Issue - meetings

The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning (Place Making) noted that the document had been reviewed by the Local Development Scheme Board, the Scrutiny Committee and at the workshop discussion earlier that week.  She asked if there were any points missing or overlooked.  

The Chairman noted that some development sites previously not taken forward in the current Local Plan were included in the consultation document, which could be confusing to the public.  However, they were options for growth which needed to be considered as part of the process to ensure it was robust.  Not all the site options would be carried forward to the next stage. 

During discussion, it was noted that the accompanying text to each site option clearly set out the site constraints.

The Acting Principal Spatial Planner advised that the final distribution of development sites would be proposed later in the process and there may be a more different strategy for the distribution of housing and employment growth in the future.  She confirmed that there would be open public events to discuss the issues and options consultation with the public. 

In response to questions from Scrutiny Committee and Members, the Acting Principal Spatial Planner said she expected infrastructure requirements, including ensuring there was sufficient educational establishments in Yeovil to be highlighted during the consultation process.  She confirmed that as the plan progressed the information would be updated and she agreed to update the glossary to include best and most versatile agricultural land (BMV).  The table from the Annual Monitoring Report which detailed the residential property completions and commitments would be included in the consultation document and a single document including all the questions and options would be produced.

At the conclusion of the debate, Members were content to approve the consultation document on the Issues and Options identified through the Review of the Local Plan for publication and consultation with the amendments mentioned above.  The Portfolio Holder for Strategic Planning (Place Making) thanked the Acting Principal Spatial Planner and her team for their work in compiling the consultation document.