000 houses should be built within a 25 year period to satisfy all needs. Policies do not specifically favour family housing although influence can be brought to bear when requiring affordable housing provision.

• What is the time scale for the Local Plan?

The current Local Plan was scheduled to expire by 2016. However, the Local Plan was due to be replaced by the new Local Development Framework, which, once adopted would then be in force until 2026.

• Were there any consultations in respect of the Local Development Framework?

Andrew explained that Council officers attended a variety of meetings, including Community meetings such as this, and by doing this gained views from members of the public, which were then used to inform the process.

• Do you take into account the views of residents in considering planning applications?

The meeting heard that the Council went over and above the national guidelines in inviting views on planning applications from residents. However the Council was also obliged to follow Government guidelines; which dictated for example, the affordable housing threshold.

• There had been occasions when the Planning Committee had refused an application, only for a developer to appeal against the decision. The Council needed a strong framework to prevent such appeals.

Andrew explained that the Local Development Framework was open to scrutiny by the Planning Inspector. Additionally, any decision of the Planning Inspector had to be accepted by the Council.  The meeting heard that it was hoped this new Framework would be operational within a year and that it would provide a new policy on which planning decisions could be based.

Members of the public were informed that there would be more opportunities to talk to Andrew during the information fair session at the end of the formal meeting.