Issue - meetings

(Relevant Portfolio Holder: Councillor D Evans)

Councillor D Evans introduced the report of the Borough Solicitor which set out the comments of the Executive Overview and Scrutiny Committee arising from its meeting on 28 March 2019 in relation to a called-in item on the Local Plan.

The report included the views of the Director of Development and Regeneration in respect of the comments of the Executive Overview and Scrutiny Committee. 

A motion from Councillor D Evans was circulated at the meeting.

In reaching the decision below, Cabinet considered the motion from Councillor D. Evans and the details as set out in the report before it and accepted the reasons contained therein.

RESOLVED              That the comments from the Executive Overview and Scrutiny Committee be noted and these matters be addressed as the drafting of the next version of the Local Plan progresses.

To consider the report of the Borough Solicitor.

A Member of the public addressed the meeting to express the views of the Aughton Residents Group that it believes the vast majority of West Lancashire residents support the view that the Council continues with the current Local Plan until 2027.  That at the next review stage in 2022, the Council should commence the development of a new plan to run from 2027 to 2042, in order to enable the plan to be based on more accurate projections of what is required within the Borough and within neighbouring authorities

Consideration was given to the report of the Borough Solicitor contained on pages 939 to 964 of the Book of Reports which was to advise of the reason for the call in of the decision on the Local Plan set out in Minute No.101 of the Cabinet Meeting held on 12 March 2019.

A Motion was moved and seconded.

A vote was taken, the Motion was CARRIED.

Comments and questions were raised in respect of:

• The reasons for producing a 30 year plan
• Safeguarded sites
• Plan B sites
• Changes to housing requirement
• Employment land review

A Motion, to include a further agreed comment, was moved and seconded.

A vote was taken, the Motion was CARRIED.

RESOLVED:   That the Committee does not wish to ask for a different decision, however the following agreed comments be referred back to Cabinet:

A.    That the Executive Overview & Scrutiny Committee oppose the development of a 30 year local plan.

B.    That Cabinet considers the inclusion of safeguarded sites going forward.

C.    That the existing West Lancashire Local Plan 2012-2027 remains in place.

D.    That Plan B sites should continue to be protected until 2027.

(Note:     This item was dealt with prior to agenda item 8(a) 'Call In – Leaseholder Properties and the Planning Process')

(Portfolio Holder: Councillor J Hodson)

The Leader introduced the report of the Director of Development and Regeneration entitled ‘Local Plan Review Preferred Options – Initial Feedback on Public Consultation’ which advised on the initial feedback received through the Local Plan Review Preferred Options Consultation.   In relation to these comments he outlined the options available in order to address the Council’s obligations under the Duty to Co-operate in respect of any unmet housing need arising from Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council and the implications that the proposed change would have on the next version of the emerging local plan.

A motion from the Leader was circulated at the meeting.

In reaching the decision below, Cabinet considered motion from the Leader and the details as set out in the report before it and accepted the reasons contained therein.

RESOLVED              That the Local Delivery Scheme be amended to allow time for the reconsideration of the proposed Local Plan timescale and for the preparation of and consultation on a new Local Plan Preferred Options.