Issue - meetings

(Planning and Sustainability) To consider the attached report (C-014-2020-21).

The Cabinet noted the progress of Masterplans and Concept Frameworks, including the use of Planning Performance Agreements and the progress of other proposals at pre-application and application stage be noted.

The Planning and Sustainability Portfolio Holder introduced the report on the update on the progress of the implementation of the Local Plan.

It was noted that following the October 2018 Cabinet meeting which agreed the governance arrangements for the implementation of the Local Plan, the Implementation Team had made a commitment to provide members with regular updates on the progress of Masterplans and Concept Frameworks within Epping Forest District to ensure that members are kept fully up to date.

This report provided members with an update on the progress of Strategic Masterplans, Concept Frameworks and Planning Performance Agreements within the District.  Discussions with site promoters and developers have continued during the COVID-19 pandemic with meetings taking place virtually. Project programmes were being adjusted where necessary to account of the need for revised community engagement arrangements.

The Council was currently consulting on the Draft Green Infrastructure Strategy which focussed on the future use of existing, and the introduction of new open spaces in the District to form a network of multi-purpose spaces for both people and wildlife to thrive.  It would also make provision for Suitable Alternative Natural Greenspace to support the action identified in the Inspector’s advice of 2 August 2019 to mitigate the impacts of increased recreational pressure on the Special Area of Conservation. The closing date for responses was 16 July 2020. 

Following receipt of leading Counsel advice, the Council was continuing to work proactively to identify an interim strategy to address the backlog of planning applications held in abeyance following the advice from Natural England pending completion of the additional Habitats Regulations Assessment. 

Decision:

The Cabinet noted the progress of Masterplans and Concept Frameworks, including the use of Planning Performance Agreements and the progress of other proposals at pre-application and application stage be noted.

Reasons for Proposed Decision

To ensure that members were kept fully up to date on the progress of Masterplans and Concept Frameworks and other major proposals being promoted within the District.

Other Options for Action:

Not to update members on the progress on the above issues would be contrary to the commitment made by the Implementation Team as noted in the 18 October 2018 Cabinet Report.