Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED: That Councillor Hughes be appointed Chairman for the meeting.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting.

An apology for absence was submitted on behalf of Councillor Shannon (Preston City Council) and Councillor Gallagher attended as his substitute.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the Central Lancashire Local Development Framework Joint Advisory Committee meeting held on 15 March 2011 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chairman.

Julian Jackson provided an update on the progress of the Core Strategy and matters related to its examination. Following a question from Councillor Heaton, the Julian Jackson confirmed that the date had now passed when members of the public could submit comments on the Core Strategy. He also agreed to circulate to all members of the committee a list of who will be attending the hearings as witnesses.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:  (1)   That the report be noted.

                                                    (2)   That a list of who will be attending the hearings as witnesses be circulated to all members of the committee.

The Central Lancashire LDF Team Coordinator introduced a report which updated members on recently completed research studies as well as on-going and future evidence collection.

Councillor Lees indicated that a report had been published which indicated that open space on residential developments made a significant improvement to people’s lifestyles and enquired if this was taken into account. The Central Lancashire LDF Team Coordinator confirmed that this was important to take into account as it had both physical and psychological benefits.

Following a question from Councillor Hesketh, Julian Jackson stated that Section 106 monies wouldn’t disappear completely, but would be significantly reduced following the full introduction of the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) approach. He added that they would still have a role as they would be used for specific sites. John Dalton informed the committee that Section 106 monies would also continue to be used for affordable housing as CIL only related to infrastructure projects.

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED:

That the report be noted and the need for further viability evidence be endorsed.

Lesley-Ann Fenton informed those present of the position Chorley Borough Council was currently at in respect of the Site Allocations and Development Management Plans. She stated that Chorley was slightly ahead of the other two councils and that they were currently compiling the site allocations document. It was hoped that the preferred options would be presented to Council on 19 July 2011. Following that the consultation would take place from August to September with the publication stage early in 2012.

Martin Putsey also provided an update in respect of Preston City Council. He stated there had been a huge response to the site suggestions with over 1100 responses and 1800 comments being put forward. However, the majority were related to a few controversial sites. He added that 16 new sites had been put forward and that they were currently undertaking a detailed assessment of all sites. Preston City Council was hoping to present the preferred options to Cabinet at the end of August.

Finally, Debra Holroyd provided an update on behalf of South Ribble Borough Council. She stated that following the consultation in December 2010 and January 2011, 705 representations were made and over 400 people had attended consultation events. The main issues raised centred around greenfield and Green Belt sites, affordable housing and highway infrastructure. The team was currently producing site portfolios for each area. Briefing sessions were being arranged for members over the next four months with the aim to take the preferred options to Cabinet on 13 October 2011. Further consultation would then take place from October to December with the hope of publication in Spring 2012 with the adoption taking place early in 2013.

Peter McAnespie indicated that all three councils had been working together and being consistent with the approach. Julian Jackson echoed these comments stating that they had applied for an RTPI award for the joint working which had taken place between the three authorities. The Chairman stated that one of the strengths of the partnership working was the involvement of Lancashire County Council. Chris Hayward agreed and was grateful for the support of the county council with the various highway issues. Marcus Hudson thanked the officers for those comments and said that despite stretching his resources at times, he had found it incredibly rewarding and it had been a terrific benefit to both officers and councillors at

the county council. He hoped that this example of partnership working could be extended throughout Lancashire.

RESOLVED: That the update be noted.

The next meeting would be held on Thursday, 1 September 2011 at 5.30pm at Chorley Borough Council.