Issue - meetings

(Place – Cllr N Bedford) To agree to formally endorse the strategic masterplan framework (C-007-2023-24). Please note Appendices A – D are attached separately to this agenda.

(1)           That the Cabinet noted the process undertaken and the outputs from the public consultation on the Draft Latton Priory Strategic Masterplan Framework undertaken between November 2022 and January 2023.

(2)           That the Cabinet agreed that the Latton Priory Strategic Masterplan Framework be formally endorsed in order for it to be taken into account as an important material consideration in the determination of future planning applications, and to inform pre-application advice, assessing planning and any other development management and implementation related purposes relating to the site.

(3)           That the Cabinet agreed that the Planning Services Director, in consultation with the Planning Portfolio Holder, be authorised to make minor amendments to the Latton Priory Strategic Masterplan Framework, including any document accessibility requirements, prior to publication.

Place Portfolio Holder, Councillor N Bedford, introduced the report on the development of the Latton Priory Strategic Masterplan Framework (SMF). It responded to EFDC’s Adopted Local Plan (March 2023) Policy SP 3 Development & Delivery of Garden Communities in the Harlow and Gilston Garden Town and Policy SP 4 Garden Town Communities, and SP 4.1 Latton Priory Masterplan Area allocation. The Harlow and Gilston Garden Town would aim to coordinate and enable delivery of 16,000 homes by 2033, along with associated infrastructure, in and around Harlow, East Herts and Epping Forest Districts, delivering the Garden Town Vision, principles and guidance that had been agreed by the five partner councils. The provision of 3,900 homes within Epping Forest District made up over a third of the District’s allocated housing. The Place Portfolio Holder and I Braddick (Harlow & Gilston Garden Town District Lead EFDC) answered councillors questions.

The report set out the options considered, if any, and the reasons for the recommendation and the decision.

Decision:

(1)           That the Cabinet noted the process undertaken and the outputs from the public consultation on the Draft Latton Priory Strategic Masterplan Framework undertaken between November 2022 and January 2023.

(2)           That the Cabinet agreed that the Latton Priory Strategic Masterplan Framework be formally endorsed in order for it to be taken into account as an important material consideration in the determination of future planning applications, and to inform pre-application advice, assessing planning and any other development management and implementation related purposes relating to the site.

(3)           That the Cabinet agreed that the Planning Services Director, in consultation with the Planning Portfolio Holder, be authorised to make minor amendments to the Latton Priory Strategic Masterplan Framework, including any document accessibility requirements, prior to publication.