Decision details

The Executive received a report which detailed the outcomes of consultation with the Overview and Scrutiny Committee (OSC) on the initial proposals set out in the 30 April Executive Report.

The Portfolio Holder Environment and Regeneration advised the Executive that discussions at OSC had been positive with constructive points being raised.

In reply to questions raised at the previous Executive the meeting has advised that the delay to the Local Plan had had a negative impact on delivery of approximately 240 Affordable Homes to the north of Stevenage and that the costs of the delay in terms of QC and shared legal fees and senior officer time was in the region of forty to forty five thousand pounds.

The Leader requested that thanks be extended to the QC for their clear and unequivocal advice.

Members debated the other potential negative impacts on the town of the delay which included possible delays to other planning activities and reduced expectations in the eyes of potential business investors in the town.

The Leader then referred to a letter that had recently been received from a local resident concerning the impact of the Local Plan on biodiversity and the environment.    She informed the meeting that the resident’s concerns had been dealt with through the public consultation process and reiterated that the Council took its environmental responsibilities seriously.   A reply would be sent to the resident and the Leader requested that an email be sent to all Members advising of the course of action the Council would take with the letter.

Finally the Leader requested that thanks be recorded to the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for their discussion and report, the Planning Team and to the Portfolio Holder Environment and Regeneration.

It was RESOLVED that:

1.         the outcomes following consultation with the Overview and Scrutiny Committee are noted,

2.         Council is recommended to accept the Inspector’s recommendation to adopt the Stevenage Borough Local Plan, incorporating main and minor modifications (as attached at Appendix B to the report) and associated Policies Map, and

3.         Council is asked to revoke the District Plan Second Review 2004.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.