Agenda item

(a)       That Members approve the content of the Flintshire Deposit Local Development Plan 2015-2030 to go out for public consultation; and

(b)       That Members authorise the Chief Officer (Planning, Economy and Environment) to make any additional minor wording, grammar, editorial or cartographic changes to the Deposit LDP which may arise or be necessary prior to formal consultation to ensure consistency with the ongoing LDP evidence base and to assist final presentation of the Plan.

Having earlier declared a personal and prejudicial interest, Councillors Bob Connah, David Healey, Gladys Healey, Joe Johnson, Ralph Small and Andy Williams withdrew from the Chamber before the start of this item.

The Chief Executive introduced a report to seek approval of the Deposit Local Development Plan (LDP) covering the period 2015-2030 to be taken forward for public consultation between 30 September and 11 November 2019, as recommended by Cabinet.  This represented a key milestone to enable the public and other stakeholders to comment on the Deposit Plan as part of the timetable towards the Council fulfilling its statutory duty to adopt a final LDP.

The Service Manager Strategy gave a detailed presentation covering the following:

·         What is the LDP

·         LDP timetable

·         The Deposit LDP

·         What does the Plan represent

·         Supporting documents

·         Challenges to progress

·         Consistent focus for Planning Strategy Group

·         Purpose of public consultation

·         Likely contentious issues

·         Housing growth and allocations

·         How have we selected sites

·         LDP housing allocations

·         Provision for Gypsies and Travellers

·         Provision of infrastructure

·         Soundness tests

·         Approving the Deposit LDP for consultation

·         Importance of approving Deposit LDP

·         What happens after Deposit

The Service Manager Strategy said that this was the culmination of significant work undertaken to develop a Plan that was fit for purpose, demonstrating soundness and maximising growth strategy whilst minimising the impact on communities.  He commended the positive engagement at Planning Strategy Group for its work on this complex matter and said that the Council’s approach to housing delivery had helped to strengthen its position on the LDP.

The Chair took the opportunity to thank the Service Manager and his team for their work and she paid tribute to Members of the Planning Strategy Group chaired by Councillor Bithell and formerly chaired by Councillor Attridge.

During the debate that followed, many Members expressed their gratitude to the officer team for their professionalism and diligence.  Members of the Planning Strategy Group, who were also thanked for their contributions to the process, spoke about the effectiveness of the Group in its deliberations.

As Chair of the Planning Strategy Group, Councillor Bithell thanked the officer team for their comprehensive work on the Plan and also fellow Members of the cross-party Planning Strategy Group.  In highlighting the importance of maintaining progress on the timetable, he said that many of the candidate sites were already in the public domain, accommodated by minor changes made to the Green Barrier and settlement boundaries.  He noted the outcome of the Renewable Energy Assessment to be reported back to the Council in September prior to the start of the public consultation process and the opportunities for Members to raise specific comments later in the process as explained by officers.

As Vice-Chair of Planning Strategy Group, Councillor Peers seconded the proposal which did not prohibit representations from Members at the consultation stage.  He referred to the impact of late changes to national planning guidance, the need to understand viability and its impact on housing supply, and the importance of providing links with principal towns, including public transport to access communities across Flintshire.  He provided a brief overview of the work undertaken by the Planning Strategy Group and welcomed the support available to all those wishing to raise concerns in the consultation process.

Whilst Councillor Ian Roberts acknowledged that individual Members may have specific concerns, he reminded them that the purpose at this stage was to approve the Deposit LDP for public consultation.

Councillor Rosetta Dolphin spoke in support but shared concerns about employment growth and transport links.  In response to a question on provision for Gypsies and Travellers, the Service Manager confirmed that the site on Bagillt Road in Holywell - which currently had temporary planning permission - contributed towards the total need identified over the period.

Councillor Richard Jones reiterated his concerns about the lack of a Flintshire Plan for the whole of the County as this, rather than the existing Deeside Plan, could have better informed the LDP.  In highlighting the importance of adequate infrastructure, he had concerns that the Local Health Board may not fully understand the impact of the LDP.  The Service Manager advised that the LDP complied with the requisite key tests of soundness including that to take account of all existing strategies as its evidence base.  The Chief Executive gave assurance that the Council was engaging with the Local Health Board on healthcare provision to support the growth strategy.

Councillor Dunbar welcomed the opportunity for briefings with Town and Community Council representatives in September.

Speaking in support, Councillor Paul Shotton noted the two strategic sites providing 20% of the overall housing requirement.

Following on from earlier comments, Councillor Ellis also raised concerns about healthcare provision to support the LDP, specifically on local GPs and district hospitals.  In response, it was explained that assurance was being sought on capacity and sustainability of current GP provision and that the infrastructure plan to support the LDP was a live document which would also help inform the service planning of the Health Board.

In response to comments from Councillor Tudor Jones, officers agreed to amend the Deposit LDP to acknowledge Caerwys as a town rather than a village throughout the document.

Although the LDP referred to documents under their current titles, Councillor Carolyn Thomas spoke about Cabinet adopting a wider focus to reference the Deeside Plan as the Flintshire Plan, with a similar approach being taken with the ‘Deeside corridor’ acknowledging the impact on other areas.  She also advised that the Flintshire Infrastructure Plan would be shared at a later stage.

In conclusion, the Chief Executive thanked Members for their comments and recognition of the work carried out by the officer team.  In adding his own thanks, he commended the Service Manager for his dedication in developing the LDP.

Before moving to the vote, the Chair explained her intention to abstain due to local sensitivities on one element of the LDP.

On being put to the vote, the recommendations were carried.  Councillor Heesom asked that his abstention be recorded.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That Members approve the content of the Flintshire Deposit Local Development Plan 2015-2030 to go out for public consultation; and

(b)       That Members authorise the Chief Officer (Planning, Economy and Environment) to make any additional minor wording, grammar, editorial or cartographic changes to the Deposit LDP which may arise or be necessary prior to formal consultation to ensure consistency with the ongoing LDP evidence base and to assist final presentation of the Plan.