MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

COUNCIL

7 DECEMBER 2016

REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC PLANNING, SUSTAINABILITY AND TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE HELD ON 8 NOVEMBER 2016

STAPLEHURST NEIGHBOURHOOD DEVELOPMENT PLAN

Issue for Decision

To make (adopt) the Staplehurst Neighbourhood Development Plan (“the Neighbourhood Plan”) to become part of the Development Plan for Maidstone.

Recommendation Made

That the Staplehurst Neighbourhood Development Plan (“the Neighbourhood Plan”), attached as Appendix A, be made and becomes part of the Development Plan for Maidstone.

Reasons for Recommendation

At its meeting on 8 November 2016 the Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee considered a report and an Urgent Update Report of the Head of Planning and Development on the Staplehurst Neighbourhood Development Plan.

In November 2015 the Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee approved the Council’s response to the formal consultation on the Neighbourhood Plan.  The response, along with all others received was sent to the appointed Examiner early in 2016.

A series of events led to the cessation of the original examination and a new Examiner was appointed.  The second examination was undertaken by Mr Derek Stebbing and the Strategic Planning, Sustainability and Transportation Committee agreed his recommendations and resolved to send the Neighbourhood Plan to a local referendum.

The referendum took place on 3 November 2016 as required by the Town and Country Planning, England, Neighbourhood Planning (Referendums) Regulations 2012, with the process being overseen by the Registration Services team.  One polling station was used: Polling district YA – Village Centre, High Street, Staplehurst with the official count having taken place after the close of the poll.

The turnout for the referendum was 33.77%, with 92.56% voting ‘Yes’ to the question: “Do you want Maidstone Borough Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Staplehurst to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area?”.  The total number of votes cast was 1,586; ‘Yes’ votes were 1,468, ‘No’ votes were 118 and there were no void or rejected ballot papers.

Alternatives Considered and Why Not Recommended

There are no alternative recommendations to be considered as when the outcome of a referendum is a ‘Yes’ the Regulations (Section 38A (4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004) require that the Council must make (adopt) the Plan as soon as reasonably practicable after the referendum.

Background Documents

There are no background documents.