Agenda item

A new Local Plan has been prepared to set out the process and timetable for a partial review of the Epsom and Ewell Core Strategy. The Committee are asked to consider the draft Local Plan Programme and subject to any amendments agree to its publication and implementation.

The Committee:-

·                     Received and considered the Local Plan Programme

·                     Agreed to minor amendments and additions as detailed in the Minutes

·                     Endorsed the recommendation, namely the publication and implementation of the Local Plan Programme

A new Local Plan Programme (previously known as the Local Development Scheme) had been prepared to set out the process and timetable for a partial review of the Epsom and Ewell Core Strategy.  The delivery and implementation of the Local Plan contributed to all of the Council’s Key Priorities.  The partial review of the Core Strategy is a critical part of the Local Plan review process, as it sets out how sustainable growth would be delivered during the plan period. 

The Committee noted that this was an ambitious programme and adequate resources were needed to ensure that deadlines were met.  Resources were being continually monitored by Officers and the Chairman in order to quickly identify shortfalls that could affect delivery and completion of the programme, and any issues arising from lack of resources would be reported to the Committee.  However, Members were advised that it was necessary to pursue an ambitious programme because of the risk that the Council could be challenged by developers promoting housing developments on sites contrary to Local Plan policy, or risk government intervention if it did not have an updated housing target.

The Committee were informed that all local planning authorities had a duty to produce their own housing target.  The Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA), produced in conjunction with three neighbouring boroughs, namely Kingston, Mole Valley and Elmbridge, sets out an initial housing demand calculation.  This figure would be used to inform the identification of a new local plan housing target that would take account of issues such as deliverability, housing land supply and land-use and infrastructure constraints.  The importance of recognising that the initial figure identified in the SHMA would not be the final housing target figure was stressed.

When discussing risks to the proposed programme, in particular the potential for delay, the Committee noted that any changes to national planning policy made by the Government could affect the progress and delivery of the Local plan. However, as changes could not be predicted it was necessary to proceed with the review and make any adjustments as needed. 

Members considered the Local Plan document and the following changes to the document were agreed:           

·                     Section 2, The Partial Review of the Core Strategy, first bullet point, to read: ‘Revision of the Borough wide housing target to take into account an objectively assessed demand having regard to relevant constraints affecting the delivery of growth, particularly in relation to infrastructure capacity’.

·                     Section 4, Supporting Statement, 4.14 Council Procedures, first bullet point to read: ‘Licensing and Planning Policy Committee will be responsible for the preparation, production and completion of all local plan documents;…’

·                     Section 4, Supporting Statement, 4.15 Risk Management, add paragraph: Changes in Government Legislation: To ensure that the Council are not at risk from challenges resulting from not having an up-to-date Local plan, it is important to push forward and prepare the plan in accordance with current national policy. However, amendments to national planning policy or revised EU directives may necessitate a change of direction. Consultation with Members would take place in the event of the Government issuing new directives that have the potential to affect the Council’s capacity to produce the Local Plan.

·                     Section 4, Supporting Statement, 4.15 Risk Management, add paragraph:  Unsettled Economy post EU Referendum:  There is a risk that the period of uncertainty following the Referendum result could result in unpredictable changes in national planning policy, particularly if the new government chooses to pursue an entirely new agenda.  Consequently, we may need to prepare new evidence and re-draft policy alongside any associated consultation.  This will have an impact upon the proposed timetable.  Given the unknown nature of this risk there is little that the Council can put in place to ensure its mitigation. 

Accordingly, subject to the amendments detailed above, the Committee agreed to the publication and implementation of the Local Plan Programme.