The Principal Planning Officer explained that the report represented the first stage of consultation on the Local Plan Review, which was scheduled to start on 19^th July 2019.  This allowed consultees to contribute to the Local Plan Review scope.  The documents provided sufficient background information to enable consultees to submit an informed response but did not set a specific policy direction.

The Committee commented that, prior to publication of the documents, further consideration needed to be given to:

·  Placing greater emphasis on Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), climate change and economic development.

·  The removal of the traffic light system in the policy review summary.

·  The type of illustrations and pictures used throughout the documents, to ensure that these reflected the serious tone of the work.

·  Extending the consultation end date to Monday 30th September 2019 to allow a further weekend for consultees to respond.

·  The removal of question TQ3 “Do you agree with our housing land supply calculation at this stage?”.

·  Using the terms “protect and enhance” rather than “protect and manage” in relation to conservation.

·  Relocating question TQ32 “Are there any other themes, issues and considerations that you believe we should address as part of this Local Plan Review?” to the beginning of document.

The Committee recognised the need to adhere to the planned timetable for the Local Plan Review.  The Committee therefore requested that Officers incorporate the comments made by the Committee and circulate updated documents to Members of the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure (SPI) Committee via email.  Members of the SPI Committee were to provide comments within 48 hours, before the Head of Planning and Development used delegated authority to finalise the documents.

RESOLVED: That:

1.  Delegated authority be granted to the Head of Planning & Development to modify the documents, subject to consultation with Members of the Strategic Planning and Infrastructure Committee via email.

Voting: For – 6  Against – 3  Abstentions – 0

2.  The modified documentation be used for public consultation.

Voting: Unanimous