30th March 2006 - Minutes

BABERGH DISTRICT COUNCIL STRATEGY COMMITTEE

MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE STRATEGY COMMITTEE HELD IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, COUNCIL OFFICES, CORKS LANE, HADLEIGH ON THURSDAY 30 MARCH 2006

PRESENT: Mr N A Ridley – Chairman

Mr N A Bennett and Mr D J Read were unable to be present

150  SUBSTITUTES

It was noted that in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No. 5, a substitute was in attendance as follows:-

Mr R W Thake (substituting for Mr N A Bennett).

151 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS

The following Members all declared personal interests in Minute No. 155 but advised that they would speak and vote on the relevant matter:-

Mr N A Ridley declared a personal interest in that part of the item referred to in Minute No. 155 by virtue of his Chairmanship of the Gainsborough House Society.

Mr R W Thake declared a prejudicial interest in that part of the item referred to in Minute No. 155 relating to Peoples Park, Sudbury as his son lives in a property adjacent to the site. He would not be present during any part of the discussion involving Peoples Park.

152  PETITIONS

The Acting Head of Legal and Administrative Services reported that in accordance with Council Procedure Rule No. 13, a petition had been submitted to the Chief Executive relating to:

Development of land east of Carsons Drive, Great Cornard (signed by approximately 1,830 residents of the District). This was part of the item under consideration in Minute No. 155 below.

153  QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS

None received.

154 ISSUES ARISING FROM OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY COMMITTEES (OVERVIEW AND SCRUTINY RULES 33 AND 34)

None received.

155  BABERGH LOCAL PLAN (ALTERATION NO. 2): PROPOSED POST INQUIRY MODIFICATIONS

The Acting Head of Planning Policy and Economic Development submitted a report (Paper E314) advising that the Council’s emerging Local Plan has been under preparation since 1998 and is now approaching the final stages towards its adoption.

Paper E314 outlined the outcome of the recent public consultation exercise carried out on the current changes (Post Inquiry Modifications) proposed to the Council’s emerging Local Plan.

In addition to recent publicity on the plan, meetings with Town and Parish Councils most affected by current changes had also been held.

The Acting Head of Planning Policy and Economic Development introduced Paper E314 and referred to each of the main issues raised. The tables attached as Appendix A to Paper E314 outlined the numbers of representations received and the matters/sites that were subject to these representations. A full listing of representations including a précis of the points made together with Officers’ proposed responses was also attached as Appendix C. Appendix B referred to a Schedule of all (non-substantive) changes now proposed in response.

During consideration of the item an amendment was proposed and seconded that the site east of Carsons Drive, Great Cornard be deleted. Upon being put to the vote, the amendment was lost.

Note: During consideration of this item the Committee adjourned for lunch at 1.00 p.m. and resumed at 1.30 p.m. when the following Members were present:-

Mr N A Ridley – Chairman

RECOMMENDED TO COUNCIL

(1)That the responses to the recent public consultation exercise be noted.

(2)That the proposed detailed responses on each issue and to each representation, set out in Appendix C, and the proposed non-substantive changes at Appendix B, be agreed subject to the inclusion of additional wording to address the highway matters at Carsons Drive, Great Cornard and additional wording for the site at Glemsford regarding drainage issues and the need for comprehensive development proposals. Further that the Acting Head of Planning Policy and Economic Development be authorised to produce the additional wording.

(3)That the Acting Head of Planning Policy and Economic Development be granted authority to make any necessary minor changes, revisions and edits to correct any remaining errors, effect any updates, ensure consistency and aid comprehension of the Plan.

(4)That a further Public Local Inquiry into the objections raised in response should not be held.

(5)That the adoption of the Local Plan be pursued as soon as possible following adherence to the requisite formal adoption procedures. The proposed date of adoption will form a recommendation to Council (on 11 April).

Note: The meeting adjourned between 11.05 and 11.25 a.m. for refreshments.

The business of the meeting was concluded at 2.20 p.m.

Chairman