Issue - meetings

(Portfolio Holder for Planning Policy) To consider the attached report (C-008-2014/15).

(1)        That, following the receipt of representations, a neighbourhood area be designated covering the Parish of Theydon Bois.

In the absence of the Planning Policy Portfolio Holder, the Leader of the Council presented a report on the public consultation for the Theydon Bois Neighbourhood Area.

The Leader reported that Neighbourhood Development Plans were introduced as part of the Localism Act 2011. They enabled local communities (town/parish councils or designated neighbourhood forums) to shape the way that their local area would develop over the coming years. Once approved, the Plans would form part of the statutory development plan, and were therefore a material consideration when deciding on planning applications. Consequently, it was crucial that the Plan conformed with national planning policy and the District Local Plan.

The Leader stated that only one response had been received during the consultation period, and that had been from Loughton Town Council who had no comments to make about the designation of the Neighbourhood Area.

Decision:

(1)        That, following the receipt of representations, a neighbourhood area be designated covering the Parish of Theydon Bois.

Reasons for Decision:

To ensure that the Council met its duties under the Localism Act 2011.

Other Options Considered and Rejected:

To not designate the proposed neighbourhood area, or to designate a different area.  However, there was no evidence offered to support either approach.