Issue - meetings

To consider the attached report of the Chief Executive.

The Head of Regeneration and Delivery presented the Authority Monitoring Report.

Members were advised that the National Planning Practice Guidance (PPG) stated that Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) must publish information at least annually that showed progress with Local Plan preparation, reported any activity relating to the duty to cooperate and demonstrated how the implementation of policies in the Local Plan were progressing.

Members were reminded that the Council had agreed to commence a Local Plan review and as a consequence the Council was in the process of producing a new Local Plan and Area Action Plan for the Dover Waterfront.

The evidence base that underpinned the plan making was in the course of being reviewed. The reviews of the Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) and the Economic Development Needs Assessment (EDNA) had been completed. Further studies had been commissioned including:

·         Retail Needs Assessment;

·         North Deal Study;

·         Sustainability Appraisal/Habitats Regulation Appraisal;

·         Strategic Flood Risk Assessment;

·         Housing and Economic Land Availability Assessment (DDC consultation); and

·         The Gypsy and Traveller Needs Assessment.

In response to a question, it was stated that play areas and green infrastructure would be the subject of reviews.

Members were advised that in planning terms most of Sholden and Walmer were considered to be in the Deal urban area and this was reflected in the figures for development.

As part of the assessment of the local housing market the issue of inward migration was reviewed and it was found that there were no specific issues for the district. However, private rental arrangements by authorities from outside the district would not be registered in this information.  

Members highlighted the need to highlight, at least in summary, the infrastructure restraints such as highways issues, utilities and educational provision that constrained development.

RESOLVED: That it be recommended to Cabinet:

(a)  That the Authority Monitoring Report 2016/17 be approved and made available on the District Council’s website.

(b)  That in future the Authority Monitoring Report should have a section highlighting the infrastructure constraints that have stopped development.

To consider the attached report of the Chief Executive.

Responsibility: Portfolio Holder for Built Environment

It was agreed that the Authority Monitoring Report 2016/17, as set out at Appendix 1 to the report, be approved, noting the revised figure of 5.65 years’ supply of land for housing, and made available on the Council’s website.